Did you know that puppy toys aren’t just something to play with? In addition to being great sources of entertainment, toys can also be used to train your pet, help them feel secure, and strengthen your bond with them.

puppy toys

How do you know which are the best puppy toys for your pet? Looking at your puppy’s toys as helpful tools for learning and more will help you decide which ones are best for your new family member.

Read on for our guide on the best puppy toys for different occasions.

Best toys for playing fetch

Fetch and chase toys are a perennial classic because they’re fun for you and your puppy, helping the both of you grow closer each time you play. Puppies love these toys because they feed into their natural instincts to hunt and retrieve.

Suitable balls and frisbees for puppies are made of softer materials that are safer on your puppy’s teeth. If your puppy is a speedster who loves to run, make playtime even more fun with a launcher so your throws really go the distance.

Examples of fetch toys: 

 

Best toys for building bonds

Tug toys, like those made of rope, are one way to help build and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. To get maximum enjoyment out of the toy, they require you (or another pet) to participate in play.

Examples of tug toys:

 

Best toys for comfort

A puppy that has recently left the litter or isn’t coping too well with being left alone, will find comfort in a snuggle toy. These toys are perfect for puppies seeking stress relief or dealing with anxiety.

Some soft plush toys will make a surprising squeak or crinkle noise which will keep your puppy endlessly entertained and encourage exploration through play. While these are typically made of reinforced materials, make sure to supervise play with these toys if your puppy is in their peak chewing phase.

Examples of Comfort Toys:

 

Best toys for mental stimulation

Your playful little puppy will be looking for ways to entertain themselves and an interactive puppy toy is a brilliant way to keep them busy, especially if you aren’t at home.

A toy that incorporates food or treats and lets them discover what’s inside, like a puppy KONG toy, will hold your pet’s attention for hours and provide a mental challenge. These toys are also a great way to stimulate their senses and develop problem-solving skills.

Examples of interactive toys:

 

Best toys for teething

To spare your shoes and furniture, it’s a good idea to provide your puppy with chew toys while they’re teething. The act of chewing helps relieve the pressure and pain of erupting teeth. Chew toys are specifically designed to be chewed on and can also help maintain dental hygiene.

Make sure to use a toy that’s made for puppies! The materials some adult chew toys are made from may be too hard on puppy mouths.

Examples of chew toys:

 

Best toys for training

If your puppy isn’t very food motivated, toys might make a better reward when training. Find a toy that your puppy absolutely loves and will do anything to get, and then use it as your training tool. Squeaky toys, balls, tug ropes or a favourite stuffed animal are all toys you could use for training.

Examples of training toys:

 

Enrol your puppy in Petbarn's Puppy School

Enrol your puppy in Petbarn's Puppy School

Keep things interesting and fun for your puppy by having a box of toys that you can rotate every few days. Changing things up will ensure they don’t become bored and turn their attention to chewing things they shouldn’t.

Check out our wide range of brilliant puppy toys online and at your local Petbarn store today.