Toy Policy

For Guide Dog Puppies in Trainng

GDB staff has carefully researched the toys in the list below; these are the only toys that may be accessed by a program puppy.  Be sure to stay with the brand names listed below as not all toys are of good quality material.
Updated November 9, 2002

The Have Paws Will Travel club store will be open from 6:45-7:00 p.m. at the 4th Tuesday training meeting every month. The toys we sell are all GDB approved and priced substantually under retail cost, so make plans to fill all your dog toy needs at our club meetings.

General use toys 
These toys can be left readily available for a pup to play with at will.

Kong brand: black original and Ultra Kong 6",  black Kongs are stronger than red ones

Planet Kong "Xtreme Goodie Ship" (DO NOT place food in it)

Galileo 5" or 6" by Nylabone, also now packaged as 'Dino Bones'

Nylabone products: Nyla Wishbone, Nyla Ring, Nyla Knot, Dinosaur, any Nylabone (original hard material) that is appropriately robust enough for the size of puppy.  

Nyla 'Big Chews'; the red tire is OK but the yellow one is softer and not approved.

Serilized Bones: at least 4" long (No smoked or meaty bones)

With Supervision only:
Tug toys should be put up, away from the puppy, after the game to maintain a balanced relationship.

Cressite ring and Cressite Figure 8 tug toy

FrameBall by Pedigree- tug toy

Knotted rope toys: large, with no attachments

Jollyball (no handle) with a rope through, sold as Romp-N-Roll (shown in blue).
Toss 'n' Floss is a similar large ball with rope through it, also approved (shown in red).

Gallon sized or larger plastic bottles: Thoroughly rinsed, lids
labels and tops removed (orange juice or detergent bottles only)

Bounzerballs by Kong.

Restricted
for young puppies only (up to 4 months)

Gummabone products

Plaque Attack toys

Hercules bones

Flat, white, unstuffed faux fleece toys: no squeakers	

Unacceptable toys:
*   Edible toys: cornstarch bones, rawhide chews/toys, pigs ears, cow hooves, edible Nylabones
*   Balls
*   Frisbees 
*   Retrieving toys 
*   Raw bones
*   Sticks
*   Personal items: socks, children's toys etc.
*   Anything not on the approved list

TOY POLICY
We are pleased to announce that our list of approved toys for Guide Dog puppies has expanded to include some new additions. Please note that in the "Toys" document there are some toys that a puppy can have any time and others that require supervision.  When discussing appropriate toys, please make sure to keep that in mind.  

Toys are an important part of a puppy's development. Appropriate toys provide mental stimulation, an outlet for normal chewing drive, and provide a positive alternative to destructive chewing of personal property.

A stimulating variety of toys keeps the puppy occupied.  Puppies, like children, become bored with the same toys; it is highly recommended that types of toys be rotated frequently.  Puppies should have a number of toys to choose from at all times; not only does this help keep the pup engaged but also reduces the chance of him ultimately becoming protective of his toys.

Not all toys currently on the market are safe for the ages, sizes or breeds of puppies in our program. In addition, some toys and activities are counterproductive to developing a working guide. Remember, a guide must willingly work past common distractions such as balls, Frisbees or other toys encountered in everyday life.

Toys can be effective tools in reducing attention-seeking behaviors such as 'keep away'.  Puppies pick up unacceptable items and 'parade' them to get raisers' attention; praising and admiring the pup that parades his toys will make him less likely to steal household items.  A pup that brings his toys to the raiser is to be encouraged, but under no circumstances should raisers throw toys for a pup or participate in retrieve games. 

Even the best toys experience normal wear and tear. Toys should be routinely checked for any damage, splintering or wear. Special attention should be paid to ensure the toy has not become worn to the point of becoming too small, thus posing a choking or ingesting hazard.  Some dogs are voracious chewers and will destroy even the strongest, safest toys.  Observe your puppy and use toys with caution with strong chewers.

In special circumstances PRAs may recommend a food stuffed Kong.  Only the PRA, with supervisor approval, may recommend food in a toy.  Soaked kibble, frozen in the Kong is the only allowed food.