Best Puppy Toys for Teething, Training & Playtime Fun
Welcome to puppyhood—aka the chewiest, most curious stage of your pup’s life! Whether you're keeping your slippers safe, helping your pup through teething, or teaching good habits from the get-go, the right toys can make all the difference. At Petdirect, we believe play isn’t just fun—it’s essential. That’s why we’re sharing the best toys for puppies that support teething, tugging, and training—all while keeping those zoomies in check. Because when it comes to pups, We Get Pet.
Teething Toys To Soothe Sore Gums
Just like human babies, puppies go through teething—and it can be a pretty uncomfortable time for them (and your furniture). Choosing the right teething toy helps soothe sore gums and encourages healthy chewing habits early on.
Look for soft rubber toys or cooling chew options. KONG toys designed for puppies are a kiwi pet parent favourite—they’re gentle on growing teeth but tough enough to survive gnaw-happy pups. Freeze one with a smear of dog-safe peanut butter for some extra soothing power.
Other great picks include textured rubber rings, soft puppy chew toys, and natural options like Nylabone puppy chews that are made to safely satisfy that need to nibble.
Tug Toys To Encourage Bonding
Tug-of-war isn’t just a fun way to work off puppy energy—it’s also a brilliant bonding tool. It teaches bite inhibition, builds trust, and helps your puppy learn to play gently (especially important for those strong-jawed breeds).
Choose safe, puppy-sized rope and tug toys with a bit of give. For multiple play modes, try a tug toy that doubles as a chew—many from M-PETS or Tuffy fit the bill perfectly.
Training Toys To Build Good Habits
Puppies learn best through play—and training becomes more rewarding when you’ve got the right toys on hand. Whether it’s practicing recall, toilet training, or crate time, smart toy choices can reinforce all the right behaviours.
Interactive toys that dispense training treats offer a fun challenge (and a tasty reward). Toys from Coachi and LickiMat can keep your pup mentally stimulated while encouraging long-lasting focus during short training sessions. Don’t forget to pair these with puppy training essentials like clickers, pads, and gentle lead accessories.
Playtime Picks For Every Kiwi Pup
Every puppy is different—some are chewers, some are chasers, and others love a good snuggle toy. Rotating through a mix of top-rated puppy toys keeps things fresh and prevents boredom (a key cause of naughty behaviour).
For fast learners, puzzle toys and smart tech toys make great solo-entertainment when you’re out. For cuddlebugs, soft plush toys like those from All For Paws are perfect for crate training comfort. Looking for value? Stock up from our great value toys collection—starting at under $10!
Puppy Toy Safety Tips
Playtime should always be positive and safe. Choose toys designed specifically for puppies, and make sure they're the right size for your dog’s breed and age. Supervise all play while your pup is learning the ropes, and swap out any damaged toys that could pose a hazard.
Not sure what suits your pup best? Our team at Petdirect is always here to help—because we're more than pet lovers, We Get Pet.
Ready, Set, Play!
From teething relief to training success (and a whole lot of tail wags in between), choosing the best toys for your puppy sets the tone for a happy, healthy life. Browse our specially curated puppy shop for everything you need to get started, and don’t forget to earn rewards through our Pet Perks loyalty programme and collect Airpoints on every toy-tastic order!