The Right Toys for Teething Puppy

Your puppy's teeth will start coming in when he is about 3 or 4 weeks old and when he is eight weeks old, he'll have 28 teeth. All of these teeth breaking through his gums is painful and he'll want to chew something to ease his pain.



One of the best toys for puppies is a teething toy. When they are teething puppies definitely chew a lot and a puppy teething toy helps to ease your puppy and you through this stage of his development. Some puppy teething toys are very good for easing the pain your puppy feels while teething. One that works well is the wet and freeze type teething toy. An example of these toys is the rope toy, though it is a good teething toy, never leave the puppy alone when playing with the rope toy. The rawhide chews that crumble are good chew toys for puppies. Any buttons, eyes, ribbons or strings should be removed from soft toys before giving them to puppies or dogs.



Some other teething toy choices to get your puppy are: rubber teething keys, tiny rubber teethers that look like cartoon characters, and the nylon bones that have lumps on them that help sooth away the teething pain. Your puppy will enjoy chewing Bully Sticks, which are digestible. There are Kong toys that are made just for puppies and are a real aid for teething puppies.



Choose several different kinds of teething toys for your puppy and don't give all of them to him at once. Changing his toys out so he doesn't get bored with them is recommended. Always choose toys that are safe for your puppy to play with.



Once you have some good teething toys for your puppy encouraging him to play with his toys and not your belongings like shoes, remote controls, and other small items or even chewing furniture legs is the next step. He needs to be taught which are his toys and what he can't play with - your things.



So give your puppy one of his chew toys and tell him “This is your toy. Good boy or good girl.” Playing with your puppy with his toys helps to reinforce that these are his toys. When he gets your shoe or chews on the furniture—take the shoe away or remove him from the furniture and say “no” in a strong voice. Then give him one of his chew toys. If you stay steady and persistent in training him, your puppy will learn, which toys are his toys.



While your puppy is teething, he'll try to place his mouth on your hand or arm and teaching him this action isn't allowed is the best course of action. Take his mouth off of your arm or hand and tell him “no.” Then give him one of his chew toys.



The right training and the correct teething toys will get you and your puppy through the teething stage with less upsetting moments and less gum pain for your puppy.