Best Toys for Crate Training Your Puppy

Crate training is one of the most valuable things you can teach a puppy, and the right toys make the crate a positive, enjoyable space rather than a prison.

Why Toys Matter

Toys create positive crate associations, provide mental stimulation, reduce anxiety, offer appropriate chewing outlets, and make the crate more interesting than outside it.

Safety Requirements for Crate Toys

Stricter than supervised play: no breakable pieces, no choking hazards, no string/rope elements, and appropriate size. Your puppy will be unsupervised.

Best Types

Treat-stuffed interactive toys: Crate training gold. PAWTY's Fried Chicken Interactive toy with SnackStash technology provides extended engagement perfect for crate sessions. Soft comfort toys: Our Love Bone serves as a soothing crate companion. Avoid: loud squeaky toys (prevent settling), rope toys (unsupervised fiber risk), and overly stimulating toys.

Rotation Strategy

Entry toy (treat-stuffed, makes going in exciting), permanent comfort toy (crate buddy), weekly rotation of enrichment toys, and 2-3 crate-exclusive toys that become highly valued. Try the Waffle Interactive Toy as an entry lure and Birthday Bone as a nighttime comfort companion.

For nighttime: one soft comfort toy only, no treat-dispensing (stimulates rather than settles), and familiar scent.

Build your puppy's crate toy kit at pawty.com.