Raising a Doberman or Beauceron puppy means living with a smart, driven, and often intense young dog. These breeds are known for their high mental stimulation requirements and strong chewing, which means not just any toy will do.
Choosing the right toys early on is essential for promoting healthy chewing habits, preventing boredom, and building engagement with their people. It’s equally important to know which toys are safe for solo play vs. supervised interaction.
Here’s your complete guide to appropriate and safe toys for your working-breed puppy.
🦴 1. Durable Chew Toys for Solo Play
These toys can be safely left with your puppy when crated or unsupervised (but still check for wear regularly):
KONG (Classic or Extreme)
Can be stuffed with kibble, canned food, yogurt, or peanut butter (frozen for longer use)
Mentally stimulating and great for crate training
Use during downtime, crate time, or to redirect chewing urges
Benebones & Nylabones
Made for power chewers; satisfy natural chewing instincts
Always supervise initially to ensure your puppy doesn’t bite off large chunks
Choose appropriate sizes—too small is a choking hazard
Always check wear and tear on toys - when they become to worn throw them away.
✅ Tip: Rotate these toys regularly to keep your puppy interested without overstimulating.
🧠 2. Interactive Enrichment Toys
These are great for mental stimulation and rewarding problem-solving behavior:
West Paw Toppl or Tux
Can be frozen or stuffed like a Kong
Dishwasher safe and durable enough for tough chewers
Helps reduce boredom in kennels or crates
Snuffle Mats & Puzzle Toys
Use for feeding or treat time to slow down fast eaters
Engages the nose and brain—great for Dobermans and Beaucerons with high focus
⚠️ Supervise when using fabric-based puzzle toys until you know your dog won’t shred or ingest them.
🪢 3. Toys for Interactive Play (Not for Unsupervised Use)
These toys are for structured play only with a handler, never to be left alone with the dog:
Tug Toys (French linen, leather, or jute)
Excellent for building drive and engagement
Reinforces handler bonding and can be used as a training reward
Always control the game—you start and end the session
Balls with Strings or Handles
Ideal for chase and retrieval games
Encourages prey drive and controlled possession
Not intended for chewing—remove after play
Flirt Poles
Great for confidence building and impulse control
Mimics prey movement, tires out high-drive pups
Use in short, structured sessions to prevent frustration
Unstuffables or Tug-of-War Toys
Use for active play but remove afterward—these can become dangerous if shredded or swallowed
⚠️ Safety Note: Allowing a puppy to “self-play” with tug toys or interactive gear can lead to chewing hazards or ingestion risks. Always supervise and store these toys out of reach when not in use.
❗ General Toy Safety Guidelines
Inspect toys daily for wear and tear. Discard damaged toys immediately.
Avoid rope toys if your puppy is a shredder—they can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.
Skip plush toys unless fully supervised—Dobermans and Beaucerons often destroy them quickly and can cause intestinal blockages if consumed.
Buy the right size. Too-small toys are choking hazards for large breed puppies.
Limit squeakers. They can encourage obsessive behavior or become ingested.
🐕 Final Thoughts
The right toys for your Doberman or Beauceron puppy will do more than keep them entertained—they’ll build drive, confidence, and engagement, while protecting your home from destructive chewing.
If you're raising a working bred puppy, invest in toys that challenge them mentally, satisfy their drives, and teach them to enjoy working with you. And remember, toy safety isn’t about being restrictive—it’s about setting your puppy up for success.
Looking for more puppy-raising tips or training programs to match your dog’s drive?
📩 Contact us today to learn more about our puppy programs!
