Chew Test Dog Toy Box Is the Key
It is impossible to have only one dog toy throughout all of your dog’s life. Once you explore other toy options, you’ll soon find your house drowning in dog toys. We are all guilty of that; we love spoiling our pooch. So rather than solving the problem after it happens, you should set up a basic dog toy storage system from the beginning. One that will keep your misplaced toys to a minimum and prevent your dog from getting to them on its own.
How Big Should Your Dog Toy Box Be?
Start with a 50-liter plastic container box (57” L x 41” W x 34” H) if you are interested in larger toys like a ball shooter. A 20-liter one (24” L x 14.5” W x 3.5” H) if you’re only looking for smaller toys like chew toys. These sizes should be good for owners with multiple dogs as a starting point. The color and transparency aren’t important compared to the quality and durability of the plastic.
These plastic boxes are good because they are designed to be easy to clean, though there are a few downsides. They tend to be unsightly and come with a tight lid. A good dog toy storage system will allow for air ventilation so that toys have a chance to dry off, keeping moisture-loving microbes and foul odors away.
If you see a dog toy basket or box you love, go ahead and get it. There are unlimited designs, materials, and sizes to choose from when it comes to dog toy boxes. Remember that these more fashionable options are generally more challenging to clean, can trap dirt and gunk, and are generally more costly compared to plastic boxes. Some dogs try to break into boxes because they can smell the toys, so keep them out of your pooch’s reach.
Dog Toy Box Keeps Your Collection in One Place
The primary purpose of having a dedicated dog toy storage is that all of them stay in one place and are easily accessible. Your dog will go through lots of toys, and one of the worst things you’ll encounter is losing track of them in your own home. If you follow a routine, even a dog toy basket will help you minimize misplacement losses. We have a recommended dog toy maintenance routine listed for you below.
Limited Access Means Greater Value
Leaving any dog toy out and giving your dog unlimited access can initially sound like a good idea. Though after a week, your dog will grow bored of it, just as any kid would from repeatedly playing with the same toy. This way, the toy’s value decreases regardless of how well-maintained or durable it is. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
The real value of dog toys is the time your dog spends playing with you. Proper dog toy storage is a practical part of dog training and owner discipline. When your dog sees you reaching for your dog toy basket, it will get super excited because it knows you will be playing with them. You’ll also be better organized; no one wants to look for dog toys when they can be playing with their dogs instead. Remember to follow this concept and store all dog toys after sundown to let your dogs know that toys are for fun during the daytime, and nighttime means calming down before bed.
Recommended Dog Toy Box Routine
Observe your dog and the toys – Keep a close eye on how your dog plays with toys. Is it eating instead of chewing? Are chunks being torn off constantly? Is there a dangling piece hanging somewhere that can be a choking hazard? Of course, you’ll want to discard broken, torn, and shredded toys immediately.
Inspection – Check on your dog’s toys after every play session. You’ll see tiny dirt and grime stuck in small crevices; brush them off before they become more challenging to remove. You can also better judge a dog toy’s life span when examining firsthand.
Cleaning – Small amount of dog-friendly soap and water is enough to clean most dog toys, especially nylon or rubber ones. Rope toys can be difficult, and you can soak them in water and slowly heat it in a microwave during winter months when sun-drying is no longer an option. Then, throw them into the washing machine if you can dry them out in the sun afterward. Just remember to use a small amount of dog-friendly soap and lots of water to wash them out later. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or disinfectants, as they harm your dog.
Storage – Keep your dog toy baskets (or boxes) high and away from your dog. Boxes that do not have a tight lid should at least be covered with a cloth or some cover. Plastic or other containers with tight lids can be kept on the floor. Remember that you may need to train your dog that chewing on these boxes isn’t acceptable. If your dog keeps smelling and making a big deal out of it, then consider storing it out of your dog’s reach and sight.
