Five best toys for your puppy or dog

Dogs use their mouths to feel their way through the world, especially when they are puppies. These five toys will give you a good head start in meeting some of your dog’s natural behaviours, such as chewing and chasing.

1. Balls

Most dogs love to chase a toy, but herding dogs such as collies and gundogs such as Labradors, will particularly enjoy playing ball with their owners. This is a great way to build a bond with your dog, whilst training them to retrieve.

2. Squeaky toys

Squeaky toys trigger your dog’s natural instinct to pounce and shake. Dogs normally play with them on their own, but you can also throw them for your dog.

They can come in different shapes and sizes, so you will need to find one that suits your dog’s size and play style.

3. Tug toys

Dogs get a great deal of joy out of playing with their owners, and tug toys allow you to play tug of war together.

Many people avoid playing tug of war out of worry that it will encourage their dog to become controlling or aggressive. But some dogs have a real need to play tug games and if they don't get a safe opportunity, they may express their instincts in a way that is out of your control, such as grabbing clothing.

You can teach your dog how to play tug of war safely with specific toys. This game should be really fun for both of you and will help keep your dog very satisfied.

4. Rubber rings

Rubber rings are a great multi-purpose toy that can be thrown for fetch and used for a fun game of tug of war. They're also durable and easy to clean, making them great toys for dogs that enjoy chewing.

5 . Kong toys

Some Kong toys like the Kong Wubba are durable but soft in your dog's mouth, making them perfect for older dogs or those that don't like hard toys. Many dogs also find enjoyment out of shaking the toy against their face.

Some Wubba toys have squeakers inside and others float in water, so it's easy to find one that suits your dog's interests.