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!

Collar:
Knowing your collar is a start. What kinds of collars are there? There are basic flat collars that go around the neck, a martingale collar, a choke collar, a metal prong or pinch collar, a smart collar, head collar, show collar, and harness. A collar can be braided, leather, plastic, LED, nylon, cloth, metal, brass, neoprene, flat, or rolled and embellished in a million ways. 

And just for fun – what color? With or without a nameplate/tag or I.D. built into the collar some way? Bows? Flowers? Bandanas?  With these choices comes the question of quality, material, and understanding exactly what is needed.

As mentioned before there is a choke collar commonly used for training that comes in a chain, rope style, or leather. The type of chain can affect how smoothly the action of the collar is or if the collar moves in a jerky manner. There are many different kinds of chain choke collars such as a Jewelers or curb link, flat link, thick Cuban link, rhinestone lock buckle cut link, fur saver link, snake link or basic round, simple link collar. In addition there is a vast amount of ornamentation possible with these collars. 
 ​
A martingale collar is also known as a no-slip or limited-slip collar and is a popular choice.  This is our go-to for training until the puppy has been "trained" then they graduate into a harness. A harness offers several bonuses including something no collar can give, a gentler way to quickly scoop up your dog in an emergency like a dog attack scenario.  

Harness: 
If a harness is the buyer’s choice then where the clip is located is critical. I recommend a lightweight mesh harness with a wide chest strap and a clip on the back. It should fit close to the body neither too tight or too loose.  The clip on the back is ideal for Havanese because in an emergency situation there is less damage done to the esophagus or trachea and the spine, neck, laryngeal nerve, fore or hind legs. If the clip chest instead of the back and you have to pull your dog to safety you will create a situation where your dog could bite you due to the sudden chaos of the situation. 

Clasps:
There is a variety of clasps used in harnesses and collars from a break-away clasp, side quick-release clasp, side or slide release clasp, and buckle (prong) clasp. Like collars, clasps come in a variety of materials from rustproof, waterproof, metal to plastic. Usually near a clasp there is the ring where the leash attaches. 

Leash:
A traditional training leash is 4ft.-6 ft. long with a looped handhold at one end and a fastener at the other end. Be aware leashes come in many lengths and multiple widths. Materials include nylon, rope, braid, leather,  flat/ribbon, and other choices, colors or prints. It is possible to buy attractive matching leash and harness sets. I do not recommend retractable leashes. I prefer a 1/2" leash for these small dogs because the leashes carry a weight to the dog's neck area. 

Leash fasteners come in many configurations: trigger snap, bolt lock (most common), bolt snap or round eye bolt snap and bolt snap with swivel head (most popular), double-sided bolt snap hook, lobster clasp hooks, antique brass style bolt locks or simple lanyard hook (strongly not recommended).

Treat Pouch, Tote, or Bag?
A treat pouch is an easier and less messy way to carry training treats. A treat pouch is a bag that attaches to the belt via loop or carabiner clip usually. The pouch ranges from a simple design to an ultra-fashionable material and styling statement with conveniences such as additional pocket(s), zippered compartments or even a hinged opening, etc.!

Treats & Caution
We like freeze-dried dog treats with ingredients that you know and not umpteen syllables in what seems to be, a foreign language. We mentioned in a previous post that when it comes to training we use freeze-dried beef lung and freeze-dried chicken. Make sure that your treats are made in the USA. The pieces should be the size of a blueberry or cheerio. When training, it is better use a set specific treats to give your dog something to look forward to. We say set, because if you mix it up from time to time it keeps it interesting for your dog. 

Frame of mind:
The trainer’s frame of mind, voice, and attitude. Your dog picks up on your emotions and can reflect them back. It is a waste of time if you come into training bothered and not focused on making this time a positive experience for your dog. By positive, or ‘crafted experience,’ I mean to purposely and patiently teach your dog with gentleness and an upbeat attitude. Bear in mind, this is a new adventure for your dog. Make it fun with plenty of praise and age or experience-appropriate responses for the dog with treats and petting to create an experience the dog enjoys. 

Impact:
This enjoyment leads into the next session as one for the dog to anticipate fun versus dread. If it is fun for the dog, hopefully, it is fun for the trainer and the lessons move more quickly and smoothly. Also please be sure the walking surface will not burn your dog’s feet.
​

References:
“7 Best Harnesses for Small Dogs [2022 Reviews]: Tiny & Terrific!” K9 Of Mine, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-harness-for-small-dogs/.

Dogcollarsharnessesandleashes. “Types of Dog Leash Fasteners.” Dog Collars Harnesses and Leashes, 18 Apr. 2022, https://dogcollarsharnessesandleashes.com/types-of-dog-leash-fasteners/.

Karen AndersonUpdated by Margeaux Baulch Klein, et al. “The 10 Best Small Dog Harnesses: Your Complete Guide.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/small-dog-harnesses/.

Nicole CosgroveNicole is the proud mom of Rosa. “10 Best Dog Harnesses for Small Dogs [Reviews 2022 ].” Hepper, 27 Mar. 2022, https://www.hepper.com/best-dog-harness-for-small-dogs/.

Phenix, Annie, et al. “What to Do When an off-Leash Dog Approaches Your Leashed Dog.” Dogster, 2 July 2021, https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-to-do-when-an-off-leash-dog-approaches-your-leashed-dog.

“Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/.

Stregowski, Jenna. “Which Dog Collar Is Best for Your Dog?” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-dog-collars-1118613.

“Understanding Dog Training Collar Injuries.” VetInfo, https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-training-collar.html.

Vuckovic, Angela. “How to Discipline a Dog without Hitting, Advice and Tips.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 16 Nov. 2021, https://blog.petcube.com/dog-training/.