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Finding toys that would last while also keeping my Shiba’s attention in her younger years was a struggle.
The best toys you can give a Shiba Inu puppy are small, have rounded edges, and are made out of softer rubber-like materials. Appropriately sized and shaped toys minimize the risk of your pupped getting injured. Rubber, and rubber alternatives, also help with teething pain.
Thankfully through both research and good-old trial and error I was able to find a way to weather the storm of puppy teething. I’ve shared everything I was able to learn below.
Should Puppies Have Chew Toys?
Chew toys are some of the best options out there when it comes to keeping your Shiba Inu puppy’s attention. But, there are a few general rules and guidelines you will want to follow:
- Any chew toys you give your puppy should be appropriately sized. This reduces the risk of choking hazards while also minimizing the chance your pup gets frustrated because their toy is too big for them to actually chew on.
- Puppies should primarily have toys made of rubber or rubber-like alternatives. Rubber is commonly used in puppy-focused toys because it helps with teething pain. Rubber, or similarly soft material, also reduces the risk of your pup chipping a tooth. Toys made of rope also work, but rubber historically has done better.
- Make sure your Shiba has easy access to their chew toys. Easy access increases the odds of them chewing on appropriate objects, instead of your carpet or furniture, while also keeping them safe. It also makes correcting any destructive chewing easier through redirection.
Although they’re a bit lengthy, the above guidelines are very straightforward. They are designed to help your pup with any teething pains they may be going through while also trying to minimize the chances of them getting hurt or developing a bad behavior.
What Toys Should You Not Give A Puppy?
One of the best ways to pick the right toy for your puppy is by knowing what you should avoid. Similarly, while there are hundreds and thousands of different toys on the market, there are several types of toys you should avoid giving your Shiba Inu puppy.
Common toys you should avoid giving your puppy include:
- Toys with foam stuffing – Foam stuffing is easy for puppies to accidently eat, and usually expands soon after, becoming a serious choking hazard.
- Squeaky toys that are easy to open – Similar to foam toys, many squeakers used in puppy-sized toys are small enough for them to eat, making them a choking hazard.
- Avoid toys with long strings and ribbons – Long strings and ribbons are another potential choking hazard for your Shiba but there’s also a chance for your pet to get tangled in them.
- Make sure the toys you give your Shiba are appropriately sized – Toys that are meant for smaller breeds come in equally smaller options, leading to choking hazards.
- Avoid toys with sharp angles and corners – Most toys recommended for puppies have rounded edges and are made of softer materials. Hard toys, especially with pointed corners, can damage your Shiba’s sensitive gums.
You should also never give your puppy toys designed for adults. Adult toys tend to be made of harder materials, increasing the risk of your puppy getting injured, and are generally a teir or two larger, making them difficult for most Shiba Inu puppies to chew on.
What Is The Best Thing For A Puppy To Chew On?
Best Puppy Chew Toy – KONG Classic – Small
KONG has a history of making high-quality toys for dogs, and their puppy toys are no different. Their made out of a durable rubber, which is great for relieving your Shiba’s teething pains, and have continued to be a household favorite even into my Shiba’s adulthood. Just like most KONG toys they have a hollow center, which is a great place to stuff treats in to keep your puppies attention when you are busy.
Best Teething Toy – Nylabone Puppy Teething Pacifier
Nylabone is an amazing brand for puppy toys that I didn’t know about until I got my Shiba Inu puppy. Their toys are soft enough for your puppy to chew one without getting hurt, what also not being soft enough for a puppy to easily break apart and eat. They’re fairly durable, but if your Shiba Inu puppy is a heavy chewer you may want to grab a pair or two, and their small/petite option is the perfect size for this breed.
Best Durable Puppy Toy – Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew
There is one massive issue I continually run into when it comes to getting my Shiba Inu toys, durability. Every toy I’ve giving my Shiba, from puppy to adult, has been ruthlessly destroyed. The one toy brand I’ve been able to consistently turn to when it’s time for a high-quality replacement is Benebone. Benebone makes hard-style dog toys, with some adjustments for their like of puppy products. If you are struggling to find something that’ll last long enough to keep your Shiba Inu puppy busy, I’ve had nothing but success with Benebone.
Summary Of Picking The Best Toys For Puppies
While every Shiba is only a puppy once, and thankfully only goes through teething once in their life, that doesn’t mean you should give them random things to chew on. A puppy’s mouth and gums are very sensitive, hard toys, especially ones designed for adult dogs, easily cut and damage their mouths.
On the flip side, if a toy is too large for your Shiba Inu puppy they may start chewing on your carpet and furniture out of frustration, like mine did when she didn’t have a toy. The best way to avoid your Shiba Inu puppy getting hurt, or potentially choking, is by handing them an appropriately sized chew toy that’s made out of softer rubber-like material.
Some brands, like Benebone, make harder chew toy options that are completely safe for puppies, if you find your Shiba is constantly destroying all of their toys.
If you are looking for a quick solution, why not check out the list of toys I’ve shared above. If you have any additional question, see if I’ve covered them in the FAQ part of this article below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Entertain A Shiba Inu Puppy?
Most Shiba Inu puppies love to chew, especially if they’re teething. Durable chew toys, like Benebone’s wishbones, are an excellent option. For those struggling to keep your Shiba Inu puppy occupied, try a puzzle toy. Most rely on treats as a built-in reward, enticing them to continue playing.
What Do Shiba Inus Like To Play With?
Shiba Inus have a high prey drive and vasy amounts of energy, making fetch toys an instant favorite. Fetch is an excellent way to burn off their excess energy and meet their daily exercise needs while keeping them happy and healthy.
What Type Of Toy Is Best For Puppies?
The best toys you can give a puppy revolve around quelling their teething pains. These are generally rubber-based teething-focused toys. An appropriately sized teething toy will minimize the chance they turn to chewing on your shoes, carpet, furniture, or even your fingers and toes.
What Are The Safest Toys For Puppies?
The safest toys you can give a puppy are soft, rubber-based, teething chew toys that are sized appropriately to your puppies breed. If the toy is too large they’ll struggle to chew on in, often turning to your carpet or furniture out of frustration. But if the toy is too small it’s a choking hazard.
What To Give A Puppy To Keep Them Busy?
Most puppies instinctively love to chew, it helps with their teething pain and their mouth is their best tool for interacting with the world around them. Appropriately sized rubber teething toys are the best and safest option for keeping a puppies attention, and your furniture safe.
