Toys


Puppies love toys, so if you provide them they will play with them forever. I have seen dogs who were deprived of toys as puppies, and they tend to look at these playthings like they were the man on the moon. Toys play a big part in training dogs. When your dog's drive for play has been reinforced then your formal training will look crisp, versus the dog whose obedience is correct yet appears flat from lack of play reinforcement.

There are toys on the market that are hollow and can be stuffed with treats, acting as an intermittent reinforcer as your dog plays and chews it. Teething discomfort can be remedied using frozen bagels, ice cubes, or frozen pressed rawhide bones.

Puppies should get used to feeling a wide variety of sensations in their mouths. (Hands are not included.) Hard rubber toys in various shapes are always safe and can be fun. Balls that are large enough not to be swallowed are good entertainment. Rope toys are enjoyable because puppies like to tug. Tug games are not for children to play with the family dog, but if adults have good control of the game it can be terrific fun.