Teething puppies are going to chew. It is not naughtiness, it is a biological need, so the goal is never to stop the chewing but to channel it onto the right things. Good chew toys save your belongings and soothe sore gums, which makes everyone’s life easier. This is a practical piece of getting through the first six months.
We looked for safe, durable, appropriately sized chews with no small parts to swallow. The best chew toy is one your puppy actually loves and that suits their jaws and chewing style, so we include options from soft teething soothers to tough rubber.
When your puppy grabs the wrong thing, the trick is to calmly trade it for a great chew toy rather than just taking it away. This channels the urge appropriately and teaches that chewing the right things pays. The same redirect-and-reward logic supports bite inhibition and gives a mouthy puppy a job. A good chew also helps a puppy settle alone and wind down for sleep.
A stuffed, frozen chew is wonderful enrichment that builds duration of calm. Teach a happy drop it so swaps are easy and safe, add a gentle verbal cue for taking a chew to a spot, and reward calm chewing without a treat constantly in hand, as in training without visible treats. Working chews into the day also covers part of the socialization checklist, since new textures and objects count as positive experiences.
Chew toys are one slice of keeping a puppy happily occupied. Pair them with puzzle and enrichment toys and a safe, puppy-proofed space for a content, well-rounded puppy. Supervise all chewing, and replace toys as they wear.
Best for: Everyday chewing and redirecting a mouthy puppy.
A tough, safe chew gives your puppy an appropriate outlet, which is the whole secret to saving your shoes: redirect, do not just deny.
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Best for: Puppies in the thick of teething who need gentle relief.
Softer, often freezable, these soothe sore gums while still being safe to gnaw, which makes the teething weeks easier on everyone.
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Best for: Strong chewers and stuffing with treats for longer-lasting fun.
Tough rubber stands up to serious chewing and can be stuffed and frozen to create a long, calming activity.
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