Chewed slippers, shredded cushions, teeth marks on the table leg? If your dog is destroying the house, the problem usually isn't bad behaviour — it's a missing outlet. Chewing is a natural, necessary instinct, and the fix is giving your dog the right things to chew. Here's how to choose the best chew toys for teething puppies and power chewers in India.
Why dogs chew (and why you shouldn't stop it)
Puppies chew because they're teething — just like human babies, sore gums feel better with something to bite on, usually between 3 and 7 months of age. Adult dogs chew to clean their teeth, relieve boredom, and burn off stress and energy. Trying to stop chewing altogether backfires; the goal is to redirect it onto safe toys so your shoes and furniture survive.
How to choose a safe chew toy
- Right size: Too small is a choking risk. The toy should be bigger than what your dog could swallow.
- Right toughness: Match the toy to your dog's bite. Soft plush won't survive a Labrador; a power chewer needs tough rope or hard rubber.
- Non-toxic materials: Cotton rope and food-grade rubber are safe choices. Avoid cheap toys that shed plastic shards.
- No small detachable parts: Squeakers and tiny bits can be swallowed — supervise, and replace toys once they start breaking down.
Best types of chew toys
Rope toys are the all-rounder — great for teething, tug games and a bit of dental flossing as the fibres rub the teeth. For serious chewers, the Dog Rope Chew & Tug Toy Collection is our top pick: tough braided cotton built for hard biters and perfect for interactive tug-of-war that tires your dog out. For a smaller starter option, the Rope Chew Toy Combo works well for puppies. See the full range in our dog toys collection.
Variety combos keep dogs from getting bored of one toy. The Chew Toys Collection for Dogs and the 6-in-1 Dog Toy Combo Set let you rotate toys through the week — rotation is a simple trick that keeps toys feeling "new" and holds your dog's interest. On a tight budget? Plenty of options sit in our under ₹299 range.
Tips that actually stop destructive chewing
Keep three or four toys in rotation rather than leaving them all out at once. The moment you catch your dog chewing something off-limits, swap it for a toy and praise them when they take it. And remember — a tired dog chews less, so pair toys with daily walks and play. A bored, under-exercised dog will always find something to destroy.
The bottom line
You can't stop a dog from chewing, but you can point it in the right direction. Give teething puppies and power chewers a tough, safe outlet like the Dog Rope Chew & Tug Toy Collection, rotate a few options to fight boredom, and pair it all with exercise. Your dog stays happy — and your slippers stay in one piece. New to dog ownership? See our essential dog supplies checklist.