Safe, Fun, and Perfect for Playtime

Make puppy playtime memorable with the best dog toys to fit your family’s needs!

Finding toys that are fun for both puppies and children has never been easier! Having the right toys can prevent nipped fingers and tears. They should be safe and durable, and promote bonding.

Not only that, the right toys can help with training, and tire out energetic little ones (furry and human alike). Here’s a guide and my recommendations to the best dog toys for entertaining both puppies and kids.

Interactive Tug and Chase Dog Toys

Here’s the thing: Tug and chase may not be the best games for your family.

These games can be a great way for adults to play with puppies, but with kids they can become frustrating and even dangerous. It is very easy for puppies to get too rough or accidentally bite a child.

These toys make rough play a bit safer by keeping your dog’s teeth far away from your kid’s fingers. You may still want to wait until your puppy matures for your kids to play rough games.

• Flirt pole toys – like a fishing pole with a dog toy on the end
• Extra long tug toys – like these fantastic ones from Tug-E-Nuff
• Dog toys on a long rope or leash

Best Puppy Teething Toys

• Tougher bones like Benebone and Nylabone (get an older dog to “start” your puppies bone for them)
• Rubbery chewies like Playology dog toys
• Chewy balls like the Hol-ee Roller
• Wearable teething rings from Sweet Paws go on your kid’s wrist so that they always have a chew toy ready when they want to play with the puppy

Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toys

Why it works: Puzzle toys like the West Paw Toppl or Nina Ottosson Dog Puzzles entertain both puppies and kids. Children love hiding treats and watching their dog figure out how to get them. It’s a shared experience that encourages learning and patience for both.

Safety tip: Make sure puzzles are age-appropriate and follow directions about monitoring your pup.

Best Dog Toys for Interactive Play

Bubbles for Dogs and Kids

Keep sharp teeth far away from your kids with bubbles! You can even get dog specific flavored bubbles. Some pups love to chase and pop, and watching and blowing the bubbles can be so entertaining for kids.

This is an easy, low-effort way to spark laughter and movement. It’s great fun for kids and dogs of all ages!

Soft Plush Dog Toys

Puppies and kids love plush toys. Having a few for your puppy to play and snuggle with can help them settle into their new home. These are great for indoor play and can double as cuddle buddies.

BUT: Even durable plush toys rarely last long against sharp puppy teeth. Also, plush toys make it harder for your puppy to distinguish between his toys and the kid’s toys, since they look just like your child’s stuffies.

Unlike a fuzzy tug toy, a plushie has no handle, so puppies can’t see where the toy ends and the people’s hands begin.

I would start with just a few of these and get your puppy more as he learns better play skills.

Final Thoughts: Playing It Safe and Fun

Combining kids and puppies in play can be a joyful, rewarding experience. However, always supervise their interactions and teach children how to handle dogs gently and respectfully. Choose toys that are designed for pets and be cautious of durability, especially with strong chewers.

With the right toys and a little guidance, your puppy and child can grow up not just as playmates—but as best friends.

Do you have a favorite toy your puppy and kid love to share? Let us know—we’re always on the lookout for more tail-wagging fun!