Why Dogs May Not Be Interested in Toys and Interactive Toy Recommendations
Dogs are just like people—they each have their own unique personalities, and naturally, their preferences for toys vary as well. Some dogs enjoy chew toys that help relieve stress, while others prefer challenging puzzle toys that stimulate their minds. There are also dogs who love interactive toys that they can play with together with their owners.
However, if your dog consistently shows little interest in toys, it's worth observing closely, as there may be other reasons behind this behavior. In this article, we will explore possible causes that might lead to a dog's lack of enthusiasm for toys, and we'll also recommend interactive toys and small games that could capture your dog's attention.
5 Reasons Why Dogs Don't Like Playing with Toys
1. Why Dogs Don't Naturally Know How to Play
Dogs don't instinctively know how to play because playing with toys is not directly related to their survival. Survival skills like eating and sleeping are instinctual behaviors—they come naturally to dogs. Owners don't need to specifically train or guide their dogs to eat or sleep; dogs simply understand these needs on their own.
However, playing with toys is different. Without proper guidance from their owner, dogs encountering a toy they have never seen before won't know how to use it or even realize that it's something meant for them to play with.
Therefore, it's completely normal if your dog shows little interest when first presented with a toy, especially if you haven't demonstrated how to play with it. With your encouragement and example, your dog will gradually learn to engage and enjoy playtime.
2. When Dogs Get Bored of the Same Toys
Dogs are intelligent and quick learners. They can quickly figure out how to play with the same toy in the same way. After a few rounds of play, they may start to feel bored and need new stimulation.
Therefore, we recommend that dog owners prepare a variety of different toys. This not only helps you discover your dog's preferences but also provides different kinds of mental stimulation in their daily life, satisfying their natural curiosity.
This is especially important for very smart dogs. Ordinary toys might not be enough to keep them engaged. It's a good idea to offer puzzle-type toys or interactive mazes that challenge their brains and keep them mentally active.
3. The Importance of a Playmate for Your Dog
Some dogs are perfectly happy playing on their own, but others really need friends and playmates to stay happy and engaged. If you're unable to adopt another dog or frequently take your dog to pet parks to meet other dogs, then you can become your dog's playmate!
We recommend that dog owners spend plenty of quality time playing with their dogs. Using interactive dog toys and little games—like the ones recommended below—can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
4. Understanding Your Dog's Emotions: Boredom, Depression, and Anxiety
Dogs are intelligent and friendly animals, but they are also very emotionally sensitive. Changes in their environment, the departure of family members or playmates, and experiences of separation anxiety can all lead dogs to feel bored or depressed with life. This may result in a reluctance to interact with their owners or toys.
This is especially common in dogs that have just been rescued or recently adopted, as they are still unfamiliar with their surroundings and unable to relax enough to engage in playful interactions.
5. Dog Health Concerns: Signs of Oral Discomfort and Cognitive Changes
If your dog suddenly loses interest in chewing toys or interacting as usual, and even seems unwilling to open their mouth to bite, it is important to consider whether they are experiencing oral health issues. Pain from dental problems such as toothaches or gum inflammation can cause discomfort that discourages dogs from chewing on their toys.
Additionally, senior dogs may develop cognitive impairments or dementia, which can also lead to a sudden lack of interest in previously favored toys. These behavioral changes warrant a close examination of your dog's health to rule out oral pain or age-related cognitive decline.
Being attentive to these signs is crucial since oral discomfort in dogs often manifests as reluctance to chew or play with toys. Regular dental check-ups and observation of any behavioral shifts can help detect dental disease early and improve your dog's quality of life.
How to Get Your Dog Interested in Playing with Toys
1. How to Encourage and Reward Your Dog to Play with Toys
When you buy a new toy for your dog, don't just rush to unwrap it and throw it on the floor waiting for your dog to play with it. Instead, demonstrate how to play with the toy once, acting as your dog's playmate. Show your dog how the toy works.
If the toy can make a squeaking sound, try squeezing it to produce the noise, then toss it onto the floor so it bounces around. Make happy sounds to encourage your dog to chase the toy.
When your dog starts playing with the toy, be sure to give them a reward, such as a treat or verbal praise. This helps create a positive association with playing with toys and makes your dog more willing to try new toys in the future.
Don't have any toys that make noise at home? Try plush squeaky toys! For example, the Japanese ROOP plush squeaky doll series has adorable designs and produces various sounds that attract dogs' attention.
2. Using Food-Dispensing Toys to Engage Your Dog
Every dog owner would probably agree: there is no dog that doesn't love to eat! Food is the most effective way to capture a dog's attention. You can use food-dispensing toys or scent mats that have hidden compartments to place your dog's favorite treats and encourage them to interact with the toy.
What? Your dog doesn't have any food-dispensing toys yet? Try these options:
Platz Japan: Circus Scent-Dispensing Ball
This multifunctional scent-dispensing ball combines fun, intelligence, and activity. Dogs use their paws, mouth, nose, and rolling motions to search through six tightly sealed compartments to find hidden rewards inside. The compartments are designed so that food won't spill out all at once. Suitable for small, medium, and large dogs alike, this toy helps your dog exercise their entire body and improve intelligence while playing. The Platz scent-dispensing ball encourages dogs to expend more physical and mental energy during playtime.
AFP: Pet Dining Table Maze Toy
This entertaining pet puzzle maze toy has eight hidden treat spots. With different interactive features such as flipping, pushing, and lifting covers, it encourages dogs to develop positive play habits and also helps slow down their eating speed, promoting healthier mealtime routines.
3. Timely Toy Rotation: Keep Your Dog Engaged and Happy
If your dog tends to quickly lose interest in toys, a great strategy is to prepare two toy boxes: one that your dog can access anytime, and another one that is kept out of sight. Regularly rotate the toys between these boxes.
This way, your dog will feel like they always have different toys to play with, which can keep their curiosity and excitement alive. Of course, to do this effectively, you'll need to have more than just one toy on hand!
Recommended Interactive Toys and Games for Dogs
If you want to play with your dog but aren't sure what games to play or which toys to use, don't worry — we've got you covered! Below are several simple and fun games that your dog will enjoy. If you don't have similar toys at home, we've also put together suggestions on how to purchase them.
1. Playing Fetch with Your Dog: A Simple and Fun Interactive Game
Fetch is one of the simplest and most enjoyable games you can play to interact with your dog. If your space is limited, you can choose ball-type toys. For larger open spaces or outdoor play, frisbee-style toys are ideal.
The easiest way to play is to throw the toy and, when your dog successfully retrieves it, give them a gentle pat on the head or other rewards. After repeating this several times, you can practice more complex commands. For example, once your dog picks up the toy, ask them to "wait" or "sit" and only allow them to chase the toy again after you give the signal.
Tips: It's best to play in a spacious and safe area to prevent your dog from running into glass, cabinets, or other obstacles.
When choosing balls, look for ones that have great bounce, are dirt-resistant, durable against chewing, and not too hard to avoid damaging your dog's teeth. For instance, the American KONG Bounce Tennis Ball is specially designed for dogs. It makes a squeaky sound when pressed, attracting your dog's attention. Made from a special non-abrasive felt, it's durable, bouncy, and much softer than a real tennis ball. This makes it an excellent outdoor toy to keep your furry friend active and energized.
Large breeds like Golden Retrievers especially enjoy fetch games. Dog toy balls are their favorite. Since Golden Retrievers are excellent swimmers, throwing the toy into the water lets them swim across quickly to retrieve it, making aquatic play another fun variation.
When selecting frisbees, choose ones made from high-quality materials that fly steadily so your dog can enjoy the game to the fullest.
One example is the Japan ROOP Triangular Squeaky Floating Toy. Its triangular prism shape causes it to bounce irregularly when thrown, adding extra fun compared to standard dog toy balls. It's enjoyable both indoors and in water and is perfect for trips to swimming pools or the beach because it floats instead of sinking.
2. Treasure Hunt Game for Dogs
The treasure hunt game involves hiding toys somewhere and encouraging your dog to find them. For the first time, the owner can lead the dog to the hiding spot and guide them to locate the toy. Once the dog is familiar with how the treasure hunt game works, you can start training your dog to understand the commands "stay" and "go". First, ask your dog to stay put while you hide the toy, then say "go" to let your dog begin the treasure hunt.
This game is best played using toys designed for hiding treats, allowing your dog to find the hidden food scent by sniffing. For example, the American SodaPup Retro Van Treat Toy has plenty of internal space to store treats, helping your dog enjoy the treasure hunt game. This toy also has excellent bounce, so if you play fetch with your dog using the bouncing van, the dog will expend even more energy by biting the bouncing toy!
The American SodaPup Retro Van Treat Toy's hollow design lets you put treats inside to attract your dog. Another great product is the American SodaPup Sweet Treat Durable Bee Treat Jar. This stylish bee-shaped container can be filled with meat paste, treats, or snacks and can even be frozen to extend consumption time. It has a wide opening that is not too difficult for dogs, and it's easy to clean as well.
By placing multiple SodaPup treat jars around your home in different locations, you can create varied game scenarios to keep your dog entertained and prevent boredom.
3. Tug-of-War Games: The Best Rope Toys for Playing with Your Dog
Tug-of-war with sturdy rope toys or pull toys is one of the best ways to interact and play with your dog. When starting a game of tug-of-war, gently shake the toy to attract your dog's attention. Once your dog bites onto the toy, softly sway it from side to side—avoid forcefully pulling back and forth, as this might hurt your dog.
Your dog will likely get more excited and pull harder as the game continues. After 5 to 10 seconds of play, give your dog the command to "drop" so they understand that it's time to release the toy. If your dog obeys the command, reward them with a treat or verbal praise. If your dog is reluctant to let go, try distracting them with something else to lure their attention away, then ask them to drop the toy again.
You can also train your dog with more structured commands during tug-of-war: when you say "stop", your dog should sit and wait; when you say "start", they can grab and tug the toy; and when you say "drop", they should loosen their grip and give the toy back to you.
Important tip: Don't let your dog win the tug-of-war every time by immediately releasing the toy to them. This could cause your dog to think they are more dominant over you and might encourage them to bite or snatch toys, food, or other items directly from your hands in the future. Occasionally, when your dog follows instructions very well, you can let them win once, but you should win the majority of the time to maintain control.
To ensure the safety of both you and your dog during tug-of-war, it's best to choose toys from reputable brands made with safe materials. For example, the American brand KONG's "Dance Candy Interactive Toy" is made from durable, high-quality nylon. Its two strip-like ends can be shaken to tease and entertain your dog, while the fabric's irregular texture helps clean teeth and massage gums.
American KONG Dance Candy Interactive Toy: Made from premium nylon, this durable rope toy not only withstands vigorous play but also promotes dental health.
4 Principles for Choosing Dog Toys
1. How to Choose Toys for Your Dog Based on Age, Size, Personality, and Preferences
When selecting toys for your dog, it is important to consider their age, size, personality, and preferences. Every dog has a unique character, and choosing the right toy means taking these factors into account to ensure safety and enjoyment.
For puppies, their curiosity is at its peak, so toys that stimulate exploration and mental engagement are ideal. Suitable options include interactive puzzle toys as well as chew toys or dental bones that are firm enough to chew on but not too hard to damage their developing teeth. Additionally, providing a plush doll or soft toy can offer comfort and a sense of security to young puppies.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, tend to prefer durable toys that can withstand vigorous chewing. They also enjoy interactive toys that allow them to play and bond with their owner, making playtime both fun and rewarding.
Senior dogs usually require softer toys that are gentle on their more fragile teeth. Choosing toys that aren't overly hard helps protect their dental health while still providing comfort and stimulation.
In summary, tailor your dog's toys to their life stage and individual traits to keep them engaged, happy, and healthy.
2. Choosing Safe and Durable Toys for Your Dog
When selecting toys for your dog, it is important to choose materials that are both safe and durable. The safety of toy materials is a crucial factor that should never be overlooked. By opting for non-toxic and sturdy materials, you can prevent your dog from accidentally swallowing harmful substances or toy fragments during play. This helps protect your dog's overall health and well-being.
3. Choosing the Right Toy Size for Your Dog
When selecting toys for your dog, it's important to choose sizes that are appropriate to prevent swallowing or choking hazards. The size of your dog's toy should be slightly larger than your dog's mouth. Avoid toys that are too small, as they can easily be swallowed or cause choking during playtime, posing unnecessary risks to your pet's safety.
4. Regularly Inspect Dog Toys to Ensure Safety
It is important to regularly check your dog's toys for any damage. If you notice any signs of wear or breakage, replace the toy with a new one promptly.
Regular inspections help ensure that the toys remain intact and safe for your dog to use. Damaged toys can pose serious risks, such as your dog accidentally swallowing fragments or getting injured by sharp edges.
By keeping your dog's toys in good condition, you reduce the chance of choking hazards and cuts, promoting a safer and more enjoyable playtime for your furry friend.
How to Clean and Maintain Dog Toys
During playtime, dog toys can easily become contaminated with saliva, food residues, or even dirt. These contaminants not only cause unpleasant odors but, if left unchecked, can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, potentially harming your dog's health. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your dog's toys regularly to effectively remove dirt and bacteria from both the surfaces and interiors of the toys.
Besides rinsing with water, for particularly stubborn stains or odors, you can use pet-safe cleaning agents. These products do not contain chemicals harmful to pets, ensuring your dog's safety while playing. After cleaning, make sure the toys are thoroughly dried, as damp environments can also encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. It is best to air-dry dog toys in a well-ventilated area.
Additionally, cleaning methods vary depending on the material of the dog toy. Since different manufacturers use various materials, if you have any concerns, please consult your toy's manufacturer. Below are some general guidelines based on toy types:
- Fabric Toys: Hand wash using a pet-safe cleaner. If machine washable, it is recommended to place the toy inside a laundry bag before washing.
- Rubber or Plastic Toys: Hand wash with warm water and pet-safe cleaning solution. For toys with small grooves, a toothbrush can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas thoroughly.
- Knot Rope Toys: Due to their tightly woven structure, soak them in water mixed with pet-safe cleaner and gently rub, then rinse thoroughly.
Conclusion
That concludes today's recommendations for interactive dog toys and games. If your dog consistently shows little interest in their toys, don't be quick to blame them. Instead, take a moment to consider whether there have been significant changes in their environment, or if you might simply be offering too few toys for your furry friend.
