The Best Toys for a Small Puppy

You're terribly excited --- you just introduced a new puppy to your household, and now you are off to the pet store to pick out some toys. But before you plunk down the credit card to furnish your little friend with playthings, make sure you are picking out the right ones. The toys used for adult dogs may not be appropriate for your little guy or gal.

  1. Durable

    • Teething puppies chew --- a lot. Since the teething phase can last for several months, you need toys that are tough and durable enough to take a lot of gnawing from your pup. Otherwise, not only do you risk having to spend money every week on new toys, but your puppy may become ill or even choke on tiny parts he managed to rip off the toy and swallow. Nylon rope and rubber balls that are too large to swallow are two appropriate options for the teething phase.

    Nutritious

    • Certain toys allow you to put a piece of food or a vitamin inside for your dog to try and get out in the process of playing with it. This can be a helpful option for getting your puppy to take supplements they would otherwise give you a hard time about taking. If you turn a vitamin into a reward for your dog --- one that they only receive after getting it out of the toy --- you make them more likely to ingest it in a timely manner. Note, however, that if your dog fails to retrieve the vitamin, you will need to give it to them in a different way to ensure they receive its benefits.

    Calming

    • Certain puppies need more reassurance than others, especially if they have just been weaned and miss their "mommies." Soft, comforting toys, such as dolls, are a necessity to help your puppy adjust to new surroundings or circumstances. Make sure, however, that the item is durable enough to take a great deal of chewing if your pup is still teething.

    Noisy

    • While older dogs may become annoyed at toys that rattle and squeak, young dogs are often fascinated by them, as they bring out their natural predator instincts. Choose noisy toys if your dog is home alone during the day a lot. This will give the puppy interesting sounds to listen to while you are gone, but will not drive you crazy because you will not be home to hear them.