Best Toys for Puppies

Are the best toys for puppies Kong dog toys?  I get asked this question a lot by doting new owners.  And as a breeder I have spent several years attempting to condition my puppies to enjoy Kong dog toys.  That’s because toys for puppies are important.

Why Toys for Puppies are Important

Since most of us have to go out and work each day, sooner or later our new puppy is going to have to become accustomed to long hours spent alone.  Dogs are highly social creatures, and quite intelligent as well.   They don’t naturally relish solitude, and are apt to become bored as well.  All too often these two factors collide and manifest as problem behaviors.  Lonely dogs may develop phobias or hysterical barking.  And bored dogs – especially young working dog breeds with heaps of energy – may invent work to keep them occupied.  Like chewing up all the reticulation in the garden, un-stuffing your couch or taking in the washing.

Chew toys for dogs is a great – though only partial – solution.  One of the most popular are the Kong dog toys.  After all, a dog that is actively chewing on a toy (of any kind) cannot simultaneously be barking.  Or getting up to other mischief either.

Trouble is, despite trying all sorts of stuffings with a myriad variety of chew toys, I find it difficult to get my puppies interested in them.

Some experts would say that’s because the puppies are not hungry enough.  I’ve heard it recommended that pups should get ALL of their food out of chew toys.  Stuff them with their daily allowance of moistened biscuits for example.  That would certainly make them chew them!  But I have a problem with it.  I don’t want to feed my puppies (or dogs for that matter) on a mostly commercial diet.  I don’t believe a dog or puppy can be healthy on predominantly processed food, no matter how grand or expensive it is.

So here’s my solution to the issue:  I believe the best toys for puppies are raw meaty bones.  Choose types that are a little challenging for little teeth and jaws and leave your hungry puppy to it.  Guaranteed to keep them happily munching for hours!  Kong dog toys and other chew toys for puppies just don’t compete.

Toys for puppies should be rotated regularly too.  They are just like kids really.  They get bored easily with the same old toys.  But no need to go out and buy up the store.  Luckily there are lots of cheap options to keep them stimulated and engaged.

Here are my favorite toys for puppies:

• A raw meaty bone.  For smaller puppies chicken necks are great.  For larger pups chicken drumsticks or mutton ribs work well.
• A small empty plastic drink bottle tied into an old sock.  It makes a very satisfying crackling noise when they chomp on it.
• A plastic flower pot suspended from a rope just above head height for them to jump for and swing on.
• Make a tunnel out of a short section of garden mesh or ringlock fence and line it with shadecloth.  My puppies love going through the tunnel, and climbing over it as well. (Remove any sharp protruding wire of course).
• Old stuffed children’s toys are another favourite.  Be prepared for them to get unstuffed all over the place though!
• You can also stuff an old pair of tights and tie here and there to create a string of sausages they can drag around.
• Hiding treats around the house or garden before you leave is a great idea.  Your puppy can then look forward to a treasure hunt to discover them all.

Alleviate boredom in your puppy before leaving them alone by spending a little time playing with them prior to leaving.  And when they get past their immunizations, schedule a daily walk early in the day before work.  Even just a ten minute burn around the block makes all the difference.  Let them live with you in the house when you are home so they can be part of the pack for several hours a day and you’ll have a happy dog.

Toys for puppies do not need to be expensive or complicated!