How to Choose the Best Toy for Your Puppy | Safe & Fun Playtime
Welcoming a new puppy into your whānau is an exciting (and adorable) chapter. One of the best ways to keep your curious wee fluffball occupied, happy, and learning is with toys. But not every toy is right for every pup. Whether you’ve got a teething, chewing machine or a super-smart sniffing enthusiast, this guide will help you work out how to pick the best toy for your puppy.
At Petdirect, We Get Pet — and we’ve got expert advice and toy tricks to help your puppy play safely and confidently while supporting their growth and development. Let’s dive in to find your puppy’s perfect playmate!
Consider Your Puppy’s Age And Stage
Just like toddlers, puppies go through different developmental stages, and each one comes with its own play needs. Newborns and young pups under 8 weeks are mostly sleeping and feeding, so toys at this age should focus on comfort — soft plush toys or snuggly blankets work well. Once your pup hits 8 to 12 weeks, they’ll begin teething and chewing everything in sight. Chew toys for puppies are essential at this age to soothe sore gums and protect your shoes.
From three months onwards, your pup’s play style will start to show. Active breeds like Border Collies or Labradors may love a good fetching session, while more mellow breeds like Cavoodles or Shih Tzus may prefer gentle tug toys or plush friends.
Pick The Right Toy Type For Their Play Style
Every puppy plays differently. Some are chewers, some are chasers, and some are plush-toy snugglers. Here’s a quick play style guide to help you choose:
- Chewers: Go for durable chew toys designed to withstand eager mouths
- Fetchers: Try fetch toys like tennis balls or safe rubber sticks
- Puzzle-solvers: Look for interactive or treat-dispensing toys for mental stimulation
- Cuddlers: Soft, plush toys are perfect for comfort and snuggles
- Tuggers: Strong, knotted rope toys encourage bonding and exercise
Still unsure? Many pet parents love KONG toys because they tick multiple boxes — they’re durable, stuffable, and great for independent or supervised play.
Think Safety First
Safety is always a top priority when selecting toys. Puppies are still learning what’s safe to chew, and their teeth can be surprisingly sharp. Choose toys made specifically for puppies — they’re usually softer, smaller, and gentler on developing teeth and gums.
Avoid toys with small detachable parts that could become a choking hazard. Also, always supervise your pup with a new toy until you’re confident it’s safe for solo play.
Using toys from trusted brands or double-checking that they’re designed for puppies will give you peace of mind.
Match Toy Size To Puppy Size
Size matters when it comes to playtime. A tiny toy might be a choking hazard for larger pups like German Shepherds, while a Great Dane-sized ball won’t do much for a Miniature Schnauzer. Make sure the toy is appropriately sized and not too hard or heavy to handle.
If you’re preparing for a new addition, puppy starter packs often include appropriately sized toys to get you going.
Rotate Toys To Keep Things Fun
Just like kids, puppies can get bored. Instead of giving all the toys at once, rotate a few at a time to keep your puppy engaged and make playtime feel fresh. This also helps if your dog is showing signs of toy fatigue or chewing things they shouldn’t.
Keep a variety on hand — rotate between plushies, chewables, puzzles, and toss toys. You might be surprised which toy your pup bonds with the most!
Treats + Toys = The Ultimate Combo
Adding a treat-filled element to play is a tasty motivator — especially when training. Try pairing toys with small pieces of healthy puppy treats to encourage positive behaviours and build toy engagement.
Interactive treat toys are great for solo play or crate training and can help reduce boredom or separation anxiety. For even more support, explore our calming essentials collection.
Let The Play Begin!
Choosing the right toy for your puppy isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that too). It supports healthy development, provides comfort, encourages learning, and can even help with teething or training. From chewy favourites to cuddle buddies and squeaky treasures, finding your pup’s playful match can make a world of difference.
Ready to get tail-wagging? Explore our full range of puppy toys at Petdirect. Don’t forget to join our Pet Perks programme for exclusive rewards, or earn Airpoints Dollars™ every time you shop. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet — and most importantly, we get puppy play!