You just brought home your new puppy, and you’re standing in the pet aisle, overwhelmed. On one side: bright, rubbery squeaky toys that promise endless fun. On the other: soft, snuggly plush toys that practically scream “cuddle time!” So… what do puppies really love?
Let’s break it down—and help you pick the perfect toy for your little furball.
First things first: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Just like people, puppies have preferences. Some love the satisfying squeak of a toy under pressure—instant gratification! Others prefer a plush buddy they can drag around, snuggle, or shake like crazy.
Ask yourself:
Squeaky toys are great for:
But here’s a tip: supervise squeaky playtime. Many pups love the “challenge” of getting the squeaker out, and that’s when stuffing explosions happen.
Plush toys are perfect for:
Our lab mix, Daisy, still carries her first plush duck around the house at 3 years old. It’s her security blanket. But beware: if your pup is a shredder, stick with plush toys labeled “tough” or “reinforced seams.”
Sometimes, the best choice… is both! Keep a toy box with a mix of:
Rotate them to keep things fresh. Trust me—boredom is the enemy of well-behaved puppies.
“When our beagle was a baby, we gave him a plush elephant and a rubber squeaky bone. He loved the squeaky one for play and the plush one for bedtime. Now he brings both to us every day—it’s like his routine!”
At the end of the day, it’s not about which toy you prefer—it’s about what your puppy connects with. Watch how they play. Offer variety. And most of all, enjoy these silly, chewy, snuggly puppy days while they last.
Because in their eyes, you’re their favorite toy of all. 💛🐶
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