Good Toys for Chocolate Lab Puppies

Adopting a chocolate lab puppy is a big responsibility. This energetic, family-friendly breed needs lots of exercise and attention to stay healthy and out of trouble. Your puppy will have a penchant for chewing, to exercise his jaws, relieve painful gums and to just be a lab. Offer puppy-friendly toys that withstand its strong lab jaws to prevent it from gobbling up your favorite shoe -- or couch cushion, chair, shirt or coffee table.

  1. Rubber

    • Lab puppies have very strong jaws, so choose indestructible toys. Skip the stuffed animals and thin latex options -- it will shred them within minutes. Go for toys made from very hard and thick rubber. Many of these toys have a hollow center, which you can fill with treats or peanut butter to keep your puppy occupied for some time.

    Retrieving

    • Labrador retrievers live up to their name by being natural-born retrievers. Tennis balls or other toys you throw for him to retrieve will help release energy. Rawhide bones or natural cow hooves are chewable ̶0;toys̶1; that can satisfy your dog̵7;s need to chew.

    Tug of War

    • Labs love to play tug of war -- especially with their owners. Instead of using a dress or your sheets, try a dog-friendly rope bought in a pet store. These rope toys are durable and help you bond with your new puppy.

    Educational Toys

    • Labs are an intelligent breed and enjoy being stimulated. Toys that you fill with treats and then have the dog play with to release the treats can be quite entertaining for chocolate lab puppies. These toys are usually very durable and satisfy your puppy̵7;s need to gnaw and may help prevent boredom.

    Considerations

    • Avoid giving your puppy toys that resemble household items. If you offer old shoes or shirts, your puppy may chew new ones as well -- he doesn̵7;t have the skills to distinguish. Make sure any toy you purchase is made with nontoxic materials. Supervise your puppy when it has a toy -- in rare instances pieces can break off and cause choking or abdominal obstruction.