Absolutely, Positively a No-No???

[diane silver]

Is it absolutely, positively a "no-no" to let a puppy play with an old shoe? Emma is really obsessed with our shoes, and I thought that if I were to give her an old shoe, maybe that would satisfy her. I know that we don't want to get her used to playing with our shoes, but I also remember that we did it with our poodle and she never went after our "real" shoes once she had one of her own. What is the consensus?

[Adina P]

I would say no to prevent her thinking ALL shoes are okay...but who knows, maybe she'll be able to tell the difference?

[Tamara & Giada]

Yeah, I would NOT give any dog anything of mine. I have my things, and they have theirs:)

[Ali]

Yes, do not let your puppy play with any shoe, because how will she tell the difference between an old shoe and a more expensive dress shoe.

[Stephanie]

I know this discussion is a little old, but I wanted to put in my two cents worth because I have a very different opinion.

We have let our dog chew on many things that were old icky ones that whad been replaced, and after he realized the one we had given him was his (which took about 4-5 days) he never came after our t-shirts or socks again. I think these dogs are plenty smart enough to know the difference if you take the time to show them the difference.

If its a shoe she likes, take the laces out, or something like that so she can see the difference. Also, once she chews on it a bit, she will know the difference...at least that is my opinion.

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

We've allowed our doodles to chew on old shoes or socks and keep them as "their own" We've never had a problem with that.
That's, of course, working for us but may not work for other homes. I wouldn't be upset to lose any shoes to them (our own fault if it happens), only because I don't own "expensive" ones.....but any good shoes don't stay within doodle territory. The kids know not to leave theirs around and take the chance.
I only wanted to pass on this shoe experience with you.....My older brother and wife/kids were over last Thanksgiving and my sister in law took off her boots. Within 20 minutes, puppy then Scrappy accosted said boot and sister in law yells....."Hey, that's like a car payment!" Well..........I can't say I've ever had the "pleasure" to own such expensive shoes, so ....like I said....it works for us and she probably won't wear those boots over here again ;)

[fergie11]

Shoes - NO. But Fergie has big slipper that looks like a stuffed wolf or something and she loves-loves that slipper. She knows that's hers and has really slowed down on other shoes. Now summers over so she'll leave the flip-flops alone. Incidendly, Fergie looks like your picture now. She's 7 months.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

We used to give our dogs a sock, but tied a knot through it so they knew it was their own.... my mom did it when I was a kid and I still do it... they always seem to know...not sure if I would risk my shoes??? However, maybe if you do something "different" to the shoe it would help ??

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

The main problem I see is the how aggressive a chewer she is and how safe is the shoe. Is the dye safe? Is there a bow or eyelets or anything small that could come off. Big dogs can swallow quarters safely - usually - not recommended of course. Small dogs can get even very small things caught in their intestines. Otherwise you are obviously going to need to guard your shoes for a while anyway, as your dog loves them, so if the shoe seems safe and you check it often - what the heck!

[Patty Barnes]

No, I would not let a puppy chew a shoe or slipper. Early on I let puppies play with knotted socks, and I learned that I had set those pups up to be sock snatchers and chewers for life. Someone should have sent me to the dog house!

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

One thing to remember is never give your puppy anything with your scent to chew. They will think it is okay to chew anything with your scent on it especially when they are alone.