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Old 18th February 2005, 09:47 PM
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littleone littleone is offline
Boxer Booster
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NY/USA
Posts: 113
You're very right, the puppy is the least expensive item in the mix. Besides toys, there are collars, leads, bowls, shampoos, brushes, etc. Our boys each have 2 collars as well as two leads apiece.

Personally, I'm not fond of the soft, squeaky or stuffed animal type toys, we've had some interesting experiences with these with our Mastiff where he destroyed them and I wasn't sure if he ate something he shouldn't of (oh the joys of poking through poop for 2-3 days!). I'm very sure rawhide is never a good idea for any age dog, I've read they can swallow pieces, it will swell in their bellies/guts and can cause an obstruction. IMHO your best bet are the hard rubber toys like Kongs, they satisfy the chewing urges of both our two very well. Pull toys can be good too, if you use the rope type, keep a close eye on Riley to be sure he dosen't chew off any of it. Treat balls can work well too. We also give them raw bones (never cooked) - depending on where you live they can be called soup bones or marrow bones. I can get beef soup bones for about .99/lb here, I'll buy a few packages, wrap each in foil, ziplock bag them and stick them in the freezer. When they get a bone, I'll take out what I need and just let them thaw some, partially frozen is OK to give - makes it last longer and works great on soothing a teething puppy's mouth. You can also take a clean tea towel, wet it, tie a few knots in it and freeze. Give it to the puppy while still frozen, works well with the teething discomfort and they have a good chew too.

Let us know how it goes,
Penny