Dirty laundry, such as an old t-shirt, pillowcase, towel, or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if the item smells like you. Be forewarned that the item could likely be destroyed. Also, never allow your puppy to chew on old shoes or clothing, as he may not be able to tell the difference between old clothing and new clothing. This could prove to be a costly mistake. Providing your puppy with his own toys will keep him away from your slippers, shoes, and other items that you wouldn't want your puppy to play with.

Bear in mind that when providing a toy that was not made for a dog but for a child, check the label and make sure it doesn't say not for children under 3. This is usually a warning that the stuffing or insides of the toy cannot be digested and may contain harmful substances. Due to human safety and training it's generally not recommended that you purchase tug of war toys unless they're used between two dogs. Check with your vet before giving your dog rawhide "chewies". Your vet may recommend that you supervise your dog with these toys and treats.

You can rotate your dogs toys so there is always something new for him to play with. Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is very important for your dog because he needs active people time and such play also enhances the bond between you and your pet. By focusing on a specific task – such as repeatedly returning a ball, Kong, or Frisbee, or playing "hide-and-seek" with treats or toys – your dog can expel pent-up mental and physical energy in a limited amount of time and space. This greatly reduces stress due to confinement, isolation, and boredom. For young, high-energy, and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy.

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