Toys For Crate Training Puppies: Making the Crate a Happy Place

Crate training is an essential step for any new puppy owner. It provides a safe den for your furry friend, aids in house-training, and offers a secure space when you can’t supervise them directly. However, for many puppies, the crate can initially feel like a lonely or scary place.

The right toys can transform the crate experience. They provide comfort, mental stimulation, and a much-needed distraction, turning potential anxiety into positive associations. Our curated list of toys for crate training puppies focuses on durability, engagement, and safety.

We understand that every puppy is unique, with different chewing habits and personalities. This selection offers a variety of options, from budget-friendly choices to premium picks, ensuring there’s something perfect for your specific needs. You’ll find toys designed to soothe, entertain, and keep your puppy happy in their new den.

Let’s explore some of the best toys to help your puppy love their crate. These top picks are chosen to make crate training a breeze for both you and your little companion.

—

Our Top Picks for Crate Training Puppies

1. KONG Classic Puppy Dog Toy

The KONG Classic Puppy Toy is an iconic choice, specifically designed with softer rubber for a puppy’s developing teeth and gums. Its unique shape makes it bounce unpredictably, adding an element of fun. This toy is a staple for many puppy owners.

Stuffing it with treats like peanut butter or special puppy paste provides a long-lasting distraction. This engagement helps create a positive association with the crate, making it a rewarding place to be. It’s an excellent tool for keeping puppies occupied.

It’s perfect for puppies who need a durable, engaging toy to chew on and work for their rewards. This is a mid-range option that offers great value. A standout feature is its ability to be frozen, extending the challenge even further.

2. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy Starter Kit

The Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy Starter Kit offers a variety of textures and strengths tailored for puppies. This kit typically includes softer chews for teething and a slightly firmer option for when permanent teeth begin to emerge. It’s a versatile set.

These chews are designed to satisfy a puppy’s natural urge to chew, promoting healthy chewing habits and discouraging destructive behavior. Having a selection helps you understand your puppy’s preferences as they grow. This kit is ideal for new puppy owners.

This budget-friendly kit is perfect for puppies transitioning through different teething stages. It offers multiple options to keep them engaged in their crate. The variety of textures is a key benefit, ensuring long-term interest.

3. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy

The Snuggle Puppy is much more than a regular toy; it’s a behavioral aid designed to comfort anxious puppies. It features a “real-feel” pulsing heartbeat and a disposable heat pack, mimicking a littermate or mother. This can be incredibly soothing.

This toy helps alleviate separation anxiety, loneliness, and stress, which are common during crate training. The familiar sensations provide a sense of security, making the transition to the crate much smoother for your puppy. It’s a top choice for comfort.

It’s perfect for puppies experiencing significant anxiety or those new to being alone. This is a premium comfort item, offering peace of mind for both puppy and owner. Its ability to replicate a living companion is truly unique and highly effective.

4. Benebone Puppy Durable Wishbone Chew Toy

The Benebone Puppy Wishbone is a durable, flavored chew toy made from super-strong nylon. Its ergonomic design allows puppies to get a good grip, making for a satisfying chewing experience. The real food flavor (like bacon or chicken) is infused throughout.

This chew toy is excellent for persistent chewers, providing a safe and long-lasting outlet for their instincts. The natural flavors encourage engagement, helping to keep your puppy happily occupied inside their crate. It’s a favorite among many dog owners.

It’s an ideal choice for puppies who love to chew and need something robust to keep them busy. This is a mid-range option known for its durability and enticing flavor. The wishbone shape is easy for puppies to hold, enhancing their chewing pleasure.

5. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew Toy

The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley is a virtually indestructible bone-shaped toy, made from a buoyant, recyclable, and non-toxic material. It’s designed to withstand aggressive chewing, making it a fantastic crate companion for power chewers.

This toy provides a safe and satisfying chew for hours, reducing boredom and potential destructive chewing in the crate. Its bright colors also make it easy to spot. It’s a great option for puppies who are tough on their toys.

Perfect for puppies who need an extremely durable and safe chew toy that will last. This is a mid-range to premium option, backed by a strong manufacturer guarantee. Its exceptional durability and non-toxic material are its primary selling points.

6. PetSafe Busy Buddy Barnacle Treat Dispensing Toy

The PetSafe Busy Buddy Barnacle is a unique treat-dispensing toy with three chambers to hold varying amounts of treats or kibble. This design requires puppies to work to get their rewards, providing mental stimulation and extended engagement.

It helps redirect a puppy’s energy into a positive activity, preventing boredom and anxiety during crate time. The challenge of extracting treats keeps them focused and happy. This is one of the best interactive Toys For Crate Training Puppies.

This toy is excellent for puppies who enjoy a challenge and are motivated by food rewards. It’s a budget-friendly to mid-range item that offers great value in terms of engagement. Its multi-chamber design truly sets it apart for extended play.

7. GoughNuts Original Ring Dog Toy

GoughNuts toys are renowned for their extreme durability and safety. The Original Ring features a unique safety indicator: if a puppy chews through to the red inner core, it’s time to replace the toy. This provides an extra layer of security.

Designed by mechanical engineers, these toys are built to withstand the most aggressive chewers, making them ideal for unsupervised crate time. They offer a safe and satisfying chewing experience that lasts. This is a robust choice.

This is a premium option, perfect for powerful chewers and owners prioritizing maximum safety and durability. The safety indicator is a standout feature, offering peace of mind during crate training. This toy is built to last.

8. JW Pet Company Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy

The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller is an open, rubber, geometric-shaped ball that’s incredibly versatile. It can be used as a standalone chew toy or stuffed with other toys, treats, or even fabric strips for added engagement. Its flexibility is a major plus.

Stuffing it with various items turns it into a puzzle toy, keeping puppies mentally stimulated and happily occupied in their crate. It’s also gentle on puppy teeth while still being quite durable. This toy fosters creativity in play.

This budget-friendly toy is perfect for puppies who enjoy interactive play and owners who like to customize their puppy’s enrichment. Its versatility is its greatest asset, allowing for endless variations of fun during crate training.

9. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Plush Toy

The Hide A Squirrel toy is a soft, interactive puzzle that encourages a puppy’s natural hunting instincts. Puppies must pull squeaky squirrels out of a plush tree trunk, providing mental exercise and entertainment. It’s a fun, engaging option.

While not a chew toy for unsupervised crate time, it’s fantastic for supervised crate sessions or immediately before/after to create positive associations. It builds confidence and provides a fun, rewarding activity. This helps build a positive experience.

This mid-range plush toy is ideal for puppies who love to “hunt” and solve simple puzzles. It’s perfect for engaging their minds. The squeaky squirrels add an exciting element that keeps puppies coming back for more.

10. KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

The KONG Wobbler is a food-dispensing toy that sits upright until nudged by a puppy’s paw or nose, then dispenses kibble or treats as it wobbles. It’s an excellent way to slow down eating and provide mental stimulation.

This toy turns mealtime into playtime, making the crate a place of rewarding activity. It helps reduce boredom and encourages problem-solving, which is crucial for a happy, well-adjusted puppy. It’s a fantastic way to engage them.

It’s perfect for puppies who eat too fast or need a challenging way to receive their meals and treats. This is a mid-range item that offers dual benefits of feeding and enrichment. Its unpredictable wobbling action is a key feature that keeps puppies interested.

11. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Puzzle Toy (Various Levels)

Nina Ottosson puzzle toys come in various designs and difficulty levels, challenging puppies to find hidden treats by moving blocks, flipping lids, or rotating components. They require mental effort and problem-solving skills.

These puzzles are excellent for mental enrichment, reducing anxiety, and building confidence in the crate. They provide a constructive outlet for a puppy’s energy and intelligence, making crate time a positive learning experience. This is a great brain game.

These mid-range to premium puzzles are ideal for intelligent puppies who thrive on mental challenges. They help develop cognitive skills. The range of difficulty levels means you can choose one perfectly suited for your puppy’s learning stage.

12. Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

The Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Toy is a classic, soft, and cuddly toy that offers comfort and companionship. While not for aggressive chewers, it can be a great addition for puppies who need a soft friend to snuggle with in their crate.

For many puppies, a familiar, soft toy can provide immense comfort, especially during their first nights or longer periods in the crate. The gentle squeaker adds an element of fun without being overly stimulating. This toy offers emotional support.

This budget-friendly plush toy is perfect for puppies who find comfort in soft toys and are not heavy chewers. It’s a beloved classic for a reason. Its soft texture and familiar appearance can be very soothing for a young puppy.

13. ZippyPaws Donutz Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

The ZippyPaws Donutz toy is a soft, plush toy shaped like a donut, often featuring multiple squeakers. It provides a cuddly option with added auditory stimulation, making it appealing for puppies who enjoy squeaky toys.

Like the Lamb Chop, this plush toy offers comfort and a sense of companionship in the crate. The squeakers can provide gentle entertainment, making the crate a more engaging space for your puppy. It’s a fun, comforting choice.

This budget-friendly plush toy is great for puppies who enjoy soft, squeaky toys and are not prone to destructive chewing. The multiple squeakers are a standout feature, keeping little ones interested. It’s a top option for gentle play.

14. Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys Chew Toy

The Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys are specifically designed with a puppy’s teething needs in mind. The different key shapes and textures provide varied chewing surfaces to help soothe sore gums and encourage proper dental hygiene.

These keys are excellent for redirecting a puppy’s chewing from furniture or hands to an appropriate toy. They offer a satisfying texture for teething relief, making crate time more comfortable during this challenging phase. They are a best seller.

This budget-friendly chew toy is perfect for puppies actively teething and needing relief for their gums. The multiple textures are a key benefit, providing different sensations for chewing. It’s a practical and effective choice.

15. KONG Puppy Teething Stick

The KONG Puppy Teething Stick is another excellent KONG product tailored for puppies. It features soft rubber nubs that gently massage gums and clean teeth as puppies chew. Its hollow center can also be stuffed with treats.

Stuffing this stick with a soft treat or paste enhances its appeal, keeping puppies engaged for longer periods. The textured surface is ideal for teething relief, making it a valuable tool during crate training. It’s a durable option.

This mid-range teething stick is perfect for puppies who need gum relief and enjoy working for treats. Its dual function of teething aid and treat dispenser makes it highly effective. The soft rubber is gentle on sensitive puppy mouths.

16. StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

The StarMark Bob-A-Lot is an interactive treat-dispensing toy with adjustable openings to control the difficulty level. Puppies must bat and nudge the toy to release kibble or treats, providing a mental and physical challenge.

This toy is excellent for keeping puppies engaged and mentally stimulated during crate time, preventing boredom and potential anxiety. It encourages problem-solving and extends meal times, which can be very beneficial. It’s a top choice for mental exercise.

This mid-range toy is ideal for puppies who need a challenging and rewarding activity in their crate. The adjustable difficulty is a key feature, allowing it to grow with your puppy’s skill level. It’s a great choice for active minds.

17. Trixie Activity Flip Board Dog Puzzle

The Trixie Activity Flip Board is a beginner-level puzzle toy that requires puppies to flip lids, slide sliders, and lift cones to find hidden treats. It offers varied challenges to keep them engaged and thinking.

This puzzle helps develop a puppy’s cognitive skills and encourages independent play, which is beneficial for crate training. It provides a rewarding mental workout, making crate time a positive and stimulating experience. It’s a great introduction to puzzles.

This mid-range puzzle toy is perfect for puppies new to interactive puzzles, offering a gentle introduction to problem-solving. The different types of challenges are a standout feature, keeping interest high. It’s a best option for curious puppies.

18. Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy with Heat Pack

Similar to the Snuggle Puppy, the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy provides comfort through a simulated heartbeat and warmth. It’s designed to mimic the soothing presence of a mother dog or littermate, reducing feelings of loneliness.

This comfort toy is invaluable for helping puppies adjust to their new environment and cope with separation anxiety in the crate. The combination of sound and warmth creates a secure and calming atmosphere. It’s a highly comforting choice.

This premium comfort toy is ideal for young puppies struggling with anxiety or adjusting to being alone. Its ability to provide both warmth and a heartbeat is its primary benefit, offering profound reassurance during crate time.

19. Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Blend Rope Toy (Supervised)

A Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toy, while requiring supervision for safety, can be an excellent option for interactive play before or after crate time. It’s great for tugging and gentle chewing, promoting dental health.

For supervised crate sessions or as a reward for calm crate behavior, a rope toy can be a highly engaging option. The cotton fibers help to floss teeth as the puppy chews and plays. Remember to remove it if unsupervised.

This budget-friendly toy is best for interactive play with your puppy, building a positive bond around the crate. Its dental benefits are a great bonus. It’s a good choice for short, supervised engagement.

20. ZippyPaws Squeaky Hide and Seek Dog Toy (Burrow Series)

The ZippyPaws Squeaky Hide and Seek Burrow toys feature a soft plush “burrow” (like a log or a specific animal) with smaller, squeaky plush animals hidden inside. Puppies love pulling them out.

This interactive toy encourages natural burrowing and hunting instincts, providing mental stimulation and fun. It’s excellent for engaging your puppy in a playful way, creating positive associations with their crate environment. It’s a top pick for playful pups.

This mid-range plush puzzle toy is perfect for puppies who enjoy “finding” and “retrieving” their toys. The multiple squeaky elements keep the game exciting and fresh. It’s a delightful way to add fun to crate training.

21. Chuckit! Ultra Ball

The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is known for its extreme durability and high bounce, making it a fantastic toy for active play. While not a typical “crate toy,” having a special, high-value toy like this can be a reward for calm crate behavior.

Playing fetch or engaging in active outdoor play with this ball after a successful crate session reinforces positive associations. It helps burn off energy, leading to a calmer puppy who is more likely to relax in their crate later. It’s a best choice for active breeds.

This budget-friendly, durable ball is ideal for high-energy puppies who need a robust toy for outdoor exercise. Its exceptional bounce and durability are its key features, making it a long-lasting play companion.

—

Last Words

Choosing the right toys for crate training puppies can make a significant difference in your puppy’s adjustment and overall happiness. From soothing comfort toys to engaging puzzle dispensers, each item on this list offers unique benefits to help transform the crate into a positive and welcoming space.

Remember to consider your puppy’s individual personality, chewing habits, and anxiety levels when making your selections. A combination of durable chew toys, mentally stimulating puzzles, and comforting plush friends often yields the best results. The goal is to keep them occupied and feeling secure.

These top-rated toys are designed to support a successful crate training journey. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect companions for your puppy’s crate. Check current prices and availability on Amazon to find the best deals for your new best friend.