Puppies and dogs play - that is what they do in addition to eating and sleeping. A puppy can chew your slippers or eat your favorite houseplants, or, you can provide toys just for him. Toys are especially important to keep your puppie occupied when you are gone or busy with more mundane tasks. Pet stores have literally hundreds of dog toys. Or you can have fun and so can your puppy with toys you make yourself.

For example, stuff a sterilized long beef bone (one that has the marrow removed from the center) with peanut butter. Your dog will stay busy trying to lick the peanut butter out of the center of the bone before eating it. Placing peanut butter or cheese inside his Frisbee or Kong toy will also keep him entertained.

Another favorite toy is made by placing a tennis ball inside one of your old socks and knotting the end. The weight of the ball makes this toy a good object to use in fetch games and the sock provides the opportunity for tug-of-war games.

Surprisingly fun toys for some dogs include using a large carrot as a chew bone or dropping an apple in your dog's water dish. Your dog will have the game of catching the apple before eating it.

Caution: be sure that your dog toys do not contain sharp, small or brittle parts that can be bitten off and swallowed.

Posted by Paula.