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(Dobe) Toy Story, Part I

© Deborah J. Myers

Whether you’re getting a new puppy or an older Doberman, you should get the dog some new toys. It’s part of the excitement of getting a new dog, and buying new toys is also safe. Hand-me-downs from previous dogs may be worn and prone to breakage. Besides, the toys smell like the previous dog, which might cause the playthings to be rejected if the dogs were not acquainted.

The word “toy” is used loosely here. It can refer to chewing objects and ones you use with the dog for games. Toys are important to Dobes because toys relieve boredom, strengthen jaws, clean teeth, and enhance exercise. For the Doberman, toys are the “tools” for their “work.”

Overall, you should have both kinds of toys, fetching and chewing, and have enough of them to provide some variety and to have toys in each area of your home where your Doberman spends her time. Dobermans get bored easily. Keep a couple of toys hidden away at any given time, and rotate them every few weeks.

Chew toys should include “indestructible” KONG toys (my Dobe has chewed up one for each year of her life, but that’s not too bad compared with other toys), fetching toys, bleached bones, and rawhide chews.

KONG toys are great for strengthening jaws and providing a toy that’s challenging to destroy. Dobes are avid chewers with very strong jaws. Since KONGS are rubber, they bounce and can be used as a fetching toy. KONG toys (and the knock-off brands) are available in several sizes, shapes, and varieties. Be sure to buy ones that are the right size for your dog as he grows. A puppy may not want to play with a too-big toy, and an adult dog can get a too-small toy caught in his chops. Some KONGS have molded spines or ridges on the sides, and others have ropes passing through the toys. Still others are hollow so you can place treats inside.

Bleached bones, found in most pet stores, have the marrow removed and are much drier than butcher bones. If chewed indoors, this can spare your carpeting and upholstery from staining by flavored or filled bones. Bleached bones are also very hard and take a long time to chew. For variety, you can put treats inside, such as cheese spread or peanut butter.

Fetching toys can include tennis balls, hollow rubber balls, Frisbees, or others. Remember, these toys are for fetching, not chewing, and should be put away once you two are done playing. Fetching toys are usually not durable enough for chewing and small pieces can break off.