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Number of toys dogs need to avoid ‘anxiety’ is lower than you think, says behavior expert Credits: Social Media
By Chaitra Krishnamurthy

Number of toys dogs need to avoid ‘anxiety’ is lower than you think, says behavior expert

By Chaitra Krishnamurthy

Pet parents love to pamper their furry babies with all the toys in the world and it’s understandable. However, the number of goodies you give them can largely impact their behavior.

Dogs are obsessed with their toys. Unlike cats that get bored too easily, pet canines treasure the things they love the most. However, pet parents must know where to draw the line.

Dog and Toys
Credit: Anda Stavri Photography | Getty Images

How many toys should you give your dog?

Dog psychology and behavior expert, Steve Del Savio, warns against giving your pet dog too many toys as they are overstimulating and do not help them settle down.

The dog psychology expert recommends giving not more than one or two toys at a time and engaging the dogs in different trainings to keep them calm.

He says dog owners who are guilty of not spending enough time with their pooch shower them with a lot of toys, expecting it to keep their mind and body challenged.

However, it can turn overprotective as the mind is overly engaged at all times, while the body doesn’t get the required amount of exercise. Too many toys and a lack of exercise can leave your dog overstimulated and make it more difficult to settle down. They may also develop anxiety and frustration.

Steve says the dog must be taught to stay calm and relaxed without any toys or distractions. You can still engage them in structured exercises and then treat them to fewer toys.

@packleaderdogs

Does your dog have access to a ton of toys? This may seem like a good idea but can backfire and lead to a dog becoming over stimulated, which will make it difficult for them to settle down. Throughout my career of going into peoples homes and helping them with their relationship with their dogs, I often saw huge toy bins or toys all over the place. My first thought… this dog is not getting enough exercise or challenge in their life. Dogs want to have a purpose. Instead of giving their dog a purpose, many owners will buy a ton of toys, thinking it will create engagement and keep a dog happy. In reality, the excessive amount of toys keeps the dogs mind stimulated and usually just ends up being used to practice frustration due to a lack of being fulfilled. The best way to give your dog a purpose is to be their leader and provide structured exercise as well as games and play. Playing with a toy inside the house will never replace a bike ride or a long walk where the dog follows your lead. Yes, toys will provide some enrichment inside the house, but the reason most people provide excessive toys is they dont have enough time for their dog. I understand that people are very busy in 2024. I just want you to understand that providing that big toy bin will likely not help your dog feel fulfilled. If time is the issue, it may be required to take a step back, look at your schedule, and figure out how you can make more time for your dog. If there is no possibility to make more time, try to find a place to send your dog daily like our Adventure Camp service, where we focus on fulfilling your dogs exercise needs, social needs, instincts and training. Constant toy play can make it very difficult for a dogs overstimulated mind to ever relax. Pair that with a lack of exercise, and you have a nice cocktail to create anxiety and frustration. Love you❤️

♬ original sound – Pack Leader Dogs

What actually helps your dog’s behavior

Just like humans, dogs can become frustrated when they are indoors all the time. Here are a couple of things the dog behaviorist recommends doing.

  • Make sure they get enough exercise daily.
  • Send them to Adventure Camps or centers with access to playgrounds if your schedule doesn’t allow you to take them out.
  • Hire a dog walker if you cannot do it yourself.
  • Engage your dog’s mind in different challenges to avoid boredom.
  • Make sure you’re calm and confident around your dog as they easily pick on your energies.

Steve Del Savio is a dog psychology and behavior expert with over 15 years of experience. He is the Owner & Founder of Pack Leader Dogs, who has “turned his passion for animals and their behavior into a flourishing career in dog training,” according to the official website.