First attempt on training... Toy for pups????

[jwalk4gk]

I'm getting a lab puppy in a few weeks and i was wondering what are some good toys to get a pup that are not going to start bad habits... If you guys have some suggestions or what you use or buy for toys for them please let me know thanks

[wackemnstackem]

No "TOYS" needed IMO

[OneShotWilly]

My advice: Dont use retrieving objects as toys. Bumpers, paint rollers, dokkens, anything you might want to train with, dont let the pup have free access to them. IMO

Tennis balls, nylabones, and maybe a cute squeeky goose or duck toy that they will rip the stuffing out of in 20 mins anyways should keep them occupied.

Also, many trainers will tell you not to play tug of war with the dog for obvious reasons.

But for yourself, buy Jackie Mertens "Sound Beginnings" DVD and then buy a DVD program (Evan Graham, Mike Lardy, or Fowldogs, etc.) for you to follow if you havent already. It helps alot. Good luck.

[dakotashooter2]

Believe me when I say there is no such thing and an indistructable chew toy even if advertized as such. At least not that I have found. Tennis balls are pretty good but my springer has learned to "crack" them then chew them to pieces in about 10 minuntes. The most durable thing I have is a couple glow balls that the SO bought at Bed Bath and Beyond. I also buy thick braded nylon rope and cut it into sections and tie knots in it. Mine keeps pulling split logs off my woodpile and whittling them down to nothing and for some reason she likes tin cans which I try to keep away from her.

I know experts say not to to play tug with a dog but both of mine have quickly learned the difference between work and play. I can play tug with a rope one minute and switch to dummies the next and have no problem with the dog giving up the dummy on command.

[gatrapper]

Mine has pieces of rope and a puppy size kong. He would chew everything in the house, but after a few pinches on the side of his mouth he just sticks to his 2 designated toys.

The rope to help massage his gums, and the kong is used when Im gone for 2-3 hours. I will stuff some wet food in the kong and freeze it and give it to him before I leave. Helps keep him occupied.

[SPatrick]

I always used a squeaky toy to get my pup fired up and ready to play, then I would throw it down the hall and he would go get it and want more. Dog has more desire than most I have seen, he used to love that stuff. Kongs are awesome, can keep them occupied for quite some time, that is the only indestructible toy I have seen. NO TUG OF WAR!!!! Cant stress that enough. My non-hunting friends always wanted to do that with him, couple of folks got a good a$$ chewing because of that.