House training your new puppy is about patience, positive reinforcement, forming good habits and consistency. Many puppies aren’t house trained when you first bring them home, so there is lots to teach them.
“Puppies are exploring their new world, which is fun, exciting, and full of incredible smells, flavours and textures so they want to try everything,” an expert from the PDSA tells Country Living.
“It’s important to understand that nothing is sacred to a puppy and they could show interest in furniture, clothes, shoes, toys, even ornaments. Puppies don’t understand what is good or bad for them, or what they should or shouldn’t chew.”
Keep reading for everything you need to know about house training a puppy…
Tip 1: Dog-proof your home
Puppies can get into all sorts of things, from rubber bands to cleaning supplies, so it’s important you dog-proof your home to remove temptation. Place all of their toys into a personalised storage box so they know where to find toys, blankets and chew bones.
“Take everything up a level out of reach of your puppy, like you would with a crawling baby, and consider baby gates to keep them out of certain rooms where hazards may lie,” the PSDA say.
“This way your precious pup won’t get themselves into trouble for chewing the wrong thing. Provide plenty of pet safe toys, and direct them to what you want them to play with and chew.”
Tip 2: Reward your puppy
Praise and reward will motivate your puppy so they continue to repeat their good behaviour. Whether it’s their favourite treat or a game in the park, training with positive reinforcement teaches your dog that good things happen when they make a good choice.
“Training is really important for you and your puppy’s long term happiness together,” the PDSA say. “The key to training puppies is to reward them when they do something correct and to brush over mistakes, which helps them understand how you would like them to behave.”
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid of the word ‘no’
Dogs might not be able to make sense of a full sentence, but they will soon learn what words such as ‘sit’, ‘walk’, and ‘dinner’ mean. When it comes to house training your furry friend, the PDSA explain the important of the word ‘no’.
“You don’t need to shout or scare them but a firm ‘no’ can make them sit up, listen and pause whatever they’re doing that could be dangerous for them. Teaching them the command ‘drop’, rewarding them when they give up the item can be very helpful now and in the long term as even older dogs can try to eat things they shouldn’t. Training classes can be really helpful for bonding and learning to work together.”
If you are still struggling to train your puppy, training classes can be really helpful for bonding and learning to work together.
31 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
Great for chewing — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
KONG – Tires – Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers – For Medium/Large Dogs
KONG amazon.co.uk
£13.99
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it’s perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Chew ring — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy Flavor Medley Flavor X-Large/Souper – 50+ lbs.
Nylabone amazon.com
US$12.59
US$7.56 (40% off)
Made from durable nylon, this long-lasting chew toy challenges the most aggressive chewers. Your pup is certain to love the tasty flavour, too.
Ring toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Kong Ring Dog Toy
Pet Head petsathome.com
£8.50
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. And at just £8.50, it’s a real steal buy.
Fun bear toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Wild Knots Bear
KONG amazon.co.uk
£13.36
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
Ideal for larger breeds — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers
CyunCmay amazon.co.uk
£13.99
A great option for larger breeds, this tough yet elastic dog toy is ideal for particularly aggressive chewers. The dual handles also mean that you can use it to play with your dog too.
Tough material — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Planet Ball Blue
Planet Dog amazon.co.uk
£14.04
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet ‘planet’ design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun…
Perfect for fetch — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
West Paw Design Zogoflex Jive Dog Toy
Zogoflex amazon.co.uk
£15.99
Does your pup love to play fetch? Well, this dog toy is one of the most durable styles around — and will aim to stand the test of time, no matter how much it is used.
Great for swimmers — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Ruffwear Lunker
RUFFWEAR innerwolf.co.uk
US$9.00
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
Rope ring toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Beco Pets Hemp Rope Jungle Ring Tough Dog Toy
Beco johnlewis.com
£9.99
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring’s tough fibres work to clean your pup’s teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Fun furry cow toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Rosewood Cow Tough Rope Core Dog Toy
Rosewood johnlewis.com
£6.00
With a tough rope core this hairy cow is a lot tougher than it looks but it will feel nice and soft in your dog’s mouth. It also comes with a squeaker built in to add to the playing experience.
Ideal for larger breeds — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
JW Pet Company Megalast Ball Dog Toy, Large
JW Pet amazon.com
US$11.99
US$4.30 (64% off)
Want to treat your pup to a long-lasting toy? This floating ball has been constructed from thermo plastic rubber and is also infused with vanilla extract.
Ideal for the water — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak
Planet Dog amazon.co.uk
£11.94
This is no ordinary ball: made with aggressive chewers in mind, it’s perfect for pups who need something firm to hold onto. It is 100% non-toxic, has a fun squeak sound and is infused with a natural mint oil.
Best for snack time — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Pet-Fun Medium Mango – Safe Fun Durable Rubber Dog Chew Toy for Boredom, Virtually Indestructible Treat Dispenser, Long-Lasting Slow Feeder, Tough Strong Teething Toy for Medium/Small Dogs
Pet-Fun amazon.co.uk
£13.99
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Tug of war toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Ruffer and Tuffer Tug Of War Rope and Chew Dog Toy
Ruffer and Tuffer petsathome.com
£9.00
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this colourful chew toy on a durable rope. The makers explain: “Ruffer and Tuffer is specially designed to be stronger than the average, with a unique construction that delivers added durability with superior strength.”
Ideal for aggressive chewers — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers
ONEISALL amazon.co.uk
£8.99
Great for training — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Nero Ball Ultra TM – Dog Training Ball On A Rope – Exercise and Reward Toy for Dogs
The Nero Ball amazon.co.uk
£31.26
Thanks to the built-in rope, owners can throw this ball further for their pups to chase. It is used by the K-9 police as well as the Military Working Dog Teams, so it’s both tough and durable. Brilliant if you want to train and motivate your dog.
Fun duck toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Go Quackers Duck Dog Toy
Joules notinthedoghouse.co.uk
£8.00
Give your pup a reason to have some fun with this adorable duck toy. Hardwearing and well-crafted, it has a hidden squeaker to keep your pet entertained.
Ideal for adding snacks — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Idepet Dog Toy Ball, Nontoxic Bite Resistant Dog Chew Ball Food Treat Feeder Tooth Cleaning Exercise Game Ball
Idepet amazon.com
US$8.99
Perfect for fetch and interaction with your dog, this ball has been made with extra-tough rubber to stand the test of time. Thanks to its soft and unique surface, the ball will also keep your dog’s gums healthy.
Ideal for playing catch — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Kong Airdog® Squeaker Football Dog Toy
KONG notinthedoghouse.co.uk
£5.79
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
Wheel toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Ruffer and Tuffer Mighty Wheel Dog Toy
Ruffer and Tuffer petsathome.com
£4.00
This strong wheel dog toy is perfect for aggressive pulling and tugging. The specially developed soft rubber design helps to clean their teeth and massage their gums, while its engaging shape will provide hours of fun.
Chewable stick — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Chewable Stick Coffee Tree Wood Small
GoodWood amazon.co.uk
£3.63
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it’s also great for their dental hygiene.
Best squeaking toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Kong Airdog® Squeaker Donut Dog Toy
KONG notinthedoghouse.co.uk
£7.55
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material will not wear down dogs’ teeth.
Ideal for playing fetch — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Interactive Fetch Dog Toy with Tennis Ball
KONG amazon.co.uk
£12.95
Bone — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Nylabone Dura Chew Plus, Chicken, Medium
Nylabone amazon.co.uk
£7.99
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs.
Fun crab toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Beco Pets Rough & Tough Crab Recycled Polyester Dog Toy
Beco johnlewis.com
£11.99
With a mixture of strong ropes and a soft middle section, this is a great option for dogs who love to play.
Great for puppies — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Nylabone Gentle Puppy Dog Teething Bone
Nylabone amazon.co.uk
£7.05
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
Pineapple toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Pet-Fun Large Indestructible Pineapple –
Pet-Fun amazon.co.uk
£14.44
This durable pineapple toy has been built to last, helping to solve destructive chewing, teething, dental health, boredom, separation anxiety, training, and exercise.
Great for heavy chewers — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
KONG Jump n Jack Dog Toy
KONG notinthedoghouse.co.uk
£13.35
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
Onion toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Petface Latex Onion Large Dog Toy
Petface fetch.co.uk
£3.09
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it’s just over £3.
Perfect for chewers — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
Pet Qwerks REAL BACON Infused BarkBone
Pet Qwerks amazon.co.uk
US$23.88
This durable Bark Bone is infused with real bacon and is perfect for even the toughest chewers. Its non-toxic and non-allergenic materials mean its safe for your pup to enjoy.
Rubber frisbee — Best Indestructible Chew Toys
KONG – Extreme Flyer – Durable Rubber
KONG amazon.co.uk
US$13.50
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
SIGN UP
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io