Choosing The Best Chew Toys For German Shepherds
German Shepherds can be high energy and aggressive chewers.
When youre picking chew toys, look for age-appropriate choices and promises of durability.
There are lots of manufacturers who have tried to put their own spin on the perfect German Shepherd chew toy.
If you can afford it, building up a library of toys over time and rotating them is a guaranteed way to keep them fun and exciting for your dog for a long time!
How Much Should You Play With Your German Shepherd Puppy
All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them.
Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement.
In general, young dogs should have two sessions of;exercise per day;where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two 30-minute sessions.
You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion.
Physical Changes In Adolescent German Shepherds
;Some call this the “second teething stage” which takes place between the fourth and ninth month, and your pup may be more destructive than ever now since he’s blessed with stronger jaws. Be sure to provide plenty of sturdy chewing toys!
Since German shepherds are a sexually dimorphic breed by this age, you should notice how males are much larger, look heavier and have a broader head and wider chest compared to females which look more feminine and slender.;
If your male dog is intact , around this time, he will be producing high levels of testosterone. These higher levels of testosterone are known to trigger behavior changes in your German shepherd teen and in other dogs around them.
If your female dog is intact she may go into heat. In general, intact German shepherds may go into heat at around 6 months, on the early side, but even up to a year or older.
Did you know? The growth plates in your German shepherd’s long legs havent closed yet at this time, and aren’t expected to close until hes 1 to 1½ years old.;
To prevent harm, avoid; jumping or running on hard surfaces. You can read more about this here: The impact of exercise on puppy growth plates.;
Males German shepherds are much larger, look heavier and have a broader head and wider chest compared to females which look more feminine and slender.
Read Also: Are German Shepherds Good Running Dogs
Great Balls And Toys For Throwing
If your German Shepherd is like most, they probably love running to chase a toy, and playing fetch gives them a great challenge. Playing fetch is a great way for you and your dog to have fun together.
Just remember that most balls and throw toys are not designed to be chew toys. That means you should put them away when youre done using them for supervised play. We guarantee your dog will be excited every time you bring it out.
Kong Tires Extreme Dog Toy
If youre looking for a toy made for tough chewers, look no further than the Kong Extreme Tire*.
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It uses the same durable material as all Kong Extreme toys, and the tire shape and texture are designed to stand up to intense gnawing.
Most Amazon customers with powerful chewers say that the Kong Tire keeps their dogs entertained and can withstand prolonged play.
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Hyper Pet Lickimat Slow Feeder Dog Mat And Boredom Buster
The Hyper Pet Lickimat Slow Feeder Dog Mat;suctions to the wall or stays put on the floor. Just smear peanut butter, banana, yogurt, pumpkin, cream cheese, or another healthy snack on the mat. Your German Shepherd will focus on the tasty treat instead of his nails being clipped or his fur being washed. The act of licking methodically calms dogs, making it easier to groom them.
Also, if your pup just needs something to do, give him the Lickimat to keep him occupied for a few minutes. Hyper Pet recommends freezing the mat after applying the snack to prolong your dogs enjoyment. You can also add dry kibble to the grooves for something extra. The Lickimat is so versatile!
The Lickimat is easy to clean with warm water and a simple soap. Wash after each use for clean, safe enrichment.
Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew Toy
Best for Teething
Teething isnt fun for anyoneincluding your furniture, clothing, and shoes. The good news is that you may be able to prevent your German Shepherd from chomping on what you hold dear by using the Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew.
This bite-sized bone can help your German Shepherd develop healthier chewing habits and also promote better oral hygiene by using the raised nubs to remove tartar and plaque. Keep in mind that, while helpful during teething and recommended by vets across the board, the Nylabone toy isnt a substitute for a professional teeth cleaning.
Read Also: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppies
Benebone Rotisserie Chicken Flavor Dog Toy
Another Great Teething Toy
If chicken is one of your puppys favorite flavors, they may go wild for the Benebone Rotisserie Chicken Flavor Dog Toy. With durable nylon and real chicken, dont be surprised if your German Shepherd spends hours gnawing on this bone toy.
The deep grooves engraved on the bone help increase the surface area and ensure that the smell and flavor of the toy remain strong. Unlike some flavored toys, the Benebone Dog toy doesnt use artificial flavoringsthat chicken flavor is completely real and all-natural.
While great for many breeds, the toy may work best for German Shepherd puppies that are under seventy pounds. Keep in mind that, with every purchase, Benebone donates a portion of the proceeds to animal welfare organizations.
Zippypaws Loopy Hedgehog 6 Squeaker Dog Toy
Best Plush Toy
The biggest issue youll probably encounter when buying a plush toy for your German Shepherd puppy is finding one that can last until adulthood. Since dogs tend to bond with their plushies, durable toys are even more important.
This is where the ZippyPaws Loopy Hedgehog 6 Squeaker comes inthis soft, durable toy has six different squeakers inside to entertain your Shepherd with. Even if one squeaker happens to stop working, there will always be more for your dog to discover. The large number of squeakers adds to the toys lifespan, but will also keep your German Shepherd interested for even longer too.
Another interesting thing to keep in mind is that this toy doesnt use any stuffing. Unlike some plush toys that will make a mess, you wont have to do any clean-up if your dog does rip it apart.
The fun hedgehog design is also one-size-fits-allGerman Shepherds of all ages can enjoy it.
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German Shepherd Toys For Boredom And Strong Chewing Guide
| Toy Name | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Benebone Maplestick Dog Chew Toy | no | nylon and real maple wood that doesnt splinter | natural maple wood |
| Nylabone DuraChew Axis Dog Chew Bone | no | ||
| Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring Flavor Medley Dog Toy | no | ||
| Nylabone Galileo Chew Bone Dog Toy | no | extra tough nylon;with cleaning bristles | chicken |
| Frisco Bacon Flavor Tough Nylon Dog Chew Toy | no | ||
| Benebone Real Bacon Flavored Dental Chew Dog Toy | no | durable ergonomic;curved nylon with unique grooves | 100% real bacon |
| Benebone Pawplexer Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy | yes | tough nylon shaped for chewing | 100% real bacon |
| KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy for Power Chewers | yes | ultra-durable rubber with extreme bounce | none |
| Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy | no | durable nylon with deep flavor grooves | 100% real bacon |
| Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy | yes | dishwasher-safe rubber free of latex, vinyl and phthalates | vanilla |
They Like Staying Close To You
German Shepherds have protective instincts, so dont be surprised when they follow you everywhere!
When youre bonded with a German Shepherd, theyre most comfortable when theyre around to protect you and feel like theyre doing their job. Additionally, they associate your presence with good feelings, so theyd prefer to follow you around and keep an eye on you.
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What Should You Do About Your German Shepherds Drooling
Unless your German Shepherds suffering from an underlying medical condition, you dont really need to do anything other than grabbing a towel cleaning up saliva on your dogs face or the floor.
But if you do suspect that your German Shepherd is drooling because of health-related reasons, then by all means consult with a veterinarian.
Sure, there may be some things you can handle on your own, such as maybe removing a tiny shard of bone lodged in your dogs mouth, but most of these issues require the help of a vet, especially the life threatening ones like bloat, poisoning, overheating, and heat stroke.
Other than that, it all comes down to providing your German Shepherd with proper care. If you feed your German Shepherd right, provide it with shelter, keep up with its grooming needs, spend time with it, and take it to the vet regularly, you can pretty much prevent abnormal drooling.
Bones & Chews Elk Antler
Many pet owners like to stay as natural as possible, and it doesnt get much more natural than the Bones & Chews Elk Antlers. These chew toys are very popular because they come straight from nature itself, delivering born and bred strength that holds up against the heaviest chewers.
These elk antlers are of the highest quality and are perfect for large dogs between 45 and 70 pounds. They serve to keep your pup interested and away from boredom that can lead to harmful chewing habits.
Bones & Chews provides a product that is odor-free, non-synthetic, clean, and a great source of nutrients. Additionally, they refuse to source from elk farms and get their products from wild sourcing. To make things even better, this company features rescue sponsors every month using a percentage of their sales.
We love that this chew toy is all natural, and delivers both strength and appeal without odors, splintering or synthetic materials.; Its available in five different size options for your pup, and also has nutrients it delivers during chew sessions.
Also Check: Are German Shepherds Prone To Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherd Signs Of Affection
German Shepherds are mostly known for their intelligence, courage, and agility. However, most GSD parents will attest to the fact that theyre incredibly affectionate.
If they could speak, theyd probably tell you they love you and appreciate you a thousand times a day. But since they cant verbalize their feelings, they show their affection in multiple non-verbal ways.
Of course, different dogs will show their love in different ways. Here are some of the most common German Shepherd signs of affection:
The Best Toys To Contain A German Shepherd’s Energy
When shopping for toys to satisfy your German Shepherds needs, the most important things to look for will be durability and quality. Cheaper toys may have an attractive price but your pooch is going to destroy them in no time.
You need to invest in quality if you want something that will actually last. So with that in mind, here are our top 4 picks for toys to contain a German Shepherds energy.
They are chosen precisely for their quality and durability.
Also Check: What To Feed A 1 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy
Best Enrichment Toy: Kong Extreme Dog Toy
The KONG Classic rubber chew toy helps satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs and provides mental stimulation. The KONG Classic black rubber formula is created for tough chewing dogs.
KONG ;Extreme;and other tough rubber toys that let you hide treats and other food are ideal for German Shepherds dogs and puppies. The KONG Extreme Wobbler Dog Toy has been the gold dog toy for more than 30 years. The most interesting feature of the dog toy is that it is extremely bouncy. Hence, the dogs will find the toy very interesting to play with. These toys are tough enough to withstand large breed dogs like the GSD and keep them busy looking for the hidden treats inside!
Plus, they have no small parts and are easy to clean. They are perfect for stimulating games of fetch too and used for separation anxiety.
This toy has been recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers and dog enthusiasts across the world and its pretty much a guaranteed indestructible dog toy for your beloved German Shepherd.;
Benebone Pawplexer Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy Large
The interactive Benebone Pawplexer inspires your companions important sense of smell while giving them an outlet for their natural urge to chew.
Its saturated with the flavor of 100% real, American-sourced bacon.
Designed for interactive recreation and mental stimulation, the design and texture help preserve dental health by scraping away tartar and plaque as your pet delightfully bites away.
Benefits
- Super-strong, tough nylon chew infused with 100% genuine, American-sourced bacon.
- This toy contains no chemicals or preservatives.
- Two toys in one! A satisfying chew by itself or an interactive toy that can also hold a tasty treat in its center.
- Unique ridges and contours help maintain good dental health while your companion chews and chomps.
- Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. using only American-sourced materials.
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Become An Expert Magician With The Cup Game
The objective of this game is stimulating your dog mentally. This game is very enjoyable but your dog has to pay close attention.
- Start with hiding a toy under a cup but make sure your German Shepherd Puppy knows where it is going.
- Now ask your Dog to find the toy and wait and observe what he is doing.
- Do not let him take the toy until he did not indicate the right cup
- When he indicates the Right One then let him take the toy and let him play with it.
- to take the game to the next level start adding more cups and start making the game hard.
German Shepherd Favorite Foods
Although there are many foods your German Shepherd may like to eat, not all of your German Shepherds favorite foods are good for your dog to eat regularly.
Although preferences vary from dog to dog most German Shepherds gravitate toward items containing beef, lamb, fish, and chicken.
Shepherds do like cheese, although this should be enjoyed in moderation, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in these gentle companions.
Allie loves cheese but it doesnt love her .; However, carrots, peanut butter, and hot dogs are some of her favorite foods that agree with her sensitive stomach.
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The 9 Best Toys For German Shepherds
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German Shepherds are extremely recognizable. Their distinctive ears, muzzle, and color make them one of the most popular breeds of pups!
These pups were originally trained to herd sheep in the fields of Germany. Today, German Shepherds work in the military and police departments and are loving members of many households.
What Are The Best Chew Toys For German Shepherds
When deciding on the best chew toys for German Shepherd dogs, you need to consider several things.
You need to know how hard your dog chews so the toy you buy isnt in pieces hours after you bring it home.
If your dog is rough when they play, toys like braided ropes or stuffed characters will barely last.
German Shepherd chew toys should be made for durability.
Look for rubber toys that they can pick up and carry around.
The rubber should be hard enough to endure a mauling, but not so hard that it could damage their teeth.
Toys labeled as indestructible will have more longevity against your dogs habits.
Read Also: Why Does My German Shepherd Bark So Much
Which Toys Are Bad For German Shepherds
Now that youve seen what a good dog toy looks like, lets talk about some bad ones and what makes them so. A bad dog toy is one made with cheap, flimsy materials. These toys can fall apart within minutes of giving them to your dog.
If youre lucky, youll be there to stop a tragedy before it happens, but thats not always the case. When cheap dog toys fall apart, small pieces can break off and be swallowed, get lodged in your dogs throat, or muck up her intestines and bowels. This can lead to panicked trips to the vet, emergency surgery, and even death.
Worse yet is when those cheap materials come from unknown locations. Weve all heard horror stories about toxic substances finding their way into our pets food, medicines, and toys.
Be a smart dog parent and check the country of origin for every toy you bring home. When in doubt, skip it! Your dogs health isnt worth risking to save a few bucks.
Any trustworthy pet toy manufacturer should be easy to reachthrough phone or email. If you cant get a hold of a real live human being,skip that toy company.
A bad toy for your dog can also be a good toy for another dog. What we mean by that is not all safe and high-quality toys will be the right fit for all dogs.
There is no one perfect toy for every dog, so be aware of what your GSDs needs are. Puppies should never be given tiny toys that can be swallowed, for example.