Puppy Toys
How to choose the best toys for puppies?
A puppy starter kit is never complete without puppy toys. Why? Because they support your dog's motor and intellectual development. As part of your shared interaction, they also build positive associations with you. But choosing them isn't always easy. How do you find an indestructible plush toy or one of the best chew toys for puppies that will survive the challenging teething phase? What should you buy first?
When choosing toys, consider your puppy's temperament (if you already know it) or select a few different types to see what they prefer. Some will love a classic puller, while others will choose to release their energy by tugging on a long rope.
How to choose the best toys for puppies?
A puppy starter kit is never complete without puppy toys. Why? Because they support your dog's motor and intellectual development. As part of your shared interaction, they also build positive associations with you. But choosing them isn't always easy. How do you find an indestructible plush toy or one of the best chew toys for puppies that will survive the challenging teething phase? What should you buy first?
When choosing toys, consider your puppy's temperament (if you already know it) or select a few different types to see what they prefer. Some will love a classic puller, while others will choose to release their energy by tugging on a long rope.
What types of puppy toys are worth buying?
Let's explore the types of toys for puppies that you should have in your home. Make sure your puppy gets to experience:
| Type of Toy | Balls |
|---|---|
| Our Top Tips | Who doesn't love chasing a rolling ball? Just be careful it doesn't get stuck under the sofa on the first throw—the separation might be tough! Important: Try to throw it a few times, not dozens, to avoid overstimulating your pup. |
| Type of Toy | Tug Toys & Pullers |
| Our Top Tips | Perfect for mutual games of tug-of-war! Remember to go easy on the little ones, keeping their delicate teeth and developing joints in mind. |
| Type of Toy | Plush Toys |
| Our Top Tips | Soft and cuddly, preferably with stuffing that your pup can't easily rip out and eat. The well-designed toys from Kong are a great option here. |
| Type of Toy | Squeaky & Non-Squeaky Toys |
| Our Top Tips | This way you can find out which ones they prefer... and which ones you like. |
| Type of Toy | Snuffle Mats & Food Toys |
| Our Top Tips | These let your puppy use their nose and teach them patience, while also fulfilling some of their natural hunting instincts. |
| Type of Toy | Puzzle Toys |
| Our Top Tips | Puzzle toys for puppies. Start with a low difficulty level to prevent your puppy from getting frustrated. |
Type of Toy | Our Top Tips |
|---|---|
Balls | Who doesn't love chasing a rolling ball? Just be careful it doesn't get stuck under the sofa on the first throw—the separation might be tough! Important: Try to throw it a few times, not dozens, to avoid overstimulating your pup. |
Tug Toys & Pullers | Perfect for mutual games of tug-of-war! Remember to go easy on the little ones, keeping their delicate teeth and developing joints in mind. |
Plush Toys | Soft and cuddly, preferably with stuffing that your pup can't easily rip out and eat. The well-designed toys from Kong are a great option here. |
Squeaky & Non-Squeaky Toys | This way you can find out which ones they prefer... and which ones you like. |
Snuffle Mats & Food Toys | These let your puppy use their nose and teach them patience, while also fulfilling some of their natural hunting instincts. |
Puzzle Toys | Puzzle toys for puppies. Start with a low difficulty level to prevent your puppy from getting frustrated. |
What types of puppy toys are worth buying?
Let's explore the types of toys for puppies that you should have in your home. Make sure your puppy gets to experience:
| Type of Toy | Balls |
|---|---|
| Our Top Tips | Who doesn't love chasing a rolling ball? Just be careful it doesn't get stuck under the sofa on the first throw—the separation might be tough! Important: Try to throw it a few times, not dozens, to avoid overstimulating your pup. |
| Type of Toy | Tug Toys & Pullers |
| Our Top Tips | Perfect for mutual games of tug-of-war! Remember to go easy on the little ones, keeping their delicate teeth and developing joints in mind. |
| Type of Toy | Plush Toys |
| Our Top Tips | Soft and cuddly, preferably with stuffing that your pup can't easily rip out and eat. The well-designed toys from Kong are a great option here. |
| Type of Toy | Squeaky & Non-Squeaky Toys |
| Our Top Tips | This way you can find out which ones they prefer... and which ones you like. |
| Type of Toy | Snuffle Mats & Food Toys |
| Our Top Tips | These let your puppy use their nose and teach them patience, while also fulfilling some of their natural hunting instincts. |
| Type of Toy | Puzzle Toys |
| Our Top Tips | Puzzle toys for puppies. Start with a low difficulty level to prevent your puppy from getting frustrated. |
Type of Toy | Our Top Tips |
|---|---|
Balls | Who doesn't love chasing a rolling ball? Just be careful it doesn't get stuck under the sofa on the first throw—the separation might be tough! Important: Try to throw it a few times, not dozens, to avoid overstimulating your pup. |
Tug Toys & Pullers | Perfect for mutual games of tug-of-war! Remember to go easy on the little ones, keeping their delicate teeth and developing joints in mind. |
Plush Toys | Soft and cuddly, preferably with stuffing that your pup can't easily rip out and eat. The well-designed toys from Kong are a great option here. |
Squeaky & Non-Squeaky Toys | This way you can find out which ones they prefer... and which ones you like. |
Snuffle Mats & Food Toys | These let your puppy use their nose and teach them patience, while also fulfilling some of their natural hunting instincts. |
Puzzle Toys | Puzzle toys for puppies. Start with a low difficulty level to prevent your puppy from getting frustrated. |
What should you look for when buying puppy chew toys?
When choosing puppy chew toys, pay close attention to the following:
- It should not contain small parts that a puppy could easily bite off and swallow (e.g., beaded eyes on plush toys).
- It should be made from a durable material—puppy teeth are surprisingly strong! This is key for recommended chew toys for puppies.
- It should be age-appropriate, especially when it comes to puzzle toys.
What should you look for when buying puppy chew toys?
When choosing puppy chew toys, pay close attention to the following:
- It should not contain small parts that a puppy could easily bite off and swallow (e.g., beaded eyes on plush toys).
- It should be made from a durable material—puppy teeth are surprisingly strong! This is key for recommended chew toys for puppies.
- It should be age-appropriate, especially when it comes to puzzle toys.
Which toys support a puppy's development?
Want to invest in puppy toys that will develop their skills? Think in these categories:
| Type of Development | Motor Skills |
|---|---|
| Recommended Toys | Fabric and plastic balls, tug toys with balls, and throwing discs. |
| Type of Development | Intellectual Development |
| Recommended Toys | Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls. |
| Type of Development | Social Development |
| Recommended Toys | Tug toys, pullers, dummies for playing together. |
| Type of Development | Sensory Development (Smell) |
| Recommended Toys | Snuffle mats, lick mats/Kongs, fabric toys for hiding treats. |
Type of Development | Recommended Toys |
|---|---|
Motor Skills | Fabric and plastic balls, tug toys with balls, and throwing discs. |
Intellectual Development | Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls. |
Social Development | Tug toys, pullers, dummies for playing together. |
Sensory Development (Smell) | Snuffle mats, lick mats/Kongs, fabric toys for hiding treats. |
Which toys support a puppy's development?
Want to invest in puppy toys that will develop their skills? Think in these categories:
| Type of Development | Motor Skills |
|---|---|
| Recommended Toys | Fabric and plastic balls, tug toys with balls, and throwing discs. |
| Type of Development | Intellectual Development |
| Recommended Toys | Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls. |
| Type of Development | Social Development |
| Recommended Toys | Tug toys, pullers, dummies for playing together. |
| Type of Development | Sensory Development (Smell) |
| Recommended Toys | Snuffle mats, lick mats/Kongs, fabric toys for hiding treats. |
Type of Development | Recommended Toys |
|---|---|
Motor Skills | Fabric and plastic balls, tug toys with balls, and throwing discs. |
Intellectual Development | Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls. |
Social Development | Tug toys, pullers, dummies for playing together. |
Sensory Development (Smell) | Snuffle mats, lick mats/Kongs, fabric toys for hiding treats. |
What are the best chew toys for puppies at 2 months old?
We mentioned matching toys to your puppy's age. So what does a 2-month-old puppy, fresh from the breeder or shelter, need? We've got some recommended chew toys for puppies to start with:
- Start with one small plush toy that your pup can carry around.
- You'll also need something for them to chew. Young puppies shouldn't be given very hard chews, so silicone teething toys with soft nubs to massage their gums are an excellent choice.
- Add a small tug toy to the mix, and you're ready for new adventures!
And beyond playtime, ensure they get optimal nutrition—the right puppy dry food and puppy wet food from trusted manufacturers at zooplus will help. Don't forget, this is also the perfect time for Puppy House Training.
What are the best chew toys for puppies at 2 months old?
We mentioned matching toys to your puppy's age. So what does a 2-month-old puppy, fresh from the breeder or shelter, need? We've got some recommended chew toys for puppies to start with:
- Start with one small plush toy that your pup can carry around.
- You'll also need something for them to chew. Young puppies shouldn't be given very hard chews, so silicone teething toys with soft nubs to massage their gums are an excellent choice.
- Add a small tug toy to the mix, and you're ready for new adventures!
And beyond playtime, ensure they get optimal nutrition—the right puppy dry food and puppy wet food from trusted manufacturers at zooplus will help. Don't forget, this is also the perfect time for Puppy House Training.