What toys to use when playing with your Chihuahua? For many of the games and exercises, you’ll need some toys, preferably ones that your Chihuahua is already interested in. Whether he already has a box full of toys with plenty of favorites or prefers a found toy, such as an empty plastic bottle, most play and many training exercises need props.
Knowing what your dog will choose as his favorite over any other can also give you clues about the games and activities he will probably be smartest at.
Safe Toys
Make sure that your dog’s toys are safe for him to play with. This isn’t always as simple as buying a toy that’s labeled as suitable for dogs, because there are plenty that are sold as being appropriate that aren’t made well or strong enough.
You know how your Chihuahua plays and will have a good idea of how much he chews and how strong his jaws are, so judge for yourself whether a specific toy is sturdy enough.
Different Kinds of Toy
Invest in a few different toy types, and think about what your Chihuahua likes best. “Take It” and “Fetch” games will be much easier to teach if you already have a toy that your dog is happy to pick up. Some dogs get excited by a toy that squeaks, so you can consider one or two of those, too, and use it both to dial up excitement levels as you play and to manage that excitement and teach your dog self-control by making access to the toy conditional on particular behaviors.
Almost
every dog enjoys a tennis ball, a basketball, or a soccer ball. Pick an appropriate ball for your pet. If your pet prefers a basketball, keep it well inflated or he’ll puncture it in a game. In a lively game of catch or chase, the ball can be good punctuation in a training session where you’ve been asking your pet to think hard.
If you want your Chihuahua to entertain himself when you’re out or going to be busy for an hour or two, the safest pick is probably a tough, hollow rubber Kong-type toy you can fill it with food so your dog can take his time figuring out how to extract it.
If you have a strong chewer, it may be best not to leave him with toys at all; some dogs can destroy even “indestructible” toys, so use your common sense.
Toys as Rewards
If your Chihuahua isn’t particularly greedy, food may not always be enough of an incentive to get him to concentrate. If so, use a favorite toy in training sessions instead. Make sure that he knows that you have it on hand; if it’s not actually incorporated into the game or exercise you’re working on, place it in view and glance at it significantly when you’re asking your dog to work on something.
Then, when he manages to do what you’re asking, grab the toy and offer it to him.
Don’t play with wooden sticks
If your dog loves to play with a stick, buy one of the rubber sticks available instead of letting him take them straight from nature. Why? Veterinarians will tell you that stick injuries (normally from splinters or swallowing the stick) are common. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Do
Do make sure your Chihuahua is getting plenty of exercise. Obsessions tend to arise when he’s got too much mental energy to spare. Take him for extra-long walks or play an energetic game that doesn’t involve the toy he’s obsessed with.
If his focus is on a specific toy, wait until he’s distracted and remove it. You’re not being unkind. The toy isn’t making him happy, and he may actually be relieved that you’ve taken the responsibility away from him.
If his obsession is on an activity—playing “Fetch,” for example—include it in your routine, but for a set, short time and after some energetic exercise doing something else.
Don’t
Don’t challenge him directly over a toy he has become guarded around. Wait until he leaves it (at some point he will, although you may have to wait) and substitute it for something new and exciting that you can play with together.
Don’t encourage his excitement when you’re trying to limit access to an activity he’s obsessed with—behave as if “Fetch,” or whatever the game is, is something you’re prepared to engage in but find slightly dull.
Don’t narrow down his choice of toys and games. Instead, provide plenty of alternatives and introduce some new ones; this tactic may help to refocus his attention.
Learn how to provide your Chihuahua with proper toys.
Want To Learn the A To Z of Chihuahua Training and Care? |