One thing is for sure amongst just about any dog you will find: dogs love to run and chase things. For this reason, projectile toys are among the most popular selection for both man and dog. As a pet owner, it is enjoyable to stand and watch your pet chase after a ball or Frisbee and return it to you. A well-trained dog will even be able to catch a Frisbee in his mouth.
Furthermore, it is gratifying to know that by tossing a ball or Frisbee across the lawn and having your pet chase it, you are actually helping him to become stronger and more athletic. You are helping is reflexes, cardiovascular system and his muscles.
There are three main types of projectile dog toys that people enjoy the most. Two are purchased and one can be found just about anywhere on the ground. Here is an overview of each of these popular toys.
Frisbee
A Frisbee is the quintessential projectile dog toy. Down owners around the world know of the relationship between a dog and his Frisbee and enjoy watching their pet chase the Frisbee down from far away. Truly talented and well-trained dogs can even jump high in the air to pull a Frisbee down in his mouth. The feat is a wonder to watch and dog shows around the world even feature it.
Just about any Frisbee will work as a toy for a dog. However, the softer-edged Frisbees will be easier on your dog’s mouth and gums because there is very little chance that the object will knock a tooth out. It is also recommended that you stay away from sport Frisbees, as they tend to be too heavy for the average dog.
Ball
Dogs love balls. Any kind of ball can quickly become your dog’s favorite toy, given the right size and texture. The most widely known type of ball for playing catch with a dog is the tennis ball. Tennis balls, while enjoyable, also get slimy and gross once used more than once. For this reason, it is recommended that you stick with a standard rubber ball or train your dog to drop the tennis ball into a banana cup (much like a lacrosse stick.) this way, you will not have to worry about the slimy, dirty ball and will only be concerned with your toss.
Sticks
The cheapest and most available projectile for any dog is the simple stick. Sticks can be of any size and are easy for dogs to pick up in their teeth. You will not have to worry about making an investment into a toy that your dog may or may not like if you pick up a stick because if it doesn’t work out, you just have to drop it – no expenses lost!