22 Doodle Dog Breeds and Poodle Mixes to Melt Your Heart and Stifle Your Sniffles

Getting To Know: Connor Dewar

As soon as Kevin Hayes learned that his locker stallmate Connor Dewar saw Noah Kahan in concert last summer, he broke into song.

"It's the season of the sticks!"

Hayes could provide vocals while Dewar plays the guitar, as Connor picked up the skill during the pandemic and stuck with it. "I find it kind of comes and goes based on if we're home," Dewar said during a recent getting-to-know interview. "I play a lot during the summers. I play acoustic."

The artist Dewar would most like to see live is Paul McCartney, who actually performed a grand opening concert when PPG Paints Arena opened its doors on Aug. 18, 2010. Which tracks, after learning Dewar named his 7-month-old basset hound puppy Ringo.

"I like the Beatles, and I thought we needed kind of a goofy name," said Dewar, whose parents currently have two basset hounds. "It's my favorite dog, I guess, favorite temperament."

Connor grew up in The Pas, Manitoba, about six hours south of Winnipeg. Connor, who has a younger brother, didn't have much of a choice when it came to playing hockey.

"In The Pas, it's really, like, the only organized sport there is," the 25-year-old forward said. "The winters there are like, eight months long. It's naturally cold. Half the kids in town have an outdoor rink in their backyard."

Connor didn't grow up a Jets fan, however, as the team didn't return to Winnipeg until 2012. Instead, he cheered for the Montreal Canadiens.

"Because I was such a big Habs fan, my favorite player was Saku Koivu. He had a great story about coming back from cancer, was a great leader," Dewar said.

Dewar's first time at Bell Centre didn't come until he was in the NHL himself, which was a surreal experience. "That's still one of the hardest places to play for me. I just feel a little bit nervous and a little bit starstruck there," he said.

His parents relocated to just outside of Winnipeg, so he goes back there in the offseason. You can find Connor on the golf course or catching up with friends he hasn't seen all year, but definitely not on a beach vacation.

"I get sick of putting sunscreen on every day... I find that it ends up wearing off towards the end, and I'm sunburnt," said Connor, who inherited his reddish hair from his mom. "I burn very easily. I'm a little bit Irish."

During the season, when Connor isn't at the rink, he reads, plays video games, watches TV and movies – "anything that allows me to lounge around." Which, honestly, same.

Currently, he's reading Keith Richards' autobiography, titled 'Life,' and watching the HBO series 'The Pacific.'

And when he's on the ice, Dewar brings life, energy and spirit.

"As we continue to work our way through this, it's important to have those types of people here," Penguins President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas said. "Connor's much younger. He's under team control with his status. We'll give him a good run. We're excited about him."

They Knew Their Dog Was In His Last Days. So They Consulted A Psychic To Tell Them His Final Thoughts (Exclusive)

Shea McCracken shared a deep bond with her family's Basset hound, Bosley

McCracken, a 28-year-old psychology graduate student based in Newport Beach, Calif., recalls how Bosley was a stoic, mischievous, gentle and sweet dog

But over the last few weeks, McCracken and her family watched as Bosley's quality of life began to decline

After consulting with the vet, they agreed it was time to put him down. Then, two days before his appointment, McCracken proposed hiring a psychic to hear the 12-year-old dog's final thoughts

During the session, McCracken recorded. Later, she posted the video to TikTok, where it went viral, amassing more than 1.6 million views

Shea McCracken shared a deep bond with her family's Basset hound, Bosley. Some, she says, would even describe herself as "obsessed with him."

McCracken, a 28-year-old psychology graduate student based in Newport Beach, Calif., recalls how Bosley was a stoic, mischievous, gentle and sweet dog — loyal and a fighter from the start. Diagnosed with a heart murmur at just 4 months old, along with being the runt of his litter, Bosley always fought hard and never gave up.

"We called him the 'connector' because he would stare deep into your soul, either standing on your chest or tilting his head back while lying against you to meet your eyes," she tells PEOPLE exclusively. "He was just funny. I renamed him 'Donny' after a contestant on Big Brother that I loved — and I stuck to it for two years. He just felt like a Donny because he was so sweet and silly."

"One summer, we lived in Laguna Beach, and he and his brother would waddle down the hill to the beach at sunset every day," she adds. "They'd gallop when we let them off-leash. He loved Halloween — it was his favorite day because he adored the kids who came over in their costumes. We had a Dutch door, and he would climb up and sniff every child."

Shea McCracken with her dog Bosley.

Shea McCracken

But over the last few weeks, McCracken and her family watched as Bosley's quality of life began to decline. The family dog, 12 years old, could no longer make it down the stairs and had to be carried everywhere.

After consulting with the vet, they agreed it was time to put him down. While McCracken's dad was reluctant, knowing Bosley would hold on forever if he could, he understood it was the best decision for his beloved dog — and in no way premature.

Two days before his appointment, McCracken proposed an idea after coming across a TikTok video about a girl who had a session with a psychic to learn more about her cat's thoughts.

"It was a comical TikTok, but it made me think this would be so perfect to do before we lose the chance and can bring closure," she tells PEOPLE. "My parents were supportive. It was kind of a joke at first, then my mom followed up and asked if I had found one — I think the idea of it was impossible to resist."

"I was Googling animal communicators in Orange County because I wanted them to come in person," she adds. "After seeing no one was available that quickly, I started looking at services offered on the phone or Zoom and found Daniela. I liked her website and the fact that she wrote a book. She also wasn't on TikTok, so it felt like a more authentic offering."

A closeup of Bosley.

Shea McCracken

After connecting with Daniela, McCracken scheduled readings for both Bosley and their other dog, a black lab named Ranger, and sent her photos of them. Daniela read for Bosley first and said the first thing she saw was the number 17 — they couldn't make any connection, so initially, they were kind of discouraged.

Then, Daniela began saying things that resonated. She talked about where Bosley was feeling pain, that he was just really tired, and that he apologized for being messy, wanting the family to know he wasn't being naughty. She also talked about seeing roses and the letter "B" — some sort of "alpha." McCracken's dad's name is Brendan, but Daniela said it was a dog. They thought of their late golden retriever, Bruin, and felt that he was up in dog heaven, waiting at the gates.

"She was very soft, and didn't get everything right — but we wanted to believe, so we did," McCracken says.

"The most surprising thing she told us was that he thought his brother was the favored one or got more attention," she adds. The two were "tied at the hip. We showed them equal attention and spoiled both to no end. We wondered maybe if this was because of the public's perception of them — he always got more attention because he is a very large, classically looking European Basset hound. It made us sad, but we knew he didn't really think that."

During the session, McCracken recorded. Later, she posted her video to TikTok, where it went viral, amassing more than 1.6 million views and 700 comments. Reading through the comments, where others related to her experience, validated her choice.

"I was happy we did it," McCracken says. "I think I bought more into it than my parents. We knew all of our dogs go to the rainbow bridge and we will meet them again in another life. I know I will see Bosley's spirit again in all my lives."

"I think the biggest lesson is listen to your dog and stop listening to your head," she says. "Keeping them here because we will miss them so much otherwise is only helping you — not them. Dogs don't live long enough, but the pain from their send-off is worth the time we do get with them. We will see them again, look out for signs, and know they are up there picking out your next soul dog."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Shea McCracken with her late dog.

Shea McCracken

Although Bosley isn't physically with the family anymore, they plan to put his ashes alongside those of their other late dogs into a frame or vase on the mantle, so he's always by the fireplace.

"We just miss him," McCracken says. "His presence is so missed — the house feels like it's missing something. My mom got emotional the morning after when she went to make her morning coffee because Bosley was her sidekick who followed her everywhere. The absence of his paws pitter-pattering on the floor really struck a chord."

"I'm also so happy that Bosley had this momentous send-off, with thousands of people wishing him peace," she adds. "I know he feels the love."

The 13 Best Puppy Toys In 2025, Tested And Reviewed

Playtime is essential to a puppy's development. It helps them build impulse control, develop social skills, and expand their cognitive abilities. One of the best ways to set young dogs up for success is by providing them with the best puppy toys, which are safe and appropriate for their age and size.

You'll want a collection of different types of toys because many puppies engage with certain kinds and completely ignore others. "It's all about variety, what the dog likes and cannot destroy," says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor of behavior medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Types of toys include stuffed plushies, squeaky balls, and food puzzles. Just keep in mind that not all toys are safe, and it's important to avoid toys with sharp edges and parts that are easy to chew off or swallow.

For this guide, I tested 27 toys with Herschel, my basset hound puppy. I also asked other pet guardians, veterinarians, and a dog trainer about the most enriching, durable toys for puppies. My top pick is the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl, an interactive treat toy that's also appropriate for tossing and chewing.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best puppy toys

Best overall: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl - See at Chewy

Best chew toy: Petstages Dogwood Calming Chew - See at Chewy

Best for aggressive chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley - See at Chewy

Best for teething: Kong Puppy Teething Stick - See at Chewy

Best heartbeat toy: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy - See at Chewy

Best puzzle: Outward Hound Puppy Smart Interactive Puzzle - See at Chewy

Best squeaky: Outward Hound Invincibles Minis Dog - See at Chewy

Best crinkle: Frisco Frosted Pastry Plush Toy - See at Chewy

Best plush: Kong Wild Knots Bear - See at Chewy

Best for fetch: Kong Wubba - See at Chewy

Best ball: Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball - See at Chewy

Best silent squeaker: GoDog Crazy Hairs Hedgehog - See at Amazon

Best for tug: Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Rope Toy - See at Chewy

Best overall West Paw Zogoflex Toppl

The soft yet durable Toppl can be stuffed full of food and treats for a long-lasting chew session.

The Toppl is a chewable interactive toy that holds food within its hollow interior. "Owners can fill the toy with their puppy's regular dog food and a few extra small treats, allowing puppies to explore their environment using their sense of smell while having fun simultaneously," says Brad Phifer, a certified dog trainer and executive board director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

This toy rolls and bobs too — extra features that boosted it to the top spot for the best puppy toys. The soft, stretchy, BPA-free plastic composite material is super tough, making it excellent for puppies who like to chew. It comes in three sizes, starting at 3 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. After playtime, just run it through the dishwasher.

The Kong Classic for Puppies is also a good option to add more variety to your food toy collection. It lost out to the Toppl because accessing the food inside is more challenging and may frustrate some puppies.

Best chew

Chewing is both an exploratory and play behavior, Houpt says. Puppies need a variety of toys to satisfy their chewing needs. These toys can also be used to redirect your puppy from chewing on undesirable items like furniture and sneakers. However, safety should be top of mind since puppies can chew off a small piece of a toy in seconds.

Over four weeks of use, the Dogwood Calming Chew held up to 15- to 20-minute chew sessions a few times a week. It also stood up to adult dogs when we tested it for our guides to the best dog toys and best dog toys for aggressive chewers. The stick-like toy is made from a combination of wood fiber, polypropylene, and plastic. This toy is unique because it has the same flavor as the sticks your dog might enthusiastically collect from your backyard. The stick comes in four sizes, the smallest being 4 inches long. When the toy has obvious damage, replace it immediately.

Best for aggressive chewers

When pet guardians research what to give an aggressive chewer, the results are typically bully sticks or hard bones. But Phifer says that special consideration needs to be taken before providing dogs with hard bones, such as antlers, hooves, or even Nylabones. "They often result in cracked, broken, or loose teeth," he says.

Extra-durable yet softer toys are recommended for aggressive chewers. My puppy gravitates toward the Hurley, which has a soft texture and flexibility that appeals to chewers. Like the overall best toy, the Toppl, it is made from extra-durable BPA-free Zogoflex material. It also floats, making it great for water-loving dogs, and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. The stick-shaped toy is available in three sizes; the smallest is 4.5 inches long.

Best for teething

Houpt says that puppies have already teethed six to eight weeks before they are typically in their new homes. After that, puppy chewing is not teething but exploratory and play behavior. Still, one of the best puppy teething toys, like this stick, is an excellent solution for young puppies inclined to chew.

"Teething sticks can soothe some puppies and provides a good chewing option," says Dr. Mallory Kanwal, a veterinary dentist at VCA Animal Hospitals Great Lakes. "Rubber toys are the most tooth-friendly toys for dogs of all ages." She recommends sticking with toys you can indent with your fingernail to reduce the risk of tooth fracture.

Kong's Puppy Teething Sticks are made from a soft rubber formula. They have small grooves to encourage chewing, and you can spread food like peanut butter across the ridges. The sticks are good for puppies up to 9 months old, and even my dog didn't do any damage to them even with his adult teeth. There are three sizes, and I recommend going up a size unless you have a very small breed. "The important thing is that the puppy can't possibly destroy them and then swallow them," Houpt says.

Best heartbeat toy

A word of caution: This toy contains batteries, which can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Our experts recommend strict supervision with this toy.

Nothing is familiar to your puppy when they first arrive at your home, and it can be a scary time for them. Before Herschel came to live with me, I bought the Snuggle Puppy, a battery-operated plush dog with two heartbeat modes and a removable heating pad that stays warm for up to 45 minutes.

Houpt says that the heartbeat and warmth simulate the mother that the puppy has been separated from. "My own dog played with hers every evening for years," Houpt says. "I have recommended the Snuggle pup for young puppies with separation-related anxiety or distress, and it has helped," Anderson says.

You'll want to observe your dog with this toy, as the ears and tail don't hold up well to chewing. It also doesn't do well in the washing machine. However, it may be the best option for soothing your puppy.

Best puzzle

Houpt encourages guardians to introduce their puppies to puzzle toys, which give dogs an opportunity to problem-solve to get to the food hidden inside. "Interactive puzzle games can help puppies challenge their minds while having fun," Phifer says. Start with an easy puzzle toy so your puppy doesn't become discouraged.

This beginner-level puzzle has nine small plastic bones to hide the best dog treats under. Your dog must remove each bone to find the hidden kibble or treats. However, you'll want to supervise your puppy as the loose bone pieces may be a tempting chew for some dogs. The base can be washed in the dishwasher.

Best squeaky

Research suggests that dogs may have more interest in toys that make noise and engage with these toys longer. This Invincible Minis Dog's loud squeaker satisfied my puppy.

Like many of the best puppy toys, this one is stuffing-free, meaning no mess if your dog destroys it, and double-layer seams provide extra reinforcement. Dog trainers recommend toys with this type of durable construction. "Used, natural rubber, or tough cloth-based toys with no bells and whistles, such as stuffing, plastic eyes, or ribbons, can provide long-lasting playtime fun," Phifer says.

This toy may be too small for older or large-breed puppies. However, at 7 inches long, it's well-sized for a young puppy.

Best crinkle

Crinkle toys add an auditory experience in addition to an oral one, Houpt says. The crinkle paper inside the Frisco Frosted Pastry was particularly stimulating for my puppy. The toy also has a soft exterior and a plush filling that appeals to dogs.

At 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and just a half-inch thick, the toy is easy for puppies to pick up. It held up well after weeks of being tossed around and chewed on by my 8-month-old basset hound. However, this isn't suitable if your puppy is a strong chewer.

Best plush Kong Wild Knots Bear Toy

The Wild Knots Bear combines a soft plush exterior with an interior knotted rope "skeleton" that provides a unique texture for chewing.

Plush toys are a favorite among many puppies. "The tactile feeling and ability to chew them is why I suspect many dogs like [them]," says Dr. Katherine Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She emphasizes the importance of supervision since dogs who ingest pieces of plush toys can get intestinal blockages.

While many plush toys can be destroyed in minutes, the Wild Knots Bear is one of the best puppy toys because it's super durable for moderate chewers. My puppy hasn't managed to get an arm off even though it's his favorite toy to shake. Puppies will love latching onto and chewing the knotted rope "skeleton" sewn inside.

Best for fetch Kong Wubba

The Kong Wubba isn't for constant gnawing, but its ballistic nylon exterior is tough enough for playing tug with a super chewer.

Fetch is an interactive, social game that supports your puppy's development. It may also be a rewarding activity for dogs particularly driven to engage in training. "Using toys and play as rewards for dogs that already have a high training drive is a great way to take advantage of their motivation to work," Houpt says.

The Kong Wubba is my favorite toy for fetch. The toy, which resembles an octopus, is made with ballistic nylon. It has two bouncy, squeaky balls wrapped within the fabric and long tails that make it easy for dogs to pick up, shake, and play tug. It's available in three sizes, starting 8.75 inches long.

Best ball Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball

This durable ball is the perfect match for dogs who love to chomp on squeaky toys. It's available in three sizes, all of which are easy to throw far and have good bounce.

Like fetch, ball play is a great game that helps build cooperation. I tested a few different types of balls and the Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball stood out as one of the best puppy toys. It has a very high bounce and loud squeak, and the colors are bright enough for your dog to see them at dawn or dusk.

We played with this ball in every type of weather and could easily clean it off with a damp cloth, even when it was covered in mud. Because it's so durable, your puppy can spend some time chewing on it without destroying it. Make sure to supervise your dog with this toy as they can accidentally swallow balls.

Best silent squeaker

Puppy playtime can get loud, but silent squeaker toys are a good option for pet guardians who need some quiet time. Silent squeakers produce an ultrasonic sound that dogs can hear but not humans. "The ultrasonic squeaker won't harm your dog's hearing and should help with enrichment," Houpt says.

Among the toys Herschel tested, the plush Crazy Hairs Hedgehog was the clear winner. While I was skeptical initially, the squeaker seemed to do the trick for my puppy. He was also drawn to the hedgehog's long colorful hair. The 10-inch tall toy stood up to rough play and indoor fetch. Supervise closely, however, because the hair can come loose during chew sessions.

Best for tug

Tug is a rewarding game for puppies and a great way to introduce training. This tug rope toy from Mammoth is the most durable of the bunch we tested and comes in puppy-appropriate sizes. It's made of 100% cotton and held up to Herschel's strong grip and multiple dishwasher cycles when I cleaned it.

Choosing appropriate tug toys is important. "Rope toys are excellent when the dog and their owner are playing tug or fetch," Phifer says. "However, owners should supervise their dogs with these toys because young dogs often enjoy unraveling the rope, which can lead to blockages in the intestines." Go up a size or two when buying this for tug.

What to look for in puppy toys We recommend toys that will survive rambunctious puppy play. Christy Caplan/Business Insider

According to the experts I interviewed, safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment, and your dog's personality are the most important factors to consider when choosing toys for your puppy.

Safety: Houpt says the most important consideration when choosing toys for your puppy. Look out for toys with sharp edges and parts that can be easily chewed off or swallowed. Avoid soft toys that can easily be torn apart since dogs may eat the stuffing and pieces of fabric. Toys with double-stitching provide extra durability.

Size: Avoid toys that appear to be too small or aren't labeled for the size of your dog. Your dog may swallow these toys, which could get stuck in their throat or gastrointestinal tract. Toys will always say on the package if they are intended for small, medium, or large dogs. If you're unsure about a toy's size, it's best to size up.

Durability: Some dogs are aggressive chewers, and even puppies can destroy the strongest and safest toys. Wear and tear is something to observe in the first week. The toys I selected for this guide were more durable than other products we tested.

"Durability is essential since puppies have sharp teeth and are more likely to chew things up quickly," Phifer says. "In addition, some breeds, such as terriers, might be more prone to shredding plush toys."

Materials: Avoid toys made with hard plastic and vinyl. These materials may damage a puppy's teeth and, if ingested, may be harmful. Double-stitched cloth is important for plush toys and stuffies. However, you should always supervise playtime as even the toughest toy can eventually come apart.

Enrichment: Enrichment consists of meeting a puppy's mental and physical needs. "Just like us, puppies benefit from a variety of physical and mental enrichment," Anderson says. "Engaging puppies in appropriate chew toys, food puzzle toys, training, games, and physical exercise are all important."

Your dog's preferences: Introduce a variety of toys to your puppy to find out what they like. This process may take weeks or even months. For example, you may find your puppy gravitates toward fetch toys and is excited to eat their meals from puzzles while they leave plush toys and squeakers lying in the corner.

How we tested the best puppy toys For this guide, we looked for enriching toys that held up to wear and tear. Christy Caplan/Business Insider

I considered a variety of puppy toys that help nurture different types of play. I also consulted four experts who advised what to look for and avoid in toys for puppies.

After researching popular toys, I selected 2 to 3 toys to test for each category and tested 27 toys altogether. Each toy was tested by a basset hound puppy, Herschel, and his guardian. He has been playing with the Toppl, Hurley, Snuggle Puppy, Wubba, Outward Hound Puzzle, and Kong Teething Sticks since he was adopted. The other toys were tested with him at 8 months of age for approximately three weeks.

I evaluated each toy according to its safety, size, durability, materials, enrichment potential, and what Herschel gravitated toward among the category competition. After the first week, I checked the toys for any damage. During each play session, I paid special attention to any toys worn to the point of becoming too small and posing a choking hazard. Some toys only lasted a few minutes before falling apart.

Puppy toys FAQs What toy is best for a puppy?

The best toy for your puppy depends on their personality. Some puppies want to play fetch, while others want to chew on anything that resembles a stick. In addition, your sweet puppy has a very short attention span, and the best option may be a variety of toys that meet different needs. For example, experts recommend interactive puzzle games and food-dispensing toys to help puppies challenge their minds and encourage problem-solving skills. Yet safety always comes first, Houpt says. Avoid toys with sharp edges and parts that are easy to chew off or swallow.

What is the safest toy for a puppy?

Anderson says to avoid anything puppies can swallow in large pieces since this could be dangerous. Consider simple toys without ribbons, ears, tails, and stuffing. Double-stitched seams and durable materials are best. Supervision is needed with any new toy until you determine how your dog plans to engage with it. "Be cautious about what toys are left alone with your puppy when they are not being supervised," Anderson says.

What toys should you not give a puppy?

Anderson says there are some big no-nos when it comes to puppy toys. Avoid edible toys such as cornstarch bones, rawhide chews, pigs ears, cow hooves, raw bones, and sticks — all of which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. "I would also recommend avoiding laser pointers for puppies and dogs in general since they may contribute to overall frustration and the development of excessive light and shadow chasing behaviors," Anderson says.

What can a puppy chew on?

Not all types of toys and materials are safe for chewing. Avoid bones, sticks, rawhide chews, and hard plastic toys. Read a toy's packaging to see if it's recommended for chewing along with the level of chewing it's appropriate for. Some toys are designed for light and moderate chewers, while others will stand up to aggressive chewers. Brands like West Paw and Kong make durable yet soft rubber toys that held up in my testing and won't damage a puppy's teeth. Double-stitched cloth is the gold standard for plush toys.

How do I keep my puppy entertained?

It may take a lot of trial and error to determine the best puppy toys to entertain your dog. Look for a variety of toys that help promote healthy behavior. "Remember your puppy has a short attention span so have a variety of toys — shapes, sizes, and types," Houpt says. Anderson recommends making a note of what your puppy interacts the most with and what they ignore. And don't feel discouraged if the toys you buy don't immediately have your pup doing zoomies. Your new puppy may pick that toy out of the bin when you least expect it.

Christy Caplan

Freelance Writer

Christy Caplan is a certified vet technician, writer, blogger, chicken keeper, and storyteller. In 2012, Christy graduated from Portland Community College in Oregon with a degree in veterinary technology. She passed the certified veterinary technician board exam and practiced as a technician for a few years.  She received two awards from the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) for stories on congestive heart failure in dogs and heartworm disease. Her article on pet anxiety in Pet Sitting Magazine was also nominated for The PSI Professional Pet Care Award. She has been a member of the DWAA since 2018. You'll find her articles in Animal Wellness Magazine, Pet Product News, Tenderly, Rover, LoveToKnow, and Pet Sitting Magazine.  Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less

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