The Ultimate Guide to Good Toys for Puppies
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a very exciting time, filled with newfound love, laughter, many playful moments, and many puddles and little accidents. It all goes with the territory of a new puppy in the house.
It is crucial to provide your new four-legged shadow with a variety of good toys for puppies to keep them entertained and stimulated to help them develop essential skills.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best types of toys for your pup and answer many of the common questions that new pet owners may have. And hey, new puppy day! Good times!
What Type of Toy Is Best for Puppies?
When searching for dog toys, it is essential to consider your puppy’s specific needs and preferences.
If you have absolutely no idea what your puppy likes to play with most yet, it’s best to consider the 3 main types below and grab at least one of each type to see what they like the most.
I know with Luna (my miniature schnauzer), she definitely has her favourites and also some toys that she just ignores entirely. If I don’t see her playing with a specific toy for a while, it gets donated to the local dog’s home (rather than being left unused or put in the trash).
The most popular types of puppy toys are:
Chew Toys
Puppies, especially teething puppies, love to chew.
Providing them with safe, durable chew toys can help alleviate teething discomfort and prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items.
Me & Luna have put 3 examples of good chew toys below (these are the highest-rated ones from Amazon to save you hunting)
Rope Toys
Rope toys are excellent for puppies who enjoy tugging and chewing. These toys can help clean your puppy’s teeth and gums while they play.
We would also add here that some dog owners (like myself) have kept their puppy (Luna) away from excessive tug-of-war games while her baby teeth grew out.
This does not mean not to give your puppy a rope toy, rather it is more of a case to go careful as their teeth are tiny and you can play rougher when they get older and their adult teeth have come out fully.
Puzzle toys
Puzzle toys can mentally stimulate your pup by challenging them to solve a problem to access treats or kibble.
Also to be frankly honest, it’s quite nice to get the pup to play happily by themselves. They can be a little “full on” to begin with and teaching your puppy to play both with you and by themselves is very important.
Each puppy is unique, so it is essential to experiment with different dog toy types to determine which ones your four-legged shadow enjoys the most.
A side note here is that with Luna, we learned quickly that it can be just as taxing for her to be mentally stimulated as it is for a walk or playing with typical toys. She got one well with the Kong toy, but we’ll save the flip toy she absolutely loves for a different post as its not really suitable to puppies (and that’s what we’re discussing here).
Again, these are the top-rated puzzle toys on Amazon. Simple, yet highly effective.
Toys for 8-Week-Old Puppies
At eight weeks old, puppies are still learning and exploring their environment. They have also just got their new furr-parent (you) too, so life has just got a whole lot more fun!
It’s ok to wonder what your puppy can play with and chew on safely. Here are some ideas for suitable toys for 8-week-old puppies:
Soft Chew Toys
At this young age, puppies need soft, gentle chew toys to protect their developing teeth and gums.
Plush Toys
Plush dog toys can provide comfort and companionship for your puppy, especially during the early stages of their life.
Small Rope Toys
Lightweight, small rope toys can be suitable for 8-week-old puppies, as long as they are supervised during playtime.
Fancy A “non”, Cheap Dog Toy?
Do keep in mind to stick with dedicated dog toys. Luna absolutely ripped to shreds cheap tennis balls and kids’ plush toys, to begin with those sharp little gnashers she had as a puppy.
Always monitor your young puppy when they are playing with any dog toy to ensure their safety. Remember there is playing and there is “playing”.
Satisfying a Bored Puppy
A bored puppy can quickly turn into a destructive one.
To keep your pup entertained and satisfied, try incorporating the following activities and dog toys:
Interactive play
Engage your puppy in games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek.
Puzzle toy
Stimulate your puppy’s brain with puzzle toys that require them to think and problem-solve.
Training sessions
Short, fun training sessions can help your pup learn new commands and behaviours while keeping them mentally engaged.
What Not to Do Around a Puppy
When raising a puppy, it is crucial to avoid certain behaviours and situations that could be harmful or confusing for your pup. Some things to avoid:
Punishing or scolding your puppy harshly
This can lead to fear and anxiety, making it more challenging to train your pup.
Leaving your puppy unsupervised with toys
While providing your puppy with dog toys is essential, it is crucial to monitor them during playtime to prevent choking hazards or accidents.
Allowing your puppy to chew on inappropriate items
Establish boundaries and provide your pup with a variety of chew toys to prevent destructive chewing habits.
Instead, positive reinforcement is far more productive and I know first-hand it can be very frustrating that you have to tell your puppy they have been “a really good puppy” after they have come back from exploring and blatantly ignored you for 5 minutes.
Puppy Roaming and House Rules
When deciding when to let your puppy roam freely in your home, consider the following factors:
House training progress
Ensure your puppy is reliably house-trained before allowing them to roam unsupervised.
Puppy-proofing
Make sure your home is safe and secure, with potential hazards like electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects removed or out of reach.
Supervision
Gradually increase your puppy’s freedom while still providing appropriate supervision to prevent accidents or destructive behaviour.
Keep in mind this quote about having a dog, let alone a puppy:
I did not know what could be eaten until I had a dog
Matt, Luna’s Hooman
Puppy Toy Safety Tips
To keep your puppy safe while playing with their toys, consider the following precautions:
Size-appropriate toys
Ensure your puppy’s toys are the right size for their breed and age to avoid choking hazards.
Regular inspections
Routinely check your puppy’s toys for wear and tear, and replace any damaged toys immediately.
Avoid toys with small parts
Steer clear of dog toys with small, detachable parts that could be swallowed or pose a choking risk.
Supervise playtime
Always supervise your puppy during playtime to ensure they are playing safely and not ingesting any parts of their toys.
To a puppy, everything is a toy to be chewed and played with. It’s our jobs as hoomans to guide them to the things they should be playing and provide them with a variety of good choices (rather than the stair bannister!)
The Importance of Variety in Your Puppy’s Toy Collection
Providing your puppy with a diverse selection of dog toys is crucial for several reasons. These are:
Mental Stimulation
A variety of toys, such as puzzle toys and interactive dog toys, can help keep your pup’s mind active and engaged.
Physical Activity
Different types of toys encourage various types of play, which can help your puppy burn off energy and maintain a healthy weight.
Dental Health
Chew toys and rope toys can help clean your pup’s teeth and gums, promoting good dental hygiene.
Development of appropriate play habits
A well-rounded toy collection can help your puppy learn how to play correctly and prevent destructive behaviours.
In Summary
As we mentioned at the beginning, selecting the right assortment of good toys for puppies is essential for their development, happiness, and overall well-being.
By providing your four-legged shadow with various dog toys, such as chew toys, rope toys, and puzzle toys, you can ensure they stay mentally stimulated, and physically active, and develop appropriate play habits.
Always remember to supervise your puppy during playtime and routinely inspect their toys for any signs of damage. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you can confidently provide your pup with the best possible playtime experience.
We’ll leave you with three different types of toys to grab for your puppy. And frankly, I am so jealous of you, puppies are amazing. I’m not allowed any more.
Matt & Luna
- Is Raw Chicken Good for Dogs? Get the Facts Here - April 13, 2023
- Surprising Benefits and Dangers of Celery for Dogs - April 12, 2023
- What are the Risk Factors of Feeding Your Dog Pork? - April 12, 2023
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!