Many dog owners may think they’re providing their pets with the best toys, ensuring they’re brightly colored in blue or yellow—colors dogs are said to see best. However, dog behavior specialist Nathan Williams suggests that this common practice might actually be misguided.
Williams explains that dogs are color deficient because they have only two types of receptors in their eyes, compared to humans’ three. While dogs can perceive blue and yellow, colors like red and pink appear to them in shades of grey. This leads to the misconception that blue and yellow toys are optimal, but in reality, the emphasis on toys based on color is unnecessary.
The real issue, according to Williams, lies not in the colors of the toys but in how toys are used. He explains that dogs’ brains are primarily focused on scent and sound, with sight being a secondary function. About 60% of a dog’s brain is dedicated to scent, so dogs naturally rely more on their noses than their eyes. When we introduce toys, especially ones they don’t need to sniff (like plastic toys), we encourage them to focus on their vision rather than their sense of smell. This can cause dogs to become less intelligent and even lead to behavioral problems.
For example, dogs trained to focus on toys may start reacting to visual stimuli—like seeing a leaf or a strange object—without using their noses to assess the situation. This can result in unnecessary barking or excitement over things that aren’t threats, like when a mail carrier walks by.
Williams cautions that toys can replace more natural outlets for dogs, such as chewing bones, which provide both mental stimulation and health benefits. Instead of focusing on toys, he encourages owners to allow their dogs to explore and engage with the world primarily through their sense of smell, which is more in tune with their natural instincts.
So, the next time you’re thinking about buying your dog a new toy, consider how it fits into their natural behaviors and needs. Focusing on their scent rather than their sight might just be the key to a more balanced and mentally stimulated pet.
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