Bella Playing with her mini tennis ball

Toys designed for puppies and dogs provide them with a safe item to explore. Giving them a toy to play with is a perfect distraction when they start to chew on something that is off limits. The goal is to train your dog so that they will choose one of their toys over any other item within their reach. This is accomplished by teaching your dog or puppy that they receive positive attention when playing with the correct toy. When playing with their toys, make sure to give them plenty of attention. Likewise, when they are playing with something that you don’t want them to have, ignore them and just take the toy away. There isn’t a need to negatively enforce the behavior other than a simple “no” and removal of the object. When they come to play with their toy, reward them with a treat, as this is the behavior that you are working and training towards. Over time, your puppy will understand the differences and will choose their toy and will leave your furniture alone.

When looking for dog and puppy toys, make sure that you find a variety of different types. Just like humans, dogs get bored too and a little change in toy can make a huge difference. There are many different kinds and they range from toy dog size to large breed dogs. Bella, our Chihuahua, enjoys small toy-sized balls that she can fetch and smaller sized tennis balls make the perfect toy. Other toys make sound when squeezed and others make sound when shaken.

Some dogs like to chew and destroy their toys. A good rawhide or bone is a good substitute and having something available for your puppy is an excellent way to reduce the destruction of their own toys. For puppies, keep in mind that smaller teeth need softer bones.

Playtime is important for dogs

It’s important that dogs and puppies receive regular playtime.  It’s necessary for the well being of the dog and it’s fun for us too!  Make sure that you spend a couple of minutes (many times) throughout the day to play with your puppy and not only will you have a happy dog but, you’ll most likely have less destruction in your home.  Your dog will thank you and so will your shoes (and other easily accessible items of yours)!