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Toy question for GSD puppies

Kaia Murphy

Founding Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2025
Messages
12
Hey everyone!

I am brand new here and to the breed so please understand I am still learning.

I’m starting to build a little “puppy prep list” (probably going overboard but it’s fun 😅). For toys, I know GSD pups love to chew, are things like Kongs and rope toys safe for them at 8 weeks? Or are they too small/too tough for their little teeth?

What did your puppies absolutely love at that age? I don’t want to waste money on the wrong stuff, but I also want to have a variety ready when my future pup comes home.
 
Hey Kaia, welcome aboard! Great to have you here. The puppy prep stage is exciting, and trust me, you’re not overdoing it. With shepherd pups, being prepared saves a lot of headaches later.


At 8 weeks, here’s what I’ve had good luck with:

Kongs – Go for the puppy version since the rubber is softer. You can stuff them with kibble, yogurt, or wet food and freeze them. Perfect for teething relief and keeping a pup busy.

Rope toys – They’re fine as long as you supervise. Some pups just play tug, others try to shred and eat the strings. Great for short tug sessions though, and helps build engagement.

Puppy chew bones – The softer Nylabone or Benebone puppy versions are great. Adult ones will be too hard on little teeth.

Plush toys – A lot of people skip these, but my shepherd adored a squeaky duck at 8 weeks and carried it everywhere like a security blanket. It didn’t last forever, but it was worth it.

Rotation – Don’t give everything at once. Rotate toys every couple of days so they stay fresh and exciting.


One tip from experience: don’t be surprised if your pup ignores a toy you thought they’d love. Their favorites change as they grow. Looking forward to hearing more about your pup when the time comes. You’ll have your hands full in the best way possible.
 
Hey Kaia, welcome aboard! Great to have you here. The puppy prep stage is exciting, and trust me, you’re not overdoing it. With shepherd pups, being prepared saves a lot of headaches later.


At 8 weeks, here’s what I’ve had good luck with:

Kongs – Go for the puppy version since the rubber is softer. You can stuff them with kibble, yogurt, or wet food and freeze them. Perfect for teething relief and keeping a pup busy.

Rope toys – They’re fine as long as you supervise. Some pups just play tug, others try to shred and eat the strings. Great for short tug sessions though, and helps build engagement.

Puppy chew bones – The softer Nylabone or Benebone puppy versions are great. Adult ones will be too hard on little teeth.

Plush toys – A lot of people skip these, but my shepherd adored a squeaky duck at 8 weeks and carried it everywhere like a security blanket. It didn’t last forever, but it was worth it.

Rotation – Don’t give everything at once. Rotate toys every couple of days so they stay fresh and exciting.


One tip from experience: don’t be surprised if your pup ignores a toy you thought they’d love. Their favorites change as they grow. Looking forward to hearing more about your pup when the time comes. You’ll have your hands full in the best way possible.
Thanks so much for the detailed breakdown, that’s super helpful! I didn’t even know there was a softer puppy version of Kongs, so I’ll definitely grab one of those. The plush toy tip is great too. I wouldn’t have thought a squeaky duck could become a favorite, but that’s kind of adorable.

Rotating toys every few days makes sense, I’d probably just throw everything at them at once otherwise. Appreciate the advice, and I’ll keep you updated when the time comes. I’m already excited (and a little nervous) about having my hands full!
 
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