Welcome to The Puppy Toolbox!

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You’ve probably already discovered that puppies come with a lot of energy. Like, “zoomies at 10 p.m.” energy, right?

But here’s the thing: the right toys aren’t just for fun. They’re key for your puppy’s mental development, teething comfort, and (let’s be real) keeping your favorite shoes safe from tiny teeth.

After helping countless new puppy parents, I’ve narrowed down the must-haves that make life easier, for both you and your furry tornado.

🦴 1. The Teething Toy That Saves Furniture

Puppies need to chew, especially between 3–6 months when those baby teeth are falling out. A good teething toy, like a Kong chew toy that you can stuff with treats, soothes sore gums and satisfies that natural urge.
➡️ Look for toys made of durable rubber or nylon that can be frozen for extra relief.

🧠 2. The Brain-Boosting Puzzle Toy

Puppies get bored easily. And boredom often leads to mischief 👿. Puzzle toys challenge your pup to think, sniff, and problem-solve, which burns off mental energy (aka: fewer “uh oh” moments). Hide-A-Squirrel puzzle toys and snuffle mats are great examples of toys to keep your pup busy.

🥎 3. The Fetch Toy for Daily Energy Burn

Even short sessions of fetch can help your puppy learn impulse control, recall, and trust. Choose something soft and light for small mouths.

You can check out Chuckit! Indoor Fetch roller or the Chuckit! Fetch Stick.

🧸 4. The Comfort Cuddler

Puppies miss their littermates during the first few weeks home. A plush toy with a heartbeat or warmth can ease separation anxiety and help them settle faster at night.

🔔 5. The Squeaky or Crinkly Toy for Engagement

The sounds from a squeak toy mimic prey instincts and grab your pup’s attention (especially during training!). Just keep an eye out for durability because once the squeaker’s out, you're back where you started.

🚫 One Toy to Skip: Rope Toys (for Now)

They’re fun, but until your puppy’s adult teeth come in, the fraying fibers can pose a choking hazard. Stick with rubber or plush until they’re a bit older.

Final Tip: Rotate your puppy’s toys every few days. It keeps playtime fresh and exciting, sort of like a “toy surprise box” for your pup! 🎁

You don’t need all the toys on the market (though it’s tempting). Just start with these five, and you’ll cover play, comfort, and training all in one.

💡 Pro tip: Keep one special toy reserved just for crate time. It helps your puppy associate the crate with good things like peace, treats, and play.

With puppy love,

PJ, The Puppy Toolbox Team

Your sidekick in the journey from what am I doing? to we’ve got this.

P.S. Want more puppy lifestyle tips? Check out our blog posts.

P.P.S. Have a friend thinking about getting a puppy? Forward them this email and they can click here to join us. They’ll thank you later!