• 🐶 How a simple ball changed everything for James

• 🥰 5 reasons why toys are important in your dog’s life

• 🐾 This dog toy box has a 2-for-1 surprise

• 🦴 Watch this hilarious bulldog and his bowls

• 🐕‍🦺 Pick the best toy for your pup

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or false?

Playing fetch can improve a dog's cardiovascular health.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

A Kong ball was all it took to change James’ life. Before his ball, he was a loveable menace – panting excessively, hounding every dog in sight, and insisting on sitting on top of the driver during car rides – all 90 pounds of him.

James is a deaf, white pitbull mix who craves love more than most dogs. Despite his outgoing nature, his anxiety was too much for most. He was adopted and returned twice, then abandoned, tied to a pole in a parking lot. Once he landed in a NJ shelter for a third time, his now-dad quickly fell in love with the giant goofball. After signing the adoption papers, the staff decided to let him in on a tidbit: James had some separation anxiety.

Months of debilitating anxiety – howling on tables and trying to break down doors when left home alone – passed before his dad knew he had to find a way to help. He contacted his previous foster parents, who casually mentioned a ball he enjoyed. When James and his ball were reunited, life changed for the better. James is never seen without it; it’s his pacifier. At home, there’s even a drawer fully stocked with Kong balls.

James still has anxiety in his everyday life, but his ball has transformed him – it’s part of his identity. Instead of being seen as the big white pittie with anxiety, he’s now the happy white pittie with a ball.

Playtime is every dog’s favorite, and toys make it even better. Think about when your pup’s eyes light up and their heads tilt curiously when you bring home a new toy, or the excited prance to grab their beloved, familiar one. Playing consistently tops their list of must-dos, and for good reason. Toys are more than just fun; they’re essential for their overall well-being. Let’s explore exactly 5 ways toys contribute to happy, thriving, pups.

1. Mental Stimulation

Our pups need mental stimulation to feel happy, fulfilled, and entertained. Enrichment toys challenge their brains, keeping them sharp and focused. This mental engagement is also helpful for senior dogs to decrease the risk of developing canine cognitive dysfunction.

Mentally stimulating toys also prevent your dog from chewing on furniture or rummaging through dirty laundry (trust me, I have a genius dog who helped himself to the ice machine, opened front doors, and chewed the eyes and noses off my toddler’s stuffed animals before finally introducing better toys!). Most destructive behaviors stem from boredom and pent-up energy. Dogs spend a big chunk of their day indoors, sleeping and waiting for us to come home. Just like us, they need playtime after being cooped up. They’re much happier and more content when they can show off their smarts!

2. Comfort

Toys are a wonderful outlet for alleviating our pups’ anxiety and stress. Some dogs find comfort in cuddling a soft toy, while others prefer chewing to release built-up anxiety. Chewing, playing, or even licking releases feel-good endorphins that have lasting benefits for their emotional well-being. Some dog parents will go as far as to say that certain toys have changed their pup’s lives. I trust that all of us dog owners are familiar with our dog’s favorite toys – the ones we wouldn’t dare replace, even if they’ve been stitched multiple times and have a few pieces missing.

3. Bonding

Toys also offer more chances to bond with our fur babies. It’s no secret that playing with our dogs gives them the gift of special one-on-one time. While we play with our pups in many ways without toys, like rubbing their warm bellies and roughhousing, toys bring a whole new level of trust and communication. For instance, a game of tug-of-war involves your dog trusting you to play fairly and not take the toy away. This playful struggle reinforces their trust in you, which is the foundation of any dog-human relationship. 

4. Dental Health

We know that dental hygiene is vital to our pups’ health, but let’s be honest – brushing your dog’s teeth can often become a wrestling match or a game of chase around the house unless you have a super laid-back dog. This is where the magic of toys comes in, again. Chewing on toys with certain grooves and textures can help clean their teeth by removing plaque and tartar buildup. Some toys can even prevent these issues altogether. Who knew playtime and dental health could go hand in hand?

5. Exercise

Toys and exercise go hand in hand when it comes to keeping our pups happy and healthy. Dogs need regular exercise to stay in top shape, and fetch toys are a fantastic way to encourage physical activity. These types of toys support joint health, mobility, heart health, and even lower blood pressure while building muscle. And for those couch potatoes, making exercise fun and motivating with toys is even more important.

BarkBox is a monthly themed box of toys, treats and unleashed joy, thoughtfully designed to satisfy every dog’s unique playstyle. What even is your dog? Besides perfect, obviously. Discover their breed mix, distinct traits, and genetic matches with a dog DNA kit from Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry — FREE with your first BarkBox of toys and treats (value $99).

Thank you to BARK for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Theo the Bulldog’s hilarious obsession with metal bowls is utterly adorable. His human dad says he uses them for everything: food, sleep, and, of course, play. In the video, Theo is seen scooting them with his nose, clanging them around to create some metal bowl music, and excitedly opening a box full of brand-new bowls! If you want to see more of Theo, follow his Instagram page here!

Toys are very personal for our dogs. Some pups can turn a cardboard box into the best toy ever, while others remain uninterested in even the newest and coolest dog toys. Even if you believe your dog isn’t a “toy” kind of dog, I promise there’s a right toy for every pup. You might not realize how many toy options there are to suit every dog's personality! Minnie helped put together a list of toy types to help you find what’s right for your unique dog.

Chew Toys: For our furry friends who are heavy chewers, chew toys are wonderful. They can provide literal hours of distraction and help relieve stress or anxiety. However, please be mindful of the types of chew toys you choose, as some, like bones, nylon, and plastic toys, can damage their teeth and tummies.

Interactive Toys: These toys require your pup’s favorite person to play (YOU!) – like fetch, frisbee, rope toys, and tug-of-war. They can even play with these toys with their best furry friend. Plus, they encourage exercise and strengthen special bonds whether it’s with you or their friend.

Puzzle Toys: Puzzles are the direction you want to go in for dogs who are understimulated and bored. These toys challenge them and keep them engaged. And let’s be honest, they’re great for dogs who are always begging for treats, as you can hide their favorite snacks inside.

Sensory Toys: Similar to puzzle toys, these toys satisfy your dog’s sensory instincts. Think snuffle mats, squeaky and crinkly toys with different textures.

Comfort Toys: Some dogs find comfort in soft, cuddly toys. These stuffed toys aren’t just cute; they can offer security and soothing.

Discover your dog’s breed mix, distinct traits, and genetic matches with a dog DNA kit from Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry — FREE with your first BarkBox of toys and treats (value $99).

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True, playing fetch can improve a dog's cardiovascular health. As your dog chases after a thrown object, their heart rate rises, which boosts circulation and supports better cardiovascular health.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs and their furry friends. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog with a buddy, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with a toy that has a special meaning to your pup for a surprise in your inbox!

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