Thank god we survived the winter and now finally summer is just about here. Much like having children, being a dog parent requires that every time the season changes, our dogs needs new toys for that season. The toys that worked for wintertime are not going to cut it in the backyard for the summer. We do very different things in summer, so which are the best backyard dog toys to get your dog?
Are certain dog toys only outside toys? Why can’t my dog just take their inside dog toys outside?
I will answer all these questions and provide some of my very favourite dog toys for you and your dog to play with in the backyard.
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Why backyard playtime
Keeping our dogs entertained in our own backyard, has many positives upsides. As dog parents, we all know that our dogs need regular exercise every day, to ensure they stay healthy and fit. Taking our dogs for daily walks is very important, but so to is outside play time.
Much like humans, dogs don’t mind the exercise and going for a walk, but they want to have a little fun when they are all done. Backyard play time provides a great end to a hard walk, hike or bike ride. That extra bit of one on one time, between you two is priceless. Dogs absolutely love playtime with their parents.
There is also another very important reason why having fun and backyard playtime is beneficial.
We all know that a busy dog is far less likely to be getting into trouble in the yard. Digging, barking, and overall destructive behaviour only happens when a dog has no other distraction to occupy his time. Nobody wants to be dealing with that bad dog behaviour. Distraction is always the best way to avoid any of these pitfalls bad behaviours.
So whether it is keeping your dog busy to stop bad behaviour, or extra fun bonding time, none of this is possible without the proper toys to play with outside.
I have never never never let my dog take his inside toys outside. Those are his inside toys. We make sure that FERGUS has a slew of outdoor toys that strictly stay outside. The #1 is to keep things clean. I don’t want a dirty, slobbery toy in my house that was just sitting in the grass. Nope!
The other reason I keep the inside and outside toys in their places, is if your dog always has access to all the toys at once, then they don’t have something to look forward to when they go outside. Anticipation for those toys they haven’t seen in a while is part of the fun and excitement.
I also strongly believe that many of these toys I am about to share with you in my opinion are strictly outside toys. They are meant for a more energetic play that is best done outside. OK time to get to the goodies.
Chuck-It Breathe Right Stick
($12.99 – $20.99 PRICES VARY)
This is currently FERGUS’s absolute favourite toy. He loves it! The second that he goes outside he grabs it and carries it around in his mouth. One of the reasons that I think that he loves this toy so much is that he can breathe through the toy when he is carrying it, and not just through his mouth. Laying with it in the grass while holding it with his paws while he chews on it. A bit heavy to throw, but we do use it to fetch a ton anyway. Playing tug with it is also something he loves to do with this toy.
PROS:
- Bouncy
- Easy for dogs to breathe and carry it
- Super durable
- Floats in water
- 2 sizes Small and Large
- Great to play tug with
- Can put treat sticks through the holes
CONS:
- Leaving it in the sun can make it brittle
- Can get a bit slimey
- Not indestructible
Kong AirDog Squeaker Ball With Rope
($4.00 – $10.00 PRICES VARY)
For my dog FERGUS he loves anything in a toy that has a rope and a ball. Put the 2 together and it is a masterpiece.
You have really done an excellent job explaining why you wouldn’t allow your dog to take inside toys outside and vice-versa and I concur sincerely because you made a lot of sense. Dogs are one of my favourite pets, our four legged friend deserve the best in everything and health especially. The benefits of these backyard toys are enormous and it is important for every dog parent to take advantage of it by simply selecting the best one. My favourite among these toys is the chuck-it breathe right stick. I find it’s pros and cons appealing. Let’s see if my dog will love it.
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my post. Your dog really will love the Chuck-it Stick. It is such a durable, flexible and fun toy to play with . Literally I am already thinking of getting a second one, just in case they stop making it.
I appreciate you taking part in my post, hearing from other dog parents is awesome.
Coralie