Puppy Not Interested In Toys – See Reasons Why

Suppose your puppy is not interested in toys; it may not be the correct choice for your pet. Your pet has outgrown its toys, or your pet is injured or sick. These are possible reasons your pet is no longer interested in its toys.

There is no need to be concerned. Your pup may have lost interest in playing with its toys for various reasons. Fortunately, it is perfectly typical behavior that you can address.

It could mean that it has outgrown the toys or needs a new set of toys. At the same time, it could also be sick or injured. Whatever the cause, you will need to identify it before getting your pet to play with toys or becoming aggressive toward you.

Reasons Why Your Puppy Is Not Interested In Toys

Wrong Choice Of Toy

Every dog has its preference for toys, and what works for one dog may not work for another. For example, some dogs prefer balls to retrieve sticks, so try out a few toys to discover which ones your dog is most interested in chasing in the first place.

When you play with your pet, you can observe and identify the type of toy it likes. It may have an inclination for balls over stick toys. Or it may prefer drag toys it can use to play tug of war with you or with other pets.

Illness Or Injury Could Be Why Puppy Is Not Interested In Toys

Injuries and illness can lead to a lot of unusual behavior in your pet. Most times, they prefer to be isolated and left alone as they recover from illness. Other times, they become fearful of interaction and become aggressive.

It is somewhat typical for dogs to experience trauma when playing with toys. Your pet can develop dental issues from yours or choke on their toys, making them afraid of toys. You need to call a professional dog behaviorist to help you.

Puppy Not Interested In Toys? Age May Be A Factor

Just as humans mature and outgrow some things they love and routinely engage in, dogs also outgrow toys and lose interest in them. Some dogs would rather sit by the window sill and look outside than play with toys when they get to a certain age.

It may also be that, as it matures, it would need a different type of toy that would suit its need. Hence the need to observe your pet when it plays with its toys; this will help understand why it lost interest in toys or doesn’t want them anymore.

What You Can Do When Your Puppy Is Not Interested In Toys

Increase The Value Of The Toy

When your pet is not playing with the toy, put it away. However, leaving some toys or chews out and available for your pet is also okay. But, if you want a specific object to have more value, you should put it away and only bring the toy when you want to play with your pet.

Suppose your dog’s toy is constantly available; it loses its value since it is always available. When you are not playing with your pup together, endeavor to hide its toys or fetch sticks to increase the value of these toys.

If Your Puppy Is Not Interested In Toys; Always Be Excited About The Toys

It would be best to put on your best show for your pet. Make a big fuss about it when you introduce a new toy. When you want to introduce a new toy to your pet, purr over the toy, and be overly happy about the toy you are holding.

Additionally, make it squeak or bounce it around quickly if it has a squeaker. Run around the house, pressing the squeaker as your pet follows you. A game of hide and seek; is a nice game for pets and an excellent choice to introduce your pet to its new toy.

Moderate Toy Time With Your Pets

Play sessions with the toy should be brief. As your dog develops an interest in a new toy, put it away before it loses interest or becomes distracted by anything else. It stays thrilling anytime you bring it out to play if you maintain it exciting.

Benefits Of Dog Toys To Your Pet

Reduces Boredom

It may seem self-evident, but bored dogs typically act out in various ways, including destructive behavior. However, when you introduce your pet to its toy, endeavor to teach it to play with you or alone, which may keep them busy.

Chewing on furniture, digging through trash, and begging for attention are symptoms that your dog is frustrated with since it does not have anything else to do. It can leave you feeling miserable at the same time.

Suppose your puppy is not interested in toys; it can lead to boredom. Boredom can cause a lot of unwanted behaviors. However, providing a consistent range of toys can be addressed, especially activities that mentally interest children.

Dental Exercise

Working their jaws and massaging their gums with toys is excellent for their dental health. Chewing can help them strengthen their jaw muscles and remove bacteria from their teeth.

Chewing is a low-energy pastime, and there are a variety of toys to suit the various chewing techniques of dogs of all ages and breeds. Keep an eye on your dog while he chews to minimize choking or ingesting problems.

Source Of Exercise

Exercise is essential to your pet’s health and well-being. Keeping it physically active can help avoid health concerns, including obesity and mobility impairments. It is because the toys keep them physically and mentally active.

Toys are an excellent outlet whether you are attempting to keep up with your active pup or inspire your sluggish mutt to get moving. It would be best to slowly incorporate toys in its routine, especially with less active dogs, but establish a consistent and enjoyable routine.

Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety in dogs is relatively prevalent, and its symptoms might be comparable to boredom. However, they can also include fright, whining, barking, and in severe cases, self-harm.

Giving your dog something to do is one method to alleviate anxiety. Toys provide mental and physical stimulation, which can help kids relax by giving them something to focus on that is safe and productive.

If your dog does not fancy toys, you must teach yourself to play with toys your pet likes and finds comfortable. You may help establish your bond and a healthier routine by providing added drive and excitement.

Conclusion

Be careful when selecting a toy for your pet. Some dogs are known to develop dental issues when playing with toys, especially with tug toys, which can sometimes lead to bleeding gum or even underbites.