Suitable toys

[comingintomyown]

Hello
My DS has a German Shepherd puppy , he’s 3 months old and I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of decent websites or specific toys that would be suitable both for now and in the future. I don’t want to waste money on any old thing that is well marketed but actually no good at all.
As an aside just read the thread on this breed below , I do hope you’re wrong this puppy came via someone on Pets at Home….So far he seems great and my DS is very committed to fully training him

Not got a GSD but our DDig is very good at tearing toys up. She can get through the cheap ones in minutes.

She had a Starfish from Beco on holiday and hasn't managed to kill it yet.

I would be looking at brain games as well as my DF has a GSD that seems very keen to learn new tricks and loves brain games

Thank you.
l read that too but the brain games I found were super plasticky , I hadn’t thought of tricks will investigate!

i've always used Nylabones, puppy ones for when the dog is teething, and then the XLarge for adult dogs which last for ages. Also good to hold it for them while they chew, and teach "leave" or "drop" so they learn not to be possessive over high value items. Do this with raw carrot too, and let them bite bits off while i hold it, helps to teach impulse control.

I've never bought specific toys for brain games. I have three of four dog toys and teach the dogs to recognise the names and fetch the one i ask for, starting off by standing near the right one and pointing to it as i say "get bone" or "get rag". Once they know the names, i start to hide things behind settee or behind kitchen door etc when they're not looking. Then next time dog starts to do something he shouldn't, i say "where's rag"....

Thank you! I’ve never had a dog so wouldn’t know where to start with games and tricks, I’m really looking forward to playing with him although I have to remember he’s not mine and I mustn’t get too attached !! Not easy

The top tips that i was given when i got my first dog

-use a thick gardening glove when you play with a young pup. Puppies are a bit grabby when they get excited, and it takes time for them to learn bite inhibition, and puppy teeth are needle sharp and really really hurt.

-The more excited the dog gets, the calmer your actions and voice should be. Firm but calm helps to stop the play getting too rough.

-NILIF - Nothing In Life Is Free - Sound a bit mean but it's not. When dog wants attention or play or treat, they have to earn it. Nothing big, usually just a little hint of calmness, a second or two of waiting before they get what they want, then slowly build it up to a few seconds waiting, or a "sit". They soon get the idea that if they do what you want it will be worth their while.

Happy playtimes ahead!!
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😊 thanks