The Right Toys at the Right Time for Your New Puppy

March 01, 2018 by Jan Reisen

Puppies love toys. During the puppy's period of rapid development, from 8-weeChoks-to-9-or-10-months-old, it's import During the puppy's period of rapid development, from 8 weeks to 9 months old, it's important to give him appropriate toys for his age. Breed may also play a role in what toys become his favorites: a hound will naturally enjoy anything he can chase after and carry; terriers are natural diggers and tuggers; and a gundog puppy loves chewing, fetching, and interactive toys.

Of course, your puppy's personality also can guide you. If your puppy is bursting with energy and likes a challenge, he'll love a toy that he can play with and that can dispense treats. Some pups are natural cuddlers and like to snuggle with a soft plush toy while others may toss it around the room and tear it to shreds.

ppies love tos. During the 

It's time for teething

Regardless of breed and personality, one thing you can be sure of is that puppies chew. At around four months old, they start to teethe, as their puppy teeth are replaced by adult teeth and molars. At this stage, chewing may seem like your puppy's obsession, and he'll chew on anything, including your favorite shoes or the dining room chairs. As anyone who's ever taken care of a teething baby knows, teething is painful and your puppy needs ways to distract himself and reduce the discomfort of sore gums. Teething toys help your puppy while giving you an opportunity to teach him what he may and may not chew on. These toys are made specifically for your teething puppies:

The shapes and textures of this chew toy will satisfy his need to chew and also keep him entertained.puppy's period of rapid development, from 8-weeks-to-9-or-10-months-old, it's important to give him appropriate toys for his age. Breed may also play a roWhether for a small pup or full-grown dog, toys eventually will have to be replaced.

• Many chew toys are made specifically for a puppy's deciduous, soft baby teeth. An older dog may gnaw pieces off the toy and ingest them, which can cause intestinal and digestive problems.
• Size matters. Toys made for the small mouths of an 8-to-10-week-old puppy may cause a 6-to-9 month-old puppy to choke.
• You want to teach your dog what's appropriate to chew on and what is not, so don't give him toys that resemble taboo items, like a squeaky shoe toy or a cute little toy cellphone.
• Regardless of your dog's age, any toy should be replaced when it looks like it could break or tatter, for example if a rope toy has loose fibers that your dog could ingest. If it's a chew toy, check the wear patterns on it and discard it if it appears to be at its breaking point.
• Upgrade to age-appropriate toys. As with children's toys, the manufacturer will recommend an appropriate age range.
• Just as a toddler may grow tired of a toy he's mastered or played with for weeks, a puppy especially loves brand new toys to play with. There are some interactive toys or puzzles that "grow" with your dog.

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