Bringing home a new puppy? Finding the best dog toys for puppies means choosing options that soothe teething pain, encourage healthy chewing habits, and survive those razor-sharp baby teeth. Here are our top teething-friendly picks for your newest family member.
Understanding Puppy Teething
Puppies begin teething around 3-4 months of age, and the process continues until they're about 6-7 months old. During this time, their gums are sore and itchy, driving an intense need to chew on everything — your shoes, furniture, hands, and anything else within reach. Providing appropriate chew toys redirects this natural behavior and saves your belongings.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- Excessive chewing on everything
- Drooling more than usual
- Red or swollen gums
- Small blood spots on toys
- Reluctance to eat hard food
- Whining or fussiness
Top Puppy Toy Picks
Avocado
The Avocado toy is perfectly sized for puppies and features the soft GentlePlush fabric that's gentle on tender gums. Its compact shape is easy for small puppy mouths to grip.
Coffee Cup Plush Toy
Puppies love the Coffee Cup Plush Toy for its soft texture and satisfying squeaker. The lightweight design means even tiny puppies can carry it around.
Love Bone
The Love Bone is a classic shape that puppies instinctively know how to hold and chew. The bone shape provides natural grip points for small mouths.
3-in-1 Cupcake
The 3-in-1 Cupcake delivers engagement with three different play modes — squeak, crinkle, and treat-hiding — providing the sensory variety curious puppies crave.
Red Envelope
The flat, crinkly design of the Red Envelope is particularly appealing to teething puppies. The crinkle sound rewards interaction.
Puppy Toy Safety Guidelines
- Always supervise: Never leave a puppy unattended with any toy.
- Size matters: Choose toys too large to swallow but small enough to carry.
- Check daily: Inspect toys for tears or exposed stuffing.
- Rotate regularly: Puppies get bored quickly.
- No string or ribbon: Linear foreign bodies are especially dangerous.
Teething Relief Tips Beyond Toys
- Freeze a wet washcloth for gum-soothing chewing
- Offer frozen carrots or banana chunks
- Provide a variety of textures throughout the day
- Use positive reinforcement when your puppy chooses toys over furniture
Building Good Chewing Habits Early
The teething phase is your window to establish lifelong chewing habits. Every time your puppy reaches for your shoe, redirect to an appropriate toy and praise them. This simple redirection, repeated consistently, teaches your puppy what's theirs to chew. It's much easier to build good habits now than to fix bad ones later.
How Many Toys Does a Puppy Need?
A good rule of thumb is 5-8 toys in total, with 2-3 available at any time. This provides enough variety to maintain interest while keeping each toy feeling special. Too many toys at once can overwhelm a puppy and reduce the perceived value of each one. Rotating toys every few days keeps things fresh and exciting — your puppy will greet a "returning" toy like a long-lost friend.
The First Night Home
Your puppy's first night in their new home can be stressful. A soft, comforting toy like the Love Bone can provide enormous comfort. Place it in their crate or bed, and they'll have something to snuggle against when they miss their littermates. The familiar texture and gentle squeak provide reassurance during this big transition. Some owners even rub the toy against the puppy's mother before bringing the puppy home, transferring comforting scent to ease the adjustment.
Training with Toys
Puppies learn incredibly fast, and toys are powerful training tools. Use a squeaky toy to teach "come" — squeak it enthusiastically, and reward your puppy when they run to you. Use a plush toy to teach "drop it" — offer a treat in exchange for releasing the toy. Use interactive toys to teach patience — your puppy learns that good things come to those who work for them. Every play session is a training opportunity in disguise.
When to Upgrade Toy Size
As your puppy grows, their toy needs change. A toy that's perfect for a 3-month-old puppy may be too small (and therefore a choking hazard) for a 6-month-old. Reassess toy sizes monthly during the rapid growth phase. PAWTY offers toys in various sizes, making it easy to find age-appropriate options as your puppy develops into an adult dog.
The Puppy Socialization Window
Between 3-14 weeks, puppies are in their critical socialization window. Toys play an important role during this period by introducing varied textures, sounds, and experiences in a safe, positive way. A crinkly Red Envelope teaches that unexpected sounds aren't scary. A squeaky Avocado builds confidence through cause-and-effect learning. An interactive 3-in-1 Cupcake introduces problem-solving. Each toy experience during socialization shapes a more confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Final Thoughts
The puppy teething phase is temporary, but the chewing habits you build during it last a lifetime. By providing high-quality, teething-friendly toys from PAWTY, you'll keep your puppy comfortable, your belongings intact, and lay the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog.
