Playtime is crucial for a growing puppy. Toys help them develop both physically and mentally while strengthening the bond with their owner. Certain toys are preferred for puppies, including chew toys, interactive puzzles, and fetch toys. These options are safe and help develop their minds and bodies. A balanced variety of toys will keep your puppy entertained and reinforce good behaviors. Below are some ideal toys for your puppy’s development that you should have on hand.
Chew Toys
Puppies usually start teething at around 12 weeks old, and chew toys are one of the best ways to soothe them. Chew toys will help them form non-destructive chewing habits, meaning they’ll be less likely to chew on your shoes or furniture. The chew toy you choose must be appropriately sized for your puppy to prevent choking, and should be comfortable for their gums while being entertaining, so they don’t lose interest. Soft rubber teething toys are perfect for younger puppies, but as they get older, or if they’re a larger breed, use hard rubber toys as they’re more durable. We recommend finding a chew toy that’s made with nylon or rubber for Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are a popular kind of chew toy, best used when your puppy has all their adult teeth in. They’re good for playing tug of war with your puppy, as tugging helps your puppy develop impulse control and builds their confidence. It’s also good for their dental health as it helps strengthen their jaw. When playing with a rope toy, make sure you’re not tugging too hard so you don’t accidentally damage their teeth. Our Goldendoodles particularly love playing tug of war to release their energy.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys help with mental stimulation and keep your puppies from getting bored. Toys that dispense treats or an interactive puzzle help them develop problem-solving skills and allow them to explore their surroundings more. They help them focus and learn patience, especially when you have a toy that gives them a treat when they solve it. We’ve found that interactive toys will keep them entertained, so they’re less likely to be destructive to your home. Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and will respond well to these toys.
Fetch Toys
Playing fetch helps your puppies burn energy and improve their coordination. We recommend using toys like balls, sticks, and frisbees when playing fetch. It will reinforce your bond with your puppy and is a great playtime activity before bedtime to wear them out. Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers are natural fetchers and will respond more favorably to these toys.
Plush Toys
Plush (or comfort) toys are especially beneficial in the first few weeks, as puppies will often miss their mothers and littermates. Toys like plushies give them comfort and security and are great to snuggle with to help them fall asleep. Some plush toys can even have a heartbeat to mimic their mother’s heart to help them adapt to their new home. We’ve found it helpful to use comfort toys when crate training to give them a positive connection with their crate. Squeaky plush toys will play to your Goldendoodle’s playfulness. Plush toys are great for comforting your puppies, but if they like to play rough, they may like to tear apart the stuffed animals. If they do that, make sure you get an unstuffed toy so they won’t swallow any stuffing.
Best Practices for Playtime
Here are some of our best practices for playing with your new puppy:
- Always supervise your puppy when playing to ensure they are safe and don’t accidentally swallow a small piece of the toy. Their play environment should always be safe for them.
- Keep a steady rotation of toys to keep the puppy interested and engaged. We recommend having 6-10 toys on a rotation so they won’t get bored. If bored, puppies tend to act out more and chew on things they shouldn’t. Keep it engaging!
- Frequently inspect the toys for any damage or frayed edges. Throw away anything that can be a safety risk.
- Make sure all toys are made with non-toxic, puppy-safe materials. Avoid having toys that have small, breakable parts that the puppy could swallow.
- Match toys to your puppy’s size and age to ensure they are getting the optimal mental and physical benefits. As they grow, you may need to purchase more toys that meet their growing needs.
Find Puppies with Blissful Paws
Looking for a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle puppy? Blissful Paws has multiple puppies available to take home. Check out our available Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and Mini Goldendoodle puppies that are looking for a loving family. To guide you in taking care of your new puppy, check out our puppy care page. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today.
