Toys are not just toys. Depending on the age of your dog, a dog toy will be a comforting item, it will be a chewing object to help with teething, it will be a soothing sense of security when left home alone....And it will be an important part of training.
Let's look at Maltipoo toys and what is needed at what ages!
When your pup is between the ages of 8 weeks and 3 months, they will go from having no teeth at all to having just their small pup teeth. At this time, Maltipoo puppies are not teething yet...And simply want to explore their world. Since they do not have hands, they explore just about everything with their sense of smell and, the majority of the time with their mouths.
It is at this time that soft dog toys are recommended. Stuffed cotton toys (such as stuffed animals made for canines, etc). They will often come to love 1 dog toy in particular and this is fine....soon they will be on to the next stage.
From 3 months to 7 months, an owner needs to focus on obtaining Maltipoo toys for dogs that will aid in soothing the aches and pains of the teething process. Additionally, having the right doggie toys will help your pup concentrate on their own belongings and not chew on household items.
It should be noted that at this time, any dangerous objects such as electrical wires and any important items such as pocket books, wallets and shoes should be put away at a height that your puppy cannot reach.
One of the best dog teething toys will be those which are those which are made to be frozen in the fridge and then given to your puppy....As they chew away, the cool toy will help sooth sore gums and make them feel better. While Maltipoo toys are very important, they will become beloved treasures to your pooch, 1 easy way to help with teething is to simply place an ice cube on a slippery floor. Many puppies can spend quite a bit of time, chasing after the sliding cube and at the same time, cooling off those erupting teeth.
When you obtain Maltipoo toys for teething, do be sure to have enough so that some can be getting cold in the refrigerator and some can be out for him or her to chew on.
From the end of the teething phase into adulthood, Maltipoo dog toys take on a new meaning. They will be looked at several ways by your Poo...
- As a way of independent play when left alone at home
- As a way of self soothing if suffering from Separation Anxiety
- As personal items that is "all theirs"....And we will explain....
Independent play is important. While you will still be taking your Maltipoo for walks, having one-on-one play time, command training, grooming and bath time and more....It is still important that they learn to stay busy when you are doing other things or if you are not at home.
Self soothing helps when a dog is feeling Separation Anxiety...common with dogs who are home alone for many hours...And some feel it when just left for a couple of hours. It is during this time, that they will need dog toys that occupy their time and keep their focus on the toy.
For both of the above situations, interactive, colorful toys are recommended. Unlike theories held before, dogs can see color....similar to how humans see at twilight time. Bold colors are best. Interactive Maltipoo toys will be those that:
- Make a noise or movement when played with... OR
- Hold a hidden treat inside....Your dog will smell the tasty tidbit and work for hours to release it and be able to eat it.
Attachment to a Dog Toy
At this age, many dogs also become very attached to their toys or at least 1 toy in particular. If you notice this happening, it is recommend to purchase 2 or 3 of the exact same toy, alternating them so that they all have the scent of play on them....And in this way, your Maltipoo will not go into a panic if the toy is eventually chewed apart or lost.
It is common for a dog to display nesting behavior as well. This holds true for both females and males. Don't be surprised if your Maltipoo takes a toy and behaves as if they are protecting and taking care of a puppy. It is a normal phase and usually does not last long.
However, if a doggie toy is a favorite, it is also normal behavior to hide the toy, to "keep it safe from being stolen".
Choosing Right
So now you understand that a toy is not just a toy. Be ready for changes in needs as your Maltipoo grows and be sure to have plenty of toys on hand....And for on the go if you are to travel with your dog in the car, etc.
