Top 16 'Chew-Proof-Your-Couch' Training Toys to buy for Teething Puppies During Their 'Land Shark' Phase at Home - Goh Ling Yong
Ah, the new puppy. A bundle of joy, fluffy cuddles, and boundless affection. You’ve brought home your new best friend, and life is a montage of adorable moments… until you look down and see those razor-sharp baby teeth latched onto your favorite pair of shoes. Or the corner of the rug. Or your hand. Welcome, dear reader, to the infamous "Land Shark" phase.
Let's be clear: this isn't a phase of malicious destruction. Your puppy isn't plotting to ruin your home decor. This intense need to chew is driven by a powerful biological process—teething. Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their adult teeth push through their gums. Chewing provides relief. It’s also how they explore and learn about their world. The key to surviving this period with your sanity (and your furniture) intact is not to stop the chewing, but to redirect it onto appropriate items.
This is where a well-stocked toy box becomes your most valuable training tool. The right toys can save your couch, soothe sore gums, and teach your puppy crucial lessons about what is and isn't a chew toy. Think of it as building a "Yes!" pile. When they go for your hand, you redirect them to an item from the "Yes!" pile. Over time, they learn. To help you build the ultimate arsenal, we’ve compiled a list of the top 16 'chew-proof-your-couch' training toys for your little land shark.
1. The KONG Classic Puppy
If there is a hall of fame for dog toys, the KONG is the first-ballot inductee. The KONG Classic Puppy is specifically designed for a growing pup's needs. It's made from a softer, more forgiving natural rubber formula that's perfect for a baby dog's 28 teeth. Its unique snowman shape gives it an unpredictable bounce, making it a fantastic toy for a game of fetch and keeping your pup engaged.
The real magic of the KONG, however, is its stuffability. This isn't just a chew toy; it's a food-dispensing puzzle that engages your puppy's brain and makes them work for their food. This mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise in tiring out a high-energy pup. A busy puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
Pro-Tip: Start easy by stuffing it with a few loose kibbles that fall out easily. As your puppy gets the hang of it, you can up the difficulty. Mix their kibble with a bit of plain yogurt, pumpkin purée, or mashed banana and stuff it inside. For an expert-level challenge that provides maximum teething relief, pop the stuffed KONG in the freezer for a few hours. It becomes a pupsicle that soothes sore gums and can keep them occupied for a good long while.
2. Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Keys
Nylabone is a titan in the world of chew toys, and their Puppy Chew Keys are a classic for a reason. Made from a softer material suitable for puppies who do not have their adult teeth, these keys are designed to encourage positive chewing habits from a young age. The multiple textures and shapes on the keys are great for dental health, helping to clean teeth and control plaque and tartar buildup.
The ring design makes it easy for clumsy puppy paws to hold and manipulate, allowing them to get a good grip and chew from any angle. The different textures provide varied sensory input, which is crucial for a young dog learning about the world. This isn't just a chew toy; it's an engaging, multi-sensory experience that satisfies their urge to gnaw.
Pro-Tip: Like many puppy-specific toys, these are for pups without their adult teeth. Once you see those permanent chompers coming in, it's time to graduate to Nylabone's more durable adult chews. Always supervise your puppy and inspect the toy regularly for wear and tear.
3. West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl
West Paw is renowned for its incredibly durable, eco-friendly, and cleverly designed toys, and the Qwizl is a standout star. While it’s tough enough for powerful chewers, its design is brilliant for teething puppies. It’s a puzzle toy and a durable chew stick rolled into one. The pliable material has enough give to be satisfying on a puppy's gums without being too hard.
The genius of the Qwizl is its hollow center and side openings. You can slide a bully stick, jerky treat, or a dental chew inside. This makes the treat last significantly longer and forces your puppy to use their brain to figure out how to get to the good stuff. It protects the treat while making the experience more engaging, preventing them from gulping down a high-value chew in seconds.
Pro-Tip: The Qwizl is also fantastic for fetch! It has a fun, erratic bounce and is easy for a puppy to pick up. Since it floats, it's a great choice for pups who are being introduced to water play. It's also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
4. Petstages Cool Teething Stick
Think of this as a freezable teething ring for your dog. The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is a simple but brilliant concept for providing relief to inflamed puppy gums. You simply soak it in water, and the molded plastic will absorb it. Pop it in the freezer, and in a few hours, you have a crunchy, icy, and soothing chew toy.
The outer material provides a satisfying crunch when frozen, while the inner core stays frozen, providing long-lasting relief. The bright colors and streamers on the end add an element of fun and make it easy to toss and find. It's a fantastic, non-food option for pups who need a cooling sensation on their gums, especially during the most intense periods of teething.
Pro-Tip: Don't let your dog have this unsupervised when it's not frozen, as the fabric parts could be chewed off. Use it specifically as a "frozen treat" during a supervised teething session.
5. Benebone Puppy Wishbone
Benebones are a favorite for dogs who love to chew, and their puppy line is perfectly formulated for the youngest members of the pack. The Puppy Wishbone is made with a slightly softer material than their classic chews, but it’s still incredibly durable. The real draw is the flavor. Benebones are infused with real bacon, chicken, or peanut flavor throughout the entire chew, making them far more enticing than a simple piece of plastic.
The patented wishbone design is ergonomically brilliant. The curved shape makes it easy for a puppy to prop it up with their paws, allowing them to get a solid grip and a satisfying chew session. This smart design keeps them engaged longer than a simple stick-shaped chew might.
Pro-Tip: A common piece of advice from trainers, and something my friend Goh Ling Yong always says, is to build a "toy library." Rotate toys every few days. If your puppy seems to be losing interest in their Benebone, put it away for a week. When you bring it back out, it’ll feel brand new and exciting all over again.
6. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
While not a traditional "chew toy," a durable ball is an essential part of any puppy's toy collection for redirection. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is hands-down the best. It's made from a tough, durable natural rubber that can withstand a fair amount of chewing (though it's not meant for dedicated chew sessions). It’s much safer and longer-lasting than a standard tennis ball, whose fuzzy exterior can be ingested and cause blockages.
The Ultra Ball has a fantastic bounce that makes for an exciting game of fetch, which is a perfect way to burn off that frantic puppy energy. Teaching your puppy a solid "fetch" and "drop it" is an excellent training exercise that can be used to redirect them when they start chewing on something inappropriate. "Oh, you're chewing the table leg? Let's play fetch instead!"
Pro-Tip: Use fetch as a high-value reward during training. A few minutes of chasing their favorite ball can be more motivating for some puppies than a food treat. The ball should be large enough that it cannot be swallowed.
7. GoDog Dragons with Chew Guard Technology
Every puppy deserves a soft, cuddly toy. The problem is that most plush toys last about three seconds against a determined land shark. Enter GoDog. Their toys, like the popular dragon series, feature "Chew Guard Technology," which is a special manufacturing process that adds a super tough, durable liner to the soft toy. They also have reinforced seams to reduce tearing.
No, it's not indestructible—no soft toy is. But it stands a much, much better chance than your average teddy bear. It gives puppies a safe and appropriate outlet for that "thrash and shake" instinct they often exhibit. The squeaker inside also adds a layer of excitement that keeps them engaged and focused on their toy instead of your throw pillows.
Pro-Tip: Always supervise your puppy with any plush toy. At the first sign of tearing or de-stuffing, take the toy away. The goal is to teach them to play gently with soft items, not to destroy them.
8. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy
Puppyhood is about more than just chewing; it's about learning and problem-solving. Puzzle toys are a fantastic way to engage your puppy's brain and redirect their energy. The Hide-A-Squirrel is a beloved classic. It consists of a soft plush "tree trunk" and several small, squeaky squirrels. You stuff the squirrels into the trunk, and your puppy has to use its nose, paws, and brain to figure out how to pull them out.
This type of play taps into a dog's natural foraging and hunting instincts in a positive way. It's a low-impact activity that can keep them occupied for a surprising amount of time. It's perfect for rainy days or when you need your puppy to settle down for a bit. Solving the puzzle builds confidence and provides immense mental enrichment.
Pro-Tip: To increase the difficulty, you can wedge the squirrels in more tightly or only leave a tail sticking out. You can also hide treats inside the trunk along with the squirrels to make the game even more rewarding.
9. Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Rope Tug
Rope toys can be a fantastic tool for interactive play and dental health, as long as they are used correctly. The Mammoth Flossy Chews are made from a cotton-blend rope that is durable and helps to "floss" your puppy's teeth as they chew and play. A supervised game of gentle tug-of-war is a wonderful way to bond with your puppy and burn off energy.
It's crucial to teach your puppy the rules of tug. The game should stop immediately if their teeth touch your skin. This teaches them bite inhibition—one of the most important lessons a puppy can learn. The game should always be on your terms; you start it, and you end it.
Pro-Tip: This is a supervision-only toy. Never leave a puppy alone with a rope toy. If they ingest the strings, it can cause a serious and life-threatening intestinal blockage. Inspect the toy after each play session and trim any long, frayed strands.
10. A Snuffle Mat for Scent Work Redirection
A snuffle mat isn't a chew toy, but it is one of the most powerful redirection tools in your arsenal. It's a mat with many strips of fleece tied to it, creating a "grassy" texture. You sprinkle your puppy's kibble or some dry treats into the mat, and they have to use their nose to sniff out and find every last piece.
Sniffing is a naturally calming activity for dogs. Ten to fifteen minutes of intense sniffing on a snuffle mat is often more tiring for a puppy than a 30-minute walk. It's an incredible way to channel their energy when they're getting overstimulated and nippy. It redirects their focus from chewing your ankles to a productive, rewarding, and calming task.
Pro-Tip: Use the snuffle mat to feed your puppy one of their daily meals. This turns mealtime into a fun and enriching game, preventing them from bolting down their food too quickly.
11. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
The Hol-ee Roller is a unique and versatile toy. It's made from a stretchy, pliable, non-toxic rubber that is gentle on a puppy's mouth but surprisingly durable. The open, webbed design makes it easy for a puppy to grab and carry, even for the smallest breeds.
Its versatility is its greatest strength. You can stuff it with treats, bully sticks, or even fabric scraps (that are too large to be swallowed) to turn it into an engaging puzzle. You can also put a squeaky ball inside to make it more exciting. It's a fantastic, lightweight option for indoor fetch that won't break your lamps.
Pro-Tip: For a teething puppy, try weaving strips of fleece or an old (clean!) t-shirt through the holes, knotting them, and then soaking the whole thing in water and freezing it. This creates a fun, multi-textured, and soothing chew puzzle.
12. Tuffy's Ultimate Ring Dog Toy
Similar to GoDog, Tuffy's brand specializes in creating some of the most durable soft toys on the market. Their "Ultimate" series is rated a 9 out of 10 on their own "Tuff-Scale." These toys are constructed with multiple layers of material and several rows of stitching to stand up to serious play.
The ring shape is excellent for puppies as it's easy to grip and carry. It's also great for a game of tug. While still a soft toy and not meant for unsupervised chewing, it provides a much safer and more durable alternative for puppies who love the feel of fabric but would shred a normal plush toy in an instant.
Pro-Tip: Choose a toy size appropriate for your puppy. A toy that's too small can be a choking hazard, while one that's too large can be intimidating and difficult for them to play with.
13. Coffee Wood or Olive Wood Chews
For puppies who are drawn to chewing on your wooden furniture legs, a natural wood chew can be a fantastic alternative. Unlike real sticks from the yard, which can splinter and cause injury, chews made from coffee wood or olive wood are specially prepared to be safe for dogs. They are very dense and don't splinter into sharp pieces. Instead, they flake off into small, soft, digestible fibers.
These chews are long-lasting and provide a satisfying, natural chewing experience. They are free from artificial ingredients, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. The simple, stick-like shape is inherently appealing to most dogs.
Pro-Tip: As with any chew, supervision is key. Once the wood chew has been worn down to a size that could be swallowed, it's time to replace it.
14. LickiMat Soother
Licking is another self-soothing behavior for dogs. When a puppy is over-aroused, nippy, and can't seem to settle down, a LickiMat can be a lifesaver. This flat mat has textured nubs that are designed to hold soft foods. You can spread plain yogurt, peanut butter (ensure it's xylitol-free!), or pâté-style dog food across the surface.
As your puppy licks to get the food out, their body releases calming hormones. This is a fantastic tool to use during crate training, grooming, or any time you need your puppy to be calm and occupied in one spot. It's not a chew toy, but it's an essential tool for managing the frantic energy that often leads to destructive chewing.
Pro-Tip: The LickiMat Soother can also be frozen to make the treat last longer and provide a cooling sensation, which is perfect for a teething pup.
15. Petstages Dental Health Chew Toys (e.g., Dogwood)
This toy combines the appeal of a natural stick with the safety and durability of a synthetic chew. The Petstages Dogwood stick is made from a blend of real wood flour and non-toxic synthetic material. It has the taste and smell of real wood that dogs love, but it's designed not to splinter.
This is an excellent way to redirect a puppy who loves chewing on sticks they find outside. It provides a similar sensory experience in a much safer package. The material is hard enough to be durable but has enough "give" to be satisfying for a teething puppy. They also come in various sizes to suit any breed.
Pro-Tip: Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we stress the importance of teaching your puppy a "trade" or "drop it" cue. If you find them chewing on an unsafe stick outside, offer them their Dogwood stick as a high-value trade. This makes them much more willing to give up the contraband item.
16. A DIY Frozen Treat Toy
You don't always need to buy something fancy. One of the most effective teething soothers can be made right in your kitchen. You can use a dedicated puppy-safe ice cube tray or even just a regular one. Fill the tray with water, low-sodium chicken or beef broth (ensure it's onion- and garlic-free), or a mix of yogurt and fruit.
Giving your puppy a "pupsicle" to lick and crunch on is incredibly soothing for their gums. It's also a great way to help them stay hydrated on a warm day. You can even put a few of their kibbles in the mix before freezing to make it more interesting.
Pro-Tip: For a less messy option, take a whole carrot, wash it, and pop it in the freezer. A frozen carrot makes a fantastic, healthy, and crunchy chew that many puppies love. Just be sure to supervise and limit the amount, as too much carrot can cause an upset stomach.
Your Survival Guide to the Land Shark Phase
Navigating the teething phase is a rite of passage for every new puppy parent. It can be trying, but with patience and the right tools, you can guide your puppy through it successfully. The goal is not to eliminate chewing but to teach your puppy what is acceptable to chew on.
Build a diverse toy box with a variety of textures, materials, and functions—hard chews, soft toys, puzzle toys, and soothing freezable options. Rotate these toys regularly to keep your puppy's interest piqued. Remember that supervision and redirection are your most powerful allies.
Most importantly, be patient. This phase, like all the challenging parts of puppyhood, will pass. Before you know it, those needle-sharp baby teeth will be gone, replaced by strong adult teeth—ready to enjoy a whole new world of durable, adult-sized toys.
What are your puppy's go-to chew toys? Share your land shark survival tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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