Chew Toys in Crate?

[Gillian]

Hi Everyone!

I am waiting for my puppy and anxiously doing all my research! I have come across conflicting information regarding keeping chew toys in the dogs crate vs. not. Some say it causes nervous chewing, while others say it curbs barking and other anxious behaviors while you are gone. What do you guys think is the best for helping seperation anxiety in a puppy?? Thanks so much!

[Sandra Griffith]

Stuffed kongs are a great diversion for your pup in the crate. They help keep them busy and provide some problem solving as well. Do be careful about leaving most toys in the crate with your puppy until you see what type of chewer he/she is. A viracious chewer could swallow pieces of a toy that could be dangerous (e.g., causes for intestinal blockage etc.). I don't leave soft toys alone with a dog in a crate for this reason. Other chew toys will be dependent on the puppy. Some choices are stuffed kongs, stuffed buddy squirrel, or zogoflex toys. There are some dogs who seem to be able to destroy almost anything and some that are a little daintier in their chewing habits. This being said, it is important for a puppy to be able to chew. Just be careful about the being unobserved part until you get to know what your puppy is like.