FAQ: Toys for dogs

A puppy needs a few different toys: a chew toy for teething, a soft toy to carry, a ball and a simple puzzle. All toys must suit the puppy's size and be too big to swallow.

Teething puppies do well with softer rubber chews, puppy teething toys and toys that can be chilled in the fridge. Hard chews made for adult dogs may be too hard for a puppy.

Most puppies swap their milk teeth for permanent ones between about 3–4 and 6–7 months of age. They chew a great deal during this time, so suitable chew toys protect the furniture and soothe the gums.

Yes, a rubber toy cooled in the fridge or a dampened and chilled fabric toy can ease itchy gums. Give it under supervision and avoid rock-hard frozen items, which can hurt the gums.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths and learn bite strength by playing with littermates. When the puppy bites your hand, stop the game and offer a toy so it learns to bite only toys.

A puppy needs a few toys of different types rather than a big pile of similar ones. Too many toys at once distract a puppy and reduce their value, so it is better to keep some put away.

Put away things the puppy should not chew, and each time it chews something it should not, offer an allowed toy and praise it when it takes it. Enough exercise, rest and supervision reduce the urge to chew.

Toys for adult dogs are often too hard and too big for a small puppy, while small-breed toys soon become too small for a large-breed puppy. Choose toys to suit the puppy's size and change them as it grows.

A soft toy to snuggle, a chew toy and a simple ball are a good start. A toy or cloth carrying the scent of the litter or breeder helps the puppy settle in a new place.

Soft toys with a device that mimics a heartbeat help some puppies settle during the first nights. The device must be well hidden and out of reach, as it contains batteries.

Move the toy low along the floor like prey, let the puppy catch it and praise it. Several short, fun play sessions a day are much better for a puppy than one long one.

Puppies have short attention spans, and a toy that always lies around soon becomes boring. Swap toys every few days, and remember that the toy you play with together is the most interesting one.

The joints of growing puppies, especially large breeds, are sensitive, so avoid long ball chases, high jumps and sharp turns. Short games on a non-slippery surface and sniffing activities are safer.

The simplest puzzles and snuffle mats can be offered to puppies just a few months old, as long as the task is very easy. Supervise so the puppy does not chew the puzzle's parts.

Senior dogs do well with softer chews, light plush toys, snuffle mats and simple puzzles. Play should be shorter and calmer, adapted to their joints, teeth and eyesight.

Yes, play and mental activity help an older dog stay mobile and alert and keep its bond with the owner. Choose calmer activities, and if the dog suddenly no longer wants to play, consult a vet, as it may be a sign of pain.

A dog with sore or missing teeth does well with soft plush toys, soft rubber chews and lick mats. Hard chews should be avoided, and the state of the teeth should be assessed by a vet.

Such a dog does well with toys that make sound, such as squeaky or rattling ones, and strongly scented toys it can find by smell. Play in a safe, familiar place without obstacles.

A deaf dog does well with bright, easy-to-see toys and sniffing tasks, and use hand signals to start and end play. Squeaky toys are not necessary, though some dogs can feel their vibration.

Simple puzzles, sniffing games and short training sessions can help an older dog stay mentally active. If the dog gets lost at home or its sleep or behaviour changes, see a vet.