We all know that dogs love toys, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which toys are most suitable for your dog—especially for a new puppy. The right toys are essential for promoting healthy development, appropriate behaviour, and, of course, fun!
When choosing toys, it’s important to consider your puppy’s age, breed, size, and previous experiences. Puppies have unique developmental needs, and the toys you provide should help support their growth, learning, and instinctual behaviours. Let’s explore how to choose the best toys for your puppy and why they are so important.
Why Toys Are Important for Puppies
Puppies need a variety of toys for a number of developmental reasons, including:
Learning appropriate chewing behaviours: Toys teach puppies to chew the right items instead of furniture, shoes, or other household objects.
Building independence and problem-solving skills: Toys encourage industriousness and perseverance, helping puppies learn how to entertain themselves.
Developing impulse control and self-awareness: Engaging in structured games with toys provides opportunities to teach rules and boundaries.
Familiarisation with different stimuli: Toys introduce puppies to a variety of textures, tastes, shapes, sizes, and sounds, helping them adapt to the world around them.
Providing the right mix of toys during this critical learning phase can maximise your puppy’s development and set them up for success.
Soft Toys for Comfort and Play
Soft toys are an excellent choice for puppies because they serve multiple purposes. They can provide comfort during nap time and satisfy a puppy’s instinct to chase, carry, dissect, poke, and prod. Soft toys also offer opportunities for interactive games, such as:
Hide-and-Seek: Hide the toy for your puppy to find.
Tug and Release: Teach impulse control with structured tug games.
Excite and Calm: Alternate between active play and calm periods to teach self-regulation.
Safety First:
When choosing soft toys, ensure they are well-made and free from components (like small buttons or plastic parts) that could become detached and swallowed. If the toy has any potentially hazardous elements, always supervise your puppy during playtime.
Recommended Brand: Joy Toys
One brand I love is Joy Toys, which makes soft toys filled with crinkled paper instead of stuffing. This means no messy cleanup if your puppy dissects the toy—and no stuffing for your pup to swallow. These toys are also lightweight, making them easy for young puppies to carry.
You can purchase these from Amazon
Rubber Toys for Chewing and Enrichment
As puppies grow, they have a natural need to chew—especially as they start teething and lose their baby teeth (deciduous teeth). Rubber toys provide a durable outlet for chewing and help alleviate teething discomfort.
KONG Toys
KONG toys are a must-have for any puppy. They are versatile, durable, and can be used throughout all stages of your dog’s life as part of their enrichment routine. KONGs come in various shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to select one that is appropriate for your puppy’s breed, age, and size.
How to Use KONGs for Puppies:
Start by filling the KONG with treats or food that will fall out easily. This ensures your puppy doesn’t get frustrated and gives up.
Gradually increase the level of difficulty as your puppy becomes accustomed to using the KONG.
For added enrichment, freeze the KONG with soft food or peanut butter for a longer-lasting challenge.
The Kong classic
The Kong Goodie Bone
Firmer Chew Toys for Gnawing
In addition to rubber toys, it’s a good idea to provide your puppy with firmer items designed specifically for gnawing. These toys satisfy their natural urge to chew and keep them engaged.
Nylabones
Nylabones are an excellent option for puppies. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and flavours, making it easy to find one your puppy loves.
Tips for Introducing Nylabones:
Start with a small, puppy-specific Nylabone that is gentle on their developing teeth and gums.
Consider buying a Nylabone Puppy Pack (available on Amazon), which includes a variety of textures and flavours. This allows your puppy to explore and choose their favourite.
Final Thoughts
Providing your puppy with a variety of toys is essential for their development, mental stimulation, and overall well-being. From soft toys for comfort and interactive play to rubber and firmer chew toys for teething and enrichment, the right selection of toys can help your puppy grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult dog.
When choosing toys, always consider your puppy’s age, size, and breed. And remember—safety is key! Supervise your puppy with new toys until you’re confident they can play with them safely.
By investing in the right toys, you’re not only giving your puppy a way to have fun—you’re also helping them learn, grow, and thrive.
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