Dog Balls

Make Easy & Safe DIY Dog Toys from Common Household Items

Try reusing items around your home for these DIY dog toys.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Beat the Heat: Best Dog Water Toys & Cooling Products for Summer

Find your pup the best water toys and cooling products for their best summer yet!

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Top 10 Best Holiday Dog Gifts: Treats & Toys Your Pup Will Adore!

Choosing the perfect gift for family and friends can often be a challenge. Fortunately, ‘fetching’ the perfect holiday treats and toys for your pup can be just as fun as your average game of, well...

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Can My Dog See Colors?

Learn what colors your dog sees and make playtime more fun for both of you.

Updated on December 1st, 2025

How To Choose a Dog Toy

Discover how to choose a dog toy tailored to your pet’s breed, size, and personality to keep them engaged and happy.

Updated on April 22nd, 2026

What are the best enrichment toys and activities for senior dogs?

Great question! Many dogs of any age enjoy enrichment toys that are either balls that bounce unpredictably or puzzle toys that release small treats. Peanut and his friend are still pretty agile, a good game of fetch or playing "hide and seek" with a toy can be a lot fun for everyone. These websites have some good examples of enrichment toys, but plenty of puzzle toys can also be found on Amazon or in pet stores: https://www.ottoenvironmental.com/toys-3?pagenumber=5 https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/media/CenterAnimalWelfare/Orangutan-Husbandry-Manual/Enrichment/Enrichment-manufacturers-suppliers.pdf Have fun playing! :-)

My dog destroys tennis balls and eats them. What are safe dog toys?

Hi there, Ingestion tennis ball pieces could certainly cause a problem. This behavior unfortunately isn't likely to change. I would try switching to the KONG balls. They are like tennis balls but she won't be able to destroy them, and that will keep her safe. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Pet Coach!

My dog only plays with his old ball. How can I introduce new toys?

Sometimes dog just like their old worn out toys, just like with kids. If he doesn't want to play with the new one and only wants the old one then let him play with the one he likes. The only reason I would take it away is if it will harm him. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

My dog won't drop the ball. How to teach fetch without treats?

Many dogs have trouble letting go of the ball when playing fetch! :) I would suggest playing the game with two balls for now. Throw one, then when he brings it back, throw the other one for him. Most dogs will drop the one in their mouth when you bring out the second ball, and will chase the one that you throw. Pick up the first ball as he runs away to chase the second one, and continue to repeat this so that you always have a ball waiting in your hand to throw as soon as he gets back. Over time, many dogs will get into the habit of dropping the ball when they come back to you, so that you may not need to use both balls forever.

How to exercise and entertain my dog with outdoor games besides fetch?

Some dogs enjoy playing the dog equivalent of "hide and seek" where you show them a high value treat or toy while they are inside, hide it outside when they aren't watching, then let them search for it. It can take some training to learn this game, but this is both mentally and physically stimulating for dogs. You mention fetch, but this is always a popular standby. To vary the routine, you can try throwing frisbees, soft toys, or balls. Depending on Mike's attention span, you could also try teaching him some agility activities (i.e. jumping through hoops, going through tunnels, etc.). Take a look at the Dr. Sophia Yin website for some other training ideas that can also be turned into outdoor playtime: https://drsophiayin.com/resources/dog_behavior/#Toys