Congratulations on your new puppy! At 8 weeks old, your dog is just starting to explore the world and figure out how to be a dog. The best toys for an 8 week old puppy are those that help them learn about their environment, explore their new world, and start to socialize with other dogs and people.
Best Teething Toys
8 week old puppies are at the height of their teething process. They’ll need plenty of teething toys to help with the pain and discomfort of growing new teeth. Look for chew toys that are specifically designed for teething puppies. Unlike chew toys, these are specifically designed to be softer on puppies’ gums and teeth, and provide a soothing sensation for them to chew on.
Some of the best teething toys include:
Best Chew Toys
As your puppy’s adult teeth start to come in, they will want to start chewing on everything! It’s important to provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys to keep them from chewing on things they shouldn’t, like your furniture or shoes. Chew toys provide mental stimulation and help relieve boredom. They also help puppies learn what’s appropriate to chew on and what’s not. Be sure to choose a chew toy that’s specifically designed for puppies and made from a soft material.
Some of the best chew toys for puppies include:
Best Socialization Toys
Puppies need to start socializing with other dogs and people at an early age, so your 8 week old puppy is at a great age to bring around other friendly dogs and people in a controlled environment. The best way to do this is through puppy classes, but you can also use toys to help your puppy socialize. Puppies Look for toys that help your puppy learn how to play with other dogs and understand that strangers are not a threat. Toys that help with socialization are those that encourage your puppy to interact with other dogs and people.
Some of the best socialization toys for puppies include:
- Noise toy – A toy that makes noise, like a squeaky toy, can help your puppy understand that other dogs and people are not a threat.
- Plush toy – A soft plush toy is a great way for your puppy to learn how to play gently with other dogs and people.
- Tug of war toy – Playing tug of war with another dog or person can help your puppy learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled way.
Best Puzzle and Learning Toys
Puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your 8 week old puppy. They help puppies learn how to problem solve and think through different challenges. Puzzle toys can also be a great way to keep puppies from getting bored.
Some of the best puzzle toys for puppies include:
- KONG Classic Puppy Toy
- Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Beginner Level Puzzle Toy
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Tornado Spinners Interactive Puzzle Toy
- Zippy Paws Woodland Friends Burrow Log Cabin dog toy
Best Exploration Toys
Building confidence and exploring their environment are two important things for 8 week old puppies. The best toys for exploration are those that help puppies feel comfortable in new environments and help them build confidence as they explore.
Some of the best exploration toys for puppies include:
- Snuffle mat – A snuffle mat is a great way to help your puppy use their sense of smell to explore their environment.
- Puppy tent – A puppy tent is a great way to create a safe space for your puppy to explore and feel comfortable in.
- Pop-up tunnel – A pop-up tunnel is a great way to help your puppy feel confident as they explore their environment. It’s also a great way to get them used to new smells and sounds.
Best Comfort Toys
Puppies need a lot of comfort and reassurance, especially during their 8 week old stage. The best toys for comfort are those that help puppies feel safe and secure in their environment.
Some of the best comfort toys for puppies include:
- Security blanket – A security blanket is a great way to help your puppy feel safe and secure. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Stuffed animal – A stuffed animal is a great way to provide comfort and reassurance for your puppy. It’s also a great way to help them feel safe in new environments. Stuffed animals should be designed specifically for puppies and not for humans.
- Puppy crib – A puppy crib is a great way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to sleep. It’s also a great way to help them feel secure in their environment. These are designed for puppies who are not quite ready for crate training.
Best Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are great for 8 week old puppies because they help to stimulate their minds and keep them entertained. Look for toys that your puppy can chase, catch, and fetch. These types of toys help to keep your puppy’s attention and provide them with a lot of mental stimulation.
Some of the best interactive toys for puppies include:
- Fetch toy – A fetch toy is a great way to help your puppy chase, catch, and fetch. It’s also a great way to keep their attention and provide them with a lot of mental stimulation.
- Tug toy – A tug toy is a great way to help your puppy learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled way. It’s also a great way to provide them with mental stimulation.
- Ball – A ball is a great way to help your puppy chase, catch, and fetch. It’s also a great way to provide them with mental stimulation.
As you can see, there are a variety of different types of toys that can be beneficial for 8 week old puppies. It’s important to provide your puppy with a variety of different types of toys so that they can explore, learn, and feel comfortable in their environment. Be sure to choose toys that are specifically designed for puppies and not for adult dogs. If you have any questions about which type of toy would be best for your puppy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!
