Toys for general use (can be left readily available for a pup to play with at will):
• Sterilized beef bones
Kong brand:
• Black original (black kongs are stronger than red or other colors)
• Ultra Kong 6”
• Planet Kong Xtreme Goodie Ship (black, no food placed in it)
Nylabone Products:
• Galileo 5” or 6”, or Dino Bones
• Nyla wishbone
• Nyla ring
• Nyla knot
• Dinosaur
• Any Nylabone (original hard material) that is appropriately robust enough for the size of puppy
• Big Chews
• Red Tire (not the yellow one, which is softer)

Toys for supervised use only:
• Cressite Ring and Figure 8 tug toy
• Frame Ball by Pedigree—tug toy
• Knotted Rope toys—large, with no attachments
• Jollyball (no handle) with a rope through, sold as Romp-N-Roll
• Toss ‘n’ Floss—similar to Jollyball
• Gallon sized or larger plastic bottles—thoroughly rinsed, lids, labels, & tops removed (orange juice or detergent bottles only)

Tug toys should be put up, away from the puppy, after the game to maintain a balanced relationship.

Restricted toys, for young puppies only (up to 4 months):
• Gummabone products
• Plaque Attack toys
• Hercules bones
• Flat, white or natural, unstuffed faux fleece toys—no squeakers (to parade with, not to chew)

Unacceptable toys:
• Edible toys—cornstarch bones, rawhide chews/toys, pigs ears, cow hooves, edible Nylabones, raw bones
• Balls, Frisbees
• Retrieving toys
• Sticks
• Personal items—socks, children’s toys, etc.
• Anything not on the approved list

Toys are an important part of a pup’s development. Appropriate toys provide mental stimulation, an outlet for the normal chewing drive, and provide a positive alternative to destructive chewing of personal property.

A stimulating variety of toys keep the puppy occupied and foster interaction between the puppy and the raiser. Puppies, like children, become bored with the same toys; it is highly recommend that types of toys be rotated frequently. Puppies should have a number of toys to choose from at all times; not only does this help keep the pup engaged but also reduces the chance of him ultimately becoming protective of his toys.

Not all toys currently on the market are safe for the ages, sizes or breeds of puppies in our program. In addition, some toys and activities are counterproductive to developing a working guide. Remember, a guide must willingly work past common distractions such as balls, Frisbees, or other toys encountered in everyday life.

Toys can be effective tools in reducing attention-seeking behaviors such as ‘keep away’. Puppies pick up unacceptable items and ‘parade’ them to get their raiser’s attention. Praising and admiring the pup that parades his toys will make him less likely to steal household items. A pup that brings his toys to the raiser is to be encouraged, but under no circumstances should raisers throw toys for a pup or participate in retrieve games.

Even the best toys experience normal wear and tear. Toys should be routinely checked for any damage, splintering or wear. Special attention should be paid to ensure the toy has not become worn to the point of becoming too small, thus posing a choking or ingesting hazard. Some dogs are voracious chewers and will destroy even the strongest, safest toys. Observe your puppy and use caution with strong chewers.