Choosing the Right Toys for Your New Puppy: A Guide for Guide Dog Parents

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One of the most frequent questions I receive is: What kind of toys should I give my puppy? Having spent years working with guide‑dog puppies, I’ve learned that the right selection of toys can accelerate training, reduce destructive behavior, and provide essential mental stimulation.

Yesterday’s post covered the toys we explicitly prohibit for guide‑dog puppies—such as tennis balls and frisbees—so if you missed it, please review the "Guide Dog Toys Allowed" article for that list.

Today, I’ll focus on the types of toys that actually help puppies thrive. First, let’s understand why variety matters.

Why Variety Matters in Puppy Toy Selection

Every puppy kindergarten session reinforces that texture, durability, and play style are key. Puppies quickly grow bored or develop preferences for certain textures—rubber, nylon, or soft fabric. Rotating toys keeps them engaged, promotes healthy chewing, and reduces the risk of over‑exposure to a single item.

In practice, I’ve found that giving a puppy a handful of different textures—without flooding them with everything at once—keeps their interest high. That leads us to the six categories I recommend.

Six Essential Toy Categories for Puppies

1. KONG Toys – KONG offers bell‑shaped, hollow rubber toys. They’re great for solo play, training, or as a calming “pacifier” when you’re away. I’ve seen both positive and mixed reactions from my own pups; some, like Dublin and Apache, love the red KONG, while others prefer the more robust black extreme model. KONG’s line ranges from the durable Wubba (good for tossing) to the premium edition—choose based on your puppy’s chewing intensity.
2. Nylabones – Nylabone plastic chews come in various shapes and hardness levels. While one version might be destroyed in seconds, others can last weeks. I recommend browsing the full range to find the right balance for your pup’s chewing strength.
3. Hollow Sterilized Bones – The guide dog program supplies these in puppy kits. Although many pups initially ignore them, Dublin developed a lifelong habit of gnawing on one, which lasted months. These bones are inexpensive and long‑lasting for the right dog.
4. Rope Toys – Rope toys encourage fetching and tugging. Monitor for frayed strands that could be swallowed; they’re also beneficial for dental health when used responsibly.
5. Compressed Rawhide Bones – These dense chews are ideal for young puppies, offering a longer-lasting bite. Supervision is essential to prevent choking. Note: After a decade of using pressed rawhide, our organization no longer offers it. A safer alternative is Beef Collagen Sticks, which provide a similar texture without the rawhide risks.
6. Plush Toys – Soft, squeaky plushies like the Kyjen Squirrel can soothe and comfort. However, they’re prone to shredding; always supervise to prevent ingestion of stuffing or squeakers.

Tip: Ensure toys are appropriately sized for your puppy’s age and breed. Small Nylabones work well for tiny puppies, but larger dogs like Labradors need bigger, sturdier items as they grow.

We also avoid antlers—despite their popularity—because they can splinter and pose choking hazards. For those curious, I’ve written detailed reviews on deer and elk antlers in separate posts.

Top Picks for Our Puppies

1. Best Dog Chew
   Beef Collagen Sticks—our pups love them, and they’re excellent for redirecting unwanted chewing.
2. Best Puppy Toy
   Calmeroos Puppy Toy with Heartbeat & Heat Packs—ideal for easing anxiety during new home transitions.
3. Best Dog Treats
   Crazy Dog Train‑Me Treats—our high‑value reward for training sessions.
4. Best Fresh Dog Food
   The Farmer’s Dog—recently adopted by Raven, and she’s delighted. Use our 50% off coupon for your first order.

Explore more of our favorite products in the New Puppy Checklist.

Share Your Favorites

What toys have you found most effective for your puppy? Let us know in the comments below.