Is there such a thing as too many toys?      
The bigger question is how often do you swap them out?  Like anything else, dogs get bored with the same ‘ole same ‘ole.  Keep it interesting by swapping out on the week you wash them.  Variety is nice but do not get crazy with too many choices, so we recommend less than 7 toys out at a time. 
 
What are the safest toys for small dogs?
Crinkle toys, soft toys, the Kong Plush Duck, squeaky toys, Goughnuts Tug Dog Pull Toy,
Hide and Seek toys to name a few. Kong has some of the best rubber toys. A squeaker bulb should be in good working order and very audible.
 
Are there toys that break/damage the teeth?
Thumbnail test:  if you cannot make a thumbnail imprint on the material it may be one to avoid.  Bones, hooves, antlers, tennis balls (fuzz ruins enamel), ice cubes by themselves not in the water, very hard nylon toys, sticks, hard cheese such as Yak chews because it fails the test for softness.  Pig ears are high in fat and can cause stomach problems.  Bully sticks pose choking hazards and while high in protein, dogs with kidney issues should not be given these.  There is a bully stick holder (The Bully Holder/ Bully Grip) available. Knotted rawhide chews should be avoided because the knot presents a choking hazard.  Older Toy dogs have notorious problems with their teeth and tarter.  Damaged teeth because of chewing bones and so forth, is one hazard that can be skipped.  Teeth need cleaning once every 3-4 years.  Check with your veterinarian.
 
Is the toy’s size important?
The size does matter whether you are talking about ring toys or others especially balls.  Balls need to be large enough they cannot be swallowed.
 
How often should you clean toys?
Clean toys about every 2 weeks in the dishwasher or other antibacterial wash.
 
What if your dog's mission is to destroy the toys?
There are toys made for these aggressive chewers such as
Outward Bound FireBiterz., GoDog, Chewy offers a monthly box of ‘Tough Dog Chews’, West Paw toys, Feeko dog toys and others.  As always it should be size appropriate.
 
What about toys for teething? 
‘Durability” seems to be the go-to word for these products, but it does not preclude safety.  Teething is a long period for puppies (34 weeks/almost 8 mos./238 days +/-).  Variety, patience, and recognizing it will slow down one day (except paper products).  My Havanese are older but still need their chew toys.  I really like teething toys with a texture like bumps.  Vary texture and all you can with chew toys for the long haul.   Remember trading out the toys helps prevent boredom.
 
What about Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks and rawhide products (aside from check origin issues) are a difficult subject for me.  Both products can cause digestive problems but have long been go-to products for chewing. One of the bigger concerns is when the product is chewed almost into oblivion and becomes a choking hazard.  There are bully stick holders.  Be sure to look for the odor-free variety.  It requires monitoring.  I used to offer rawhide sticks but no longer buy them because of processing concerns, etc.
 
Things to watch out for:                                       

• Hard nylon bones/toys if they are harder than a dog’s teeth.  Chipping or splintering is a danger with many nylon products
• Small Toys that can be swallowed. Things such as bells, balls, squeaking bulbs are hazardous.
• Bones of any type are not recommended because they can splinter and stick in the throat, intestine, etc, and puncture soft tissue.  They can also damage teeth. 
• Stuffing can be treated with dangerous chemicals - check the seams.  

                                                                             
Can tug-of-war be dangerous?
This is one of our family’s most fun games.  Kiwi is all business with a sock and tug-of-war but it is important not to launch the dog or have the feet leave the ground.  Why?  Well, launching your dog into space speaks for itself as a no-no but your dog’s teeth, shoulders, back, and neck can also be permanently damaged if the game gets out of hand.  Be sure all the players understand the rules.
 
What about rope toys? 
Cotton ropes are naturally safer products than other materials because of swallowing bits and pieces.
¨
What are some Safety Tips?
Watch your dog for a little while with a new toy.
Chemicals. Other safety issues should include if the toy is treated such as some rawhide products.  Flavorings can encourage bacteria growth. BPA.
Well Chewed chews need to be thrown out. Well chewed products disintegrate into smaller pieces than can be swallowing hazards.
Construction.  Some dogs need to be watched if they are determined to destroy a chew, but some chews come apart at the seams easily, break, or tear up too early.
Size matters with any toy.  Be careful of rings or circles since they can present a danger if they are not the right size.
Toys exposed to vastly varying temperatures outdoors deteriorate faster than indoor toys.
Wash the toys about every 2 weeks
If your fingernail cannot leave an imprint on a toy, it is too hard for your puppy’s teeth.
Is there any mention of BPA with your choice of toy?  See Jolly Pets, West Paw Design or Planet Dog.
 
REFERENCES: 
“7 Chew Toys That Can Damage Your Dog's Teeth - Cherry Hill.” Cherry Hill Animal Hospital, 28 Jan. 2020, https://cherryhillanimalhospital.com/chew-toys-can-damage-dogs-teeth/.


Arnold, Brandy. “Are Your Dog's Toys Poisoning Him?” The Dogington Post, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.dogingtonpost.com/are-your-dogs-toys-poisoning-him/.


Ashley, Sarah. “The Best Chew Toys for Dogs That Are Safe and Vet-Approved.” PureWow, PureWow, 12 July 2019, https://www.purewow.com/family/dog-chew-toys-safe-vet-approved.


Cathy Madson, MA. “The Best Dog Chews and Toys.” Preventive Vet, 18 Aug. 2021, https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/best-dog-chews-and-toys.


Turner, Dr. Beth. “Potential Dangers of Popular Dog Chews.” Preventive Vet, 18 Aug. 2021, https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/potential-dangers-of-popular-dog-chews. 

Starting: 
You need a grooming table and an overhead arm if you do not have one. Grooming overhead arms come in two lengths so be sure to get the one that fits your grooming table. Lay the hammock on the table and help your dog step into the hammock, then gather the loops up and hook them onto the overhead arm. Viola! You are ready to begin!

How dogs are good for us: 
For better mental and physical health a dog gives us many things. Dogs are great listeners. No matter what your age is a dog can patiently listen to anything we say without judgment. Nor do they offer criticism. They offer simple, supportive listening. When we feel all alone a dog offers us companionship.

Stress and anxiety were lessened for dog owners. A Washington State University study revealed cortisol was greatly reduced just by petting a dog for only 10 minutes. Cortisol is called the “stress hormone” by increasing blood flow by increasing the heart rate and blood sugar rate and more when under stress. Veterans showed lesser signs of PTSD and showed better coping skills when they owned a dog.

Today there are more and more ways of measuring the physical benefits of having a dog. A comprehensive overview of studies spanning 69 years found that dog owners lived longer because of handling stress better, exercise and having lower overall blood pressure than non-dog owners. Repetition of heart problems lessened with having a dog and improved the cardiovascular system.

Petting a dog for a short time measurably reduces the cortisol level. Dog owners walked 4X more than non-dog owners walking more than an hour and a half a week longer than non-dog owners. There was a sleep study done which deduced people slept sounder with a dog in their room because they felt safer. People with sleep disorders found service animals improved their problems. Nightmares? Sleep with a dog!

For our seniors, pet therapies show improved cognition, better social skills, and lowered agitated behaviors. There are a wide variety of studies about how dogs affect our lives, and it is mostly in positive, healthier ways. There is no doubt during this COVID period with the skyrocketing number of dogs people have acquired, dogs have become a necessary comfort many people's lives. Several have remarked how they could not have done so well without their dog(s). It is obvious that at a minimum dogs improve the quality of our lives.

REFERENCES: 
Admin. “Cortisol Hormone - Functions, Synthesis and Hormonal Level.” BYJUS, BYJU'S, 13 July 2020, https://byjus.com/biology/cortisol-hormone/.


Arford, Kaitlyn. “10 Science-Based Benefits of Having a Dog.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 11 Nov. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/.


Livingston, Cydney. “Man's Best Friend, Our Relationship to Dogs.” Research Blog, 5 Mar. 2020, https://researchblog.duke.edu/2020/02/15/mans-best-friend-our-relationship-to-dogs/.


Mailonline, Lucy Laing For. “Havanese Is Best Dog for Reducing Stress.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 20 Oct. 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4998614/Havanese-best-dog-reducing-stress.html. 


Roy, Sree. “Dogs and Their Promising Roles in Sleep Disorders Therapy.” Sleep Review, Sleep Review, 1 June 2020, https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/dogs-promising-roles-sleep-disorders-therapy/.