Start with size. A toy should be wider than the dog’s open mouth so it can’t be swallowed, and long enough that hands stay clear during tug. Material matters next: food-grade rubber or silicone for dispensers, sturdy woven fabrics for tugs, reinforced seams for plush. Avoid loose buttons, glued-on eyes, or brittle plastics that can splinter under pressure. For heavy chewers, look for solid construction (not hollow thin shells) and check the recommended chew strength rather than relying on marketing claims.
Introduce any new toy under supervision. Watch how the dog interacts: gentle mouthing, intense chomping, ripping seams, or focused problem-solving. Adjust difficulty by changing the size of treat openings, the length of tug sessions, or the throwing distance. End while your dog still wants more; that builds anticipation instead of overstimulation.
Maintenance is part of safety. Inspect toys weekly for cracks, deep bite marks, or exposed stuffing. Retire damaged pieces—dogs can swallow string or foam without you noticing. Keep a small rotation: three to five toys available, the rest stored. Swapping them every few days keeps interest high and reduces overuse of any single favorite.
Finally, match the job to the toy. Use soft or fleece tugs for short, rule-based games; use rubber rollers or balls outdoors where bounce is safe; keep puzzle toys for quiet indoor sessions. Clear, consistent rules—“take,” “drop,” “finished”—turn play into a predictable, safe routine.