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Engage your dog in play with the right toys

One of the reasons dogs are such a popular choice to keep as a family pet is their playful nature. Engaging your pooch in active play is not only rewarding for your both - it also helps to keep them fit and healthy. Just like us, dogs have preferences with regards to how they spend their leisure time, so for effective and sustained playtime it’s wise to buy your pet a few toys that you can then rotate.

For safety reasons it is advisable to choose toys specifically designed for dogs, you will find a large range of dog toys at Pets at Home to suit all budgets and doggy tastes. To give you some idea of the kind of items your pooch might like playing with you should observe them in natural play. If your pet often picks up items like your socks or shoes and runs around with them in his mouth, chances are he’s a throw and fetch type of dog. With this in mind you may want to buy toys he can run after such as rope chews, balls or discs. If your dog has a penchant for chewing on your furniture you may want to pick out a hard-wearing chewable toy to keep them occupied. Popular choices include artificial bones and rubber balls.

Finally, while most toys are aimed at keeping your pet occupied, some have an altogether more relaxing effect. Just like us humans dogs like to have a good cuddle now and again - particularly when they are young - and cuddly dog toys make great companions to help soothe them come nap time.

(Advice given by the experts at Pets at Home)