Puppies will play with anything and everything—but that doesn't mean their choices are always ideal. The best puppy toys are those that provide not only entertainment, but also teach certain skills, engage their little brains, and strengthen your bond.
Puppy Teething Toys
Teething is painful and confusing for a puppy—and in an effort to alleviate those feelings, your puppy will chew. If you don’t provide the proper items, he may chew on whatever he finds, including your shoes and furniture. “When they are young, this is also how puppies explore their world, much like babies – things go in the mouth to be examined,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.
Chews such as rawhides can pose choking hazards. Instead, select durable, size-appropriate toys made specifically for teething pups, says Thomas.
Freezable Chew Toys
Freezable chew toys can provide relief for puppies experiencing teething pain. Other dogs simply enjoy the novelty of a chilly toy. Specialty freezer toys are available, but you can freeze just about any standard chew toy, says Thomas.
Another fun option is to make doggie “popsicles,” which can provide numbing relief, hydration and fun. “Basically, you encapsulate toys or treats in a container of water and then freeze it,” says Thomas. “They must lick and work through the ice to get to the toys or treats inside.”
Treat Balls and Toys
Bored puppies can become destructive, mouthy, and be difficult to train. Making your dog “work” for his food can be a great way to provide mental stimulation and enrichment, says Steffi Trott, a dog trainer and owner of SpiritDog Training in Albuquerque, NM.
“If you feed your puppy out of a treat-dispensing ball instead of a bowl, he will have to work for, and think about, getting to his food," says Trott. "All of your puppy's senses will be involved in working the ball, making it an enriching and exciting experience."
Interactive Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are great because they require interaction and can help you bond with your dog. They also can teach your dog a number of important skills. "Puppies tend to not have a lot of patience—they like to do things fast and with a lot of power," says Trott. "By having our puppies work with puzzle toys, we can teach them that sometimes, slowing down and being patient and thoughtful is the way to success."
Puzzles are also beneficial for brain development and teaching a puppy the skills he’ll need as he gets older. “If we can teach our puppy to be smart about problem-solving, this is how he will behave in any challenging situation later on in life,” says Trott.
Feeding Mats
Feeding mats have exploded in popularity in the last few years. They provide mental stimulation and can be a lot of fun for puppies—but only under close supervision. “Their construction is designed to create loops and cavities for the food and treats to fall into, which can be easily destroyed by a puppy,” says Thomas. “These could certainly become a danger if the dog ingests the pieces.”
Feeding mats make eating more than just a quick vacuuming up of food. “Anything that teases the mind and challenges dogs will tire them out, even more so than exercise," Thomas adds.
Hard Rubber Toys
Hard rubber toys—especially those that have a cavity for a treat like peanut butter—are great for playful, chew-happy puppies.
If you have a stuffable toy, provide a variety of interesting treats to keep your dog engaged. "Licking and chewing are very calming activities for dogs and can be used to relax anxious dogs as well,” says Trott.