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Calming Toys and Techniques for Anxious Puppies

Calming Toys and Techniques for Anxious Puppies

Just like us, puppies can feel overwhelmed by the big, wide world. From new sounds to unfamiliar smells, it’s no wonder your tiny tail-wagger might get anxious. The good news? There are plenty of gentle, fun, and effective ways to help your pup feel safe, settled, and oh-so-loved. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy home or are preparing for their first storm or vet visit, this guide is packed with expert-approved calming toys and techniques for anxious puppies, designed for Kiwi pet parents who truly care. We Get Pet — and we’re here to help your pup feel at peace.

Understanding Puppy Anxiety: Common Causes

Anxiety in puppies is more common than you might think. As they grow, they’re constantly learning how to navigate their surroundings. Some of the most common triggers for anxiety in New Zealand puppies include:

  • Separation from family members (especially in the early weeks)
  • Loud noises like storms, fireworks, or vacuum cleaners
  • New environments or visitors in the home
  • Trips in the car or visits to the vet
  • Lack of socialisation with people and other pets

If your puppy is barking excessively, hiding, whining, chewing furniture, or toileting indoors, they may be showing signs of stress. The key is to respond with patience and the right tools — which brings us to toys and techniques that can help.

Puppy Calming Toys That Really Work

Calming toys offer comfort and distraction, and can quickly become your puppy’s best friend. Here are some popular picks:

  • Comfort plush toys: Soft and snuggly with a heartbeat simulator or warming insert, these can help mimic the feeling of sleeping with mum or littermates. Check out ThunderShirt's range and SnuggleSafe comfort products.
  • Interactive puzzle toys: Mentally stimulating and rewarding, puzzle toys like Nina Ottosson or KONG options are great for keeping pups focused and entertained.
  • Chew toys: Teething pups need a healthy outlet for chewing. Look for durable chew toys designed for puppies that can help relieve anxiety and soothe sore gums.
  • Scent-soothing toys: Toys or blankets that carry their mother’s scent (or yours) can provide real comfort in anxiety-inducing moments.

We recommend rotating toys to maintain interest and offering a combination of soothing, rewarding and physically interactive options for a well-rounded approach.

Techniques To Support A Calm Pup

Beyond toys, daily routines and positive reinforcement play a big role in helping your pup feel secure. Here are a few tried-and-true approaches to keeping things calm:

  • Establish a routine: Dogs love structure. Try to stick to predictable feeding, play and rest times to help your pup feel more settled.
  • Safe spaces matter: A quiet room or a crate with comfy bedding gives your puppy a consistent, calm retreat when things feel overwhelming.
  • Positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviours with gentle praise or puppy-friendly training treats to help your pup learn that calm equals good things.
  • Soothing supplements: For extra calming support during particularly stressful times (like thunderstorms), try gentle calming supplements made for dogs.
  • Gentle desensitisation: Gradually introduce your pup to new environments and people while offering rewards to help build confidence.

Creating A Calm Home Environment

Think of your home from a puppy’s perspective. Loud appliances, unexpected visitors, and chaotic spaces can all trigger anxiety. Here are a few ways to make your space more pup-friendly:

  • Use pheromone diffusers: Products like Adaptil release calming pheromones that mimic mum’s natural scent, helping your puppy relax.
  • Control noise: A white noise machine or soft background music can mask scary sounds like thunder or fireworks.
  • Keep things tidy: A clutter-free zone with their bed and toys creates a safe haven just for them.

Your tone and body language also matter. If you’re calm and patient, your puppy will feed off that relaxed energy.

When To Ask For Extra Help

If your pup’s anxiety seems extreme or persistent, it never hurts to get an expert opinion. A registered vet or professional trainer can help rule out any underlying issues and guide you through behaviour training plans tailored to your puppy’s needs. Always ensure any advice you follow aligns with the standards set by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

We Get Puppies — And Their Wobbly Moments

Every puppy deserves to feel safe, loved and secure. At Petdirect, we believe calming care should be kind, supportive and built around your puppy’s unique personality. Whether you're hunting for a training essential, the snuggliest bedtime buddy, or science-based health support, we’ve got everything your pup needs to grow into a confident, happy dog.

Plus, don’t forget — with our Autodeliver service, Pet Perks rewards, and Airpoints, keeping calm has never been so rewarding. Because we don’t just love pets — We Get Pet.

Shop Calming Essentials Today

Explore our full range of calming toys and techniques for anxious puppies at Petdirect and give your pup the comfort they crave.