Dogs are bundles of energy who just love to play and can keep going all day. But unfortunately, someone has to pay the bills, so what do you do when you’re at work and your dog is home alone and needs to be kept amused?

This is where dog toys come to the rescue, and these days we’re not talking about a stick or a piece of rope. These days their are some pretty cool toys that will satisfy even the most demanding pooch.

Here are some of my favorites. Pick one or two from the list and your dog will have something to keep him occupied, and away from mischief, while you’re out.

Kong Toys - Chewing is a favorite pastime of many dogs and if you want to keep your dog away from your new shoes or TV remote, you’d better give him something to chew on! Kong makes a virtually indestructible range of rubberized chew toys that will keep even the most avid chewer occupied for hours.

They also have a hollow center, so you can stuff it with treats and challenge the dog to get them out, which is great for brain training.

Pull Toys - Tug-a-war is a favorite game of many dogs, but unfortunately many of the cheap pull toys on the market soon fray and break.

Once again Kong comes to the rescue. Their pulling toy is basically a pair of rubber balls wrapped in canvas with a canvas cord at the end. Like all Kong toys they’re tough, and nigh on impossible to break. Plus, the balls also squeak, which most dogs love.

Frisbees - Many dogs love this game, but the plastic disc many people use can actually be dangerous, as they can shatter when bitten, and cause serious cuts.

Frost Bite Frisbees on the other hand are designed specifically for dogs. They are soft, pliable, and punture when bitten rather than shattering.

Puzzles – No, I don’t mean jigsaws, or crosswords. Puzzles for dogs come in all shapes and sizes and challenge your dog to work something out in order to get a treat.

One rather clever contraption is the Squirrel Plushy. This is a soft toy, with other toys hidden inside it. The dog has to figure out how to get the small toys out.

Nylabones - These tough, bone-shaped toys are all but indestructible, and are a must for any dog that enjoys a good chew.

Tuffies - These are stuffed toys made specifically with dogs in mind. They are strong and durable, and even come with “toughness” ratings. So you can get one to suit your Pomeranian or even one that your Bull Terrier will have a hard time breaking.

Squirrel Dude – A clever little rubber toy with a timer that dispenses treats at regular intervals – sort of like a vending machine for dogs!

No matter what your dog enjoys, there are dog toys for every dog on the list above. And if all else fails there’s always that old favorite, the tennis ball!

Want to discover more about dog toys, dog care, dog behavior and other helpful dog information? Stop by at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

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