How to Choose the Ideal Dog Toy

It is an age old question if dogs can see colors or not. After extensive testing we have the answer. Yes, dogs can see colors. They see many fewer than humans do, so as dog owners we need to choose their dog toys carefully. Unless the dog can see the ball, they will chase after it, lose it in the grass, and become confused and distressed.

Humans see all the colors of a rainbow. Everybody remembers Roy G. Biv. (Red, orange, yellow, green, blue indigo, violet) Instead of these colors, dogs have their own rainbow. Theirs consist of dark blue, light blue, grey, light yellow, dark yellow or brown, and dark grey or black. The world is mostly blue and yellow to our furry companions. They see green, yellow, and orange all as yellow. Violet and blue are of course blue. Green is seen as grey and red appears black.

Many dog toys are fluorescent orange. This color is very visible to humans, but not so much for dogs. The orange toys were used so that we can easily find them after they are thrown. When you throw an orange ball or Frisbee to a dog, they will often run right past it! If they do find it on the ground, they usually feel around with their noses.

Because the dog sees both green and orange as yellow, the orange ball will look the same as the grass that it lands on. Dog owners should choose more carefully when buying dog toys. If playing outside, the background colors will be mostly green, because of the grass. But a combination of two different colors is always best. Using a toy that is two colors will make it easier for you to find, and for the dog to find when playing in different places. Blue and yellow are an ideal match since they are the two main colors that dogs can see separately. It may be a good idea, if using a Frisbee, to try and find one that is blue in the middle and yellow on the edges. It will be seen against multiple backgrounds, and with the bright outer edged, it will be easy for you to find.

So as dog owners, we should be more considerate when playing with our furry friends. The fun is for them too, not only us. They can see you have a toy in your hand, but once it is thrown they cannot see it and will become confused. Pick out toys that are blue or yellow, and try to combine more than one color.