05/09/2025
How you use different types of toys can impact your dog’s behavior and your relationship with them. Having some safe chew bones or independent toys around the house is a great way to encourage calm chewing and help your dog decompress on their own.
On the flip side, having high-energy or excitable toys lying around inside can lead to more hyper behavior and missed opportunities to build value in your relationship through intentional play.
That’s where understanding the difference between independent toys and engagement toys really matters. Independent toys are things your dog can safely chew or interact with on their own — no human needed.
Engagement toys, like balls or tug toys, are meant to be used with you in a shared game or activity. These toys are perfect for building connection and teaching your dog how to channel their excitement into play with you, not just random chaos in the living room.
Being thoughtful about when and how you use each type of toy can help you create a calmer home environment and strengthen your bond with your dog 😊🐾