Best Pet Supplies

Warm weather is finally here!  It’s time to get outside and have some fun with your best friend and get rid of that cabin fever!  There are so many things that you and your dog or puppy can do outside whether it’s at the park, the lake, or even in your own backyard.  Now is a good time to teach your dog to play fetch if they don’t already know how or to play their favorite game of tug o war or just about anything.  There are lots of high quality dog toys that are made especially for outside play and even toys that float in the water so your dog can have hours of fun playing in or out of the water

So be sure to have lots of different outside dog toys to ensure you and your dog or puppy can enjoy the nice weather together and to get that much needed exercise that’s good for both of you!  You’re dog will love spending the time with you and the attention that you give him.

When it comes to dog toys, you can’t be too careful with those purchased for your dog.  Despite the manufacturer’s best intentions, some dog toys can be more dangerous than others.  While most people think dogs love to eat bones, it’s important to remember that most bones become quite sharp at a certain point.  Eventually the dog will eat away at the bone and it will become a small object with numerous sharp edges.  When this happens, it’s best to take the bone away to prevent the dog from swallowing it and hurting their stomach.  Instead of bones, consider a soft rubber dog toy.  While dogs might not have as much fun chewing on rubber, these dog toys are safe and are also great for catch and fetch.  Herding breeds will love soccer balls and other large balls which they can herd around in open spaces. 

Dogs do need to chew on bones now and then to strengthen their teeth and fulfill their dental needs, and there are numerous bones that will dissolve in the stomach even when swallowed.  For those times when your dog does need to chew, make sure to purchase safe bones. 

Playing “fetch” games provides some good exercise for your puppy or dog. It also provides a good way to get those toys back so you don’t end up getting all the exercise.In the beginning, roll the toy away from your puppy or dog and let him or her get it. When your pet picks it up, say, “Fetch!” so he or she begins to associate the command with the action. Then praise them with an excited voice.As your puppy gets older, throw the toy a little farther. When your dog brings it back, give lots of praise and let your dog play with the toy for a few minutes so he or she gains some benefit from their effort of retrieving it. If your dog doesn’t bring it back, use a long lead attached to his collar. Gently reel your puppy or dog in with the toy and praise him or her for coming back. Touch your dog or puppy, but avoid the head so he or she doesn’t think you’re going to immediately take the toy away. Some dogs enjoy the chase of the toy and retrieving it and want you to throw it back immediately. Others want the toy with less chasing and retrieving.Once your dog or puppy has had a minute or so to play with the toy, your dog may drop it on their own.  If he or she does, say ‘Drop’ to reinforce the behavior. If they don’t’t drop it on their own, get a light grip on the toy and give the command to drop. Praise your dog or puppy when they let go of it and throw it again.  Have fun playing fetch with your dog or puppy with their favorite toys!

Guess what – dogs like toys! Yeah, I guess if you own a dog you probably already knew this. But did you know that most dogs prefer a plush dog toy to a hard dog toy? Plush dog toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are even animals like squirrels and cats.

Soft toys are also easier on dogs’ teeth. Hard toys such as bones and sticks can break the teeth and make the gums bleed and costs owners money spent at the vet. Avoid these problems by buying your dog plush toys.

If you’re like me and have a big dog who usually chews up her new toys in a matter of hours, don’t despair!  There are a lot of toys made just for big dogs or any dog who just literally chews the stuffing out of the plush dog toys.  Although there is no such thing as an indestructable dog toy, there are toys that are made tough and made to last for a long time.  Most of them come in different sizes for all size dogs that just chew up their toys quickly. I don’t think dogs chew up their toys to be devious or mean, they just play a little too rough with their toys and sometimes destroy them altogether, much to the owner’s despair.  If you find yourself in this predicament, Kong, Hyperdog, and Kyjen have many dog toys that are great for your situation!

Pet owners often wonder if buying their dog toys is a necessity or just an extravagance.  Actually, buying your dog toys mimics activites that they would be doing if they were wild.  Let me explain in a little bit more detail.  I believe there are three distinct categories that most dog toys fit in:  chewing,  activity,  and comfort toys. 

• Dogs are just natural chewers!  Puppies like to chew to ease tension and to help soothe their gums during teething.  This instinct to chew continues on into adulthood to help keep their jaws strong and to relieve boredom.
• Although activity levels vary greatly between breed and age of the dog, activity toys such as retrieval toys and tug of war toys are very beneficial in keeping your dog healthy and active and also strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
• All adult dogs and puppies love having a toy they can call their own.  Giving them their own toy can help reduce destructive behavior when they are left alone.  Toys can also be a comfort to your dog in stressful situations just like a doll or toy comforts a child.

As you can see, buying your dog toys is very beneficial in many ways!  And if you have more than one dog, your should consider getting each dog his or her very own toy.

There are a large variety of dog toys from plush to rubber to fit the need of any dog large or small, young or old.

Dogs just naturally love to chew, especially on plush toys.  Although plush toys are great for smaller dogs or dogs that don’t chew alot, bigger dogs will literaly chew all of the stuffing out of plush toys and it ends up making a big mess for you!

Now there are plush toys that dogs just love to chew on, but there is no stuffing in them to make that big fluffy mess!  These plush dog toys are great for all dogs and will give them something soft to chew on and play with without making a mess for you.  I highly recommend them for any size dog that just loves to chew alot.  Check out all of the great dog toys at First Rate Pets  and I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one for your dog!

Halloween will soon be here!  Can you believe it?  Where did the summer go!?

Are you and your dog ready for Halloween?  There is a large selection of dog costumes for all size dogs and all personalities at First Rate Pets.com!  There are even some neat Halloween toys!

You really should check out all of the cute Halloween dog costumes and dog toys and you and your dog will be all set for Halloween and will be the talk of the town!

Do you and your family love to spend time together and have fun at the same time?   Board games are very popular and get your kids away from those video games and watching tv all day!  I found the some really fun games like Cat-opoly and Puppy-opoly that the whole family can play!  They are like the classic game Monopoly but like the names imply, they are dog or cat themed.  My kids are always wanting to play and the Puppy-opoly game is a great little kids’ game for ages 5 to 8 yrs old.  Not only are they having a great time playing, but they are also learning new and interesting facts about animals!