Toys are a big deal when it comes to puppy training. They provide mental stimulation, physical exercise, and can be great tools for teaching commands and good behaviour.
Types of Training Toys
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys engage your puppy’s mind and keep them entertained. They’re perfect for solo play and preventing boredom.
Chew Toys
Chew toys help with teething and satisfy your puppy’s natural urge to chew. They also keep your puppy occupied and can prevent destructive chewing behaviour.
Fetch Toys
Fetch toys encourage physical exercise and can be used to teach commands like “fetch” and “drop it”. They are ideal for outdoor play.
Best Interactive Toys
Kong Classic
The Kong Classic is a durable, hollow toy that can be filled with treats or peanut butter. It keeps puppies entertained and provides mental stimulation.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys, like the Nina Ottosson series, challenge your puppy to solve problems to access treats. They enhance cognitive skills and prevent boredom.
Treat-Dispensing Balls
Treat-dispensing balls, such as the Bob-A-Lot, release treats as your puppy plays with them. They combine playtime with rewards, making training fun.
Best Chew Toys
Nylabone Puppy Chew
Nylabone Puppy Chews are designed specifically for teething puppies. They are durable and help soothe sore gums.
Benebone Wishbone
The Benebone Wishbone is a durable chew toy made from real flavours like bacon or peanut. Its unique shape makes it easy for puppies to hold and chew.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are great for chewing and for games of tug-of-war. They help clean your puppy’s teeth and massage their gums.
Best Fetch Toys
Chuckit! Ball Launcher
The Chuckit! Ball Launcher allows you to throw balls farther with minimal effort. It’s perfect for high-energy puppies that love to run and fetch.
Frisbees
Soft, flexible Frisbees are gentle on your puppy’s mouth and provide excellent exercise. They are great for teaching commands like “fetch” and “drop it”.
Squeaky Toys
Squeaky toys, like the Kong Squeakair, combine the fun of a squeaker with the durability of a tennis ball. They are great for fetch and keep your puppy engaged.
Using Toys for Training
Teaching Commands
Use fetch toys to teach commands like “fetch,” “come,” and “drop it.” Reward your puppy with playtime and treats for following commands.
Encouraging Positive Behaviour
Use chew toys to redirect your puppy from unwanted behaviours like chewing furniture. Reward them with the toy when they choose it over inappropriate items.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate interactive toys to keep your puppy mentally stimulated. This prevents boredom and promotes problem-solving skills.
Safety Tips for Puppy Toys
Supervision
Always supervise your puppy during playtime, especially with new toys, to ensure they are playing safely.
Appropriate Size
Choose toys that are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, while oversized toys may be difficult for your puppy to play with.
Regular Inspection
Inspect toys regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace damaged toys to prevent your puppy from ingesting small pieces.
Conclusion
The right toys can make a significant difference in your puppy’s training and overall development. By providing a variety of interactive, chew, and fetch toys, you can keep your puppy entertained, mentally stimulated, and well-behaved.