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The best puppy toys for developing good habits

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Puppy toys are a vital part of your new furry family member’s life. They’re crucial for help, keep your puppy engaged, and alleviate the boredom that leads to unruly behavior. They provide an outlet for negative behaviors like chewing and help you create a stable, lasting relationship with your new friend. These are our top options for different types of puppy toys, and they can help your puppy get started on the right foot.

Puppy toys fulfill a variety of roles. They help you bond with your puppy through play. They help your puppy develop cognitive skills, and they can help alleviate certain behaviors you don’t want, like chewing on your favorite shoes. Our favorite puppy toys are well made and provide excellent performance, no matter what kind of puppy you have. Here’s what you need to know.

N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring

Best for Teeth

These toys for puppy teething are simple designs that attract and delight puppies. They have a chicken flavor and a tough exterior that makes for satisfying chewing. They’re wheat, corn, and soy-free and are digestible with DHA to support your puppy’s brain development. Plus, added calcium supports teeth and bones as they grow.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Most Interactive

This fun toy features several small stuffed animals into a larger toy designed to encourage exploration and digging. Your pet can play with one or all pieces, uncover and nose out the smaller animals, and learn to find hidden treasures using critical thinking. It’s well designed and can withstand a bit of chewing while also providing the comfort of soft toys.

Multipet Duckworth Toy for Dogs

Best Soft Toy

This large soft toy is great for comfort, playing, and hiding. It offers you the flexibility of multiple play options and can encourage your dog to perform quite a few behaviors as they grow up and learn. It’s reinforced and fun to toss and is easy to spot for both you and your dog. It’s a great all-purpose toy that can also offer comfort at the end of the day.

Choose a variety of puppy toys that can ensure your puppy has the best start in life. You can have a well-adjusted puppy using these toys and ensure that you provide your puppy with all the comfort, encouragement, and stimulation you can for a healthy start to life.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
Why do dogs like sticks? (Plus, tips for playing with this toy safely)
You shouldn't let them chew on sticks, but they might be able to carry them around anyway
A German shepherd fetching a stick in the snow

It's something of a running joke among humans across cultures and time: Dogs love to carry sticks in their mouths, even ones that are way too large. It seems that despite offering infinite treats and toys, they prefer the more natural playthings. You may have seen your buddy pick up a branch or two and proudly prance around with their prize. But why do dogs like sticks? Interestingly, there are a few motivations behind this inclination. Here's what you need to know about your pup's love of twigs.
Why do dogs like sticks?

Whether at the dog park, out for a walk, or in the backyard, your pooch will find sticks everywhere, as if they are drawn in like magic. And they might be! Truthfully, it really all comes down to their instincts that trace back to their wolfish ancestors. Here are a few reasons that dogs like sticks.
Gathering
While we think of some dogs as elite hunters, they also have a strong drive to gather food, bedding, and other necessities. Your pet could fulfill this need by bringing home sticks or playing with them so they feel that they have checked this activity off of their list.
Chewing
We know that chewing on Greenies is good for our dog's teeth, but what do they do when you're not around to provide dental treats? In the past, dogs had to rely on natural remedies to keep the pearly whites intact. Now you will especially find your puppies going for the sticks when teething. Adults also chew to strengthen their jaw muscles.
Smelling
Dogs explore the world with their noses first and foremost. They enjoy interesting scents — you may notice your dog sniffing leaves, grass, and trees on walks. Sometimes, your animal might decide to bring a bit of the outdoors in and carry a stick into the house for the musky perfume it offers.
Hunting
Some have suggested that dogs carry sticks because their predecessors frequently dragged around bones. There's some debate about this, but researchers point out that our beasties are actually omnivorous and have eaten plants for thousands of years as part of a varied diet.
Is it safe for dogs to chew on sticks?

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Can dogs eat cantaloupe? What you need to know
You can share a small bit of melon with your pup now and then
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There's a long and complicated list of safe human foods for dogs. Carrots? Yes! Grapes? No! Can dogs eat cantaloupe? You'll be happy to learn that this melon works just fine for beasties, in small quantities, that is.

Like all treats, you'll need to keep the snack as an occasional extra. It's always important to ensure your pet gets all the major nutrients from their staples, like kibble. But if you want to know more about feeding your doggie cantaloupe, read on for the details.
Is cantaloupe good for dogs?

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Consider one of these all-white pups
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

Dogs come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors that it can feel like you have unlimited options to choose from. While we can't recommend selecting a dog just for its beautiful coat, you certainly can keep this in mind when coming up with your list of desired traits.

Some pet owners specifically want a beastie that has pearly white fur (or hair) — it certainly stands out and looks beautiful. Luckily, there are a few breeds that fit the bill and also have many other great qualities to boot. Here are the top white dog breeds we think will work for many potential owners.
Why isn't it easy to find a white dog?

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