Best Toys for Scottish Terrier Puppies that Chew A Lot

Small but mighty. That’s a Scottish Terrier for you. Smart, stubborn, independent, with a jaw strength that could surprise anyone who thinks small dogs do not bite. If you have ever brought home a Scottie puppy, you know the instant you open a new toy, it is gone in seconds.

Or worse, the corner of your favorite couch. That’s why finding the Best Toys for Scottish Terrier Puppies that Chew A Lot is essential for every owner.

Why do they chew so much? For starters, teething. Puppies go through a lot, think weeks of tender gums and wobbly teeth. Most pups hit the teething peak between three and six months.

Chewing is not just about sore gums. It is exploration, mental stimulation, boredom relief, and yes, a strong terrier prey drive. That little mouth is designed to investigate the world, and sometimes your shoes or furniture are collateral damage.

The challenge is that a Scottie puppy is not your average pup. Standard squeaky toys or soft plush often last less than an hour. Heavy chewers need durable, safe, and engaging toys to redirect their energy.

Choosing the Best Toys for Scottish Terrier Puppies that Chew A Lot helps prevent destructive behaviors, encourages healthy jaw development, and even creates bonding opportunities.

This guide covers everything: a safety checklist, how to pick “Scottie-proof” toys, top categories, rotation plans, DIY hacks, red flags, and cheat sheets. By the end, you will have a full toolkit for surviving and enjoying those chew-crazed first months.

Best Toys for Scottish Terrier Puppies that Chew A Lot

Tiny, stubborn, and always chewing? Discover the safest, toughest, and most fun toys to keep your Scottish Terrier puppy happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

Understanding Scottish Terrier Puppy Chewing Behavior

Why does your little Scottie chew everything in sight? From teething pain to natural terrier instincts, learn what drives those tiny jaws and how to channel that energy safely.

Why Puppies Chew

Chewing is normal. Very normal. In puppies, it serves multiple purposes:

• Teething Relief: Those new teeth push through tender gums. Chewing massages gums and eases pain.
• Exploration: Puppies literally taste the world through their mouths. Shoes, remote controls, furniture, they are all fair game.
• Stress and Boredom Relief: A bored Scottie can invent destructive games in five minutes flat. Chewing provides comfort and a way to burn energy.
• Jaw Exercise and Instinct: Terrier breeds were bred to hunt, dig, and remove prey. Chewing keeps their strong jaws satisfied.

Teething Stages and Timeline

• Onset: Around three weeks, the first deciduous teeth appear. Not too destructive yet.
• Peak: Three to six months is the real chew-fest. Expect everything to be in jeopardy, shoes, baseboards, slippers.
• Resolution: By six to eight months, most adult teeth are in, and chewing intensity decreases, though Scotties often retain heavy-chewer tendencies.

Chew Styles

Every puppy chews differently. Understanding your Scottie’s style helps select toys:

1. The Grinder: Loves to gnaw slowly, teeth close on a toy rhythmically. Prefers durable rubber or nylon.
2. The Shredder: Shreds toys to pieces in seconds. Needs extra-strong, reinforced toys.
3. The Swallower: Tries to ingest bits. Supervision is non-negotiable, toys must be big and indestructible.

Redirecting Chewing

Never just yell “No.” That rarely works. Instead:

• Swap forbidden objects for a safe chew.
• Reward good chewing with praise or treats.
• Use a calm voice and consistent cues.

Supervision and Safety

Even “indestructible” toys are not invincible. Scotties are clever. Keep an eye, especially with rawhide alternatives, ropes, or new DIY toys. One minute of unsupervised play can turn into a vet visit if the wrong toy is swallowed.

What Makes a Toy “Scottie-Proof”? Criteria For Choosing Toys

Not all toys can handle a Scottie’s strong jaws. Learn the must-have materials, safety checks, and durability tips to choose truly ‘Scottie-proof’ toys.

Material Matters

• Natural Rubber: Flexible and forgiving, perfect for teething. Soft, safe bite surface.
• Engineered Rubber: Brands like KONG Extreme or West Paw Tux are designed for power chewers, durable, non-toxic, sometimes dishwasher-safe.
• Durable Nylon: Textured and flavored, ideal for slow gnawers. Puppy-grade options keep gums safe.
• Tightly Woven Cotton Rope: Interactive, good for tug, gentle on teeth.
• Safe Edible Chews: Vet-approved, digestible, like short bully sticks. Avoid rawhide and unknown sources.

Safety Checklist

• Appropriate Size: Bigger than the puppy’s mouth. Swallowing hazards are not allowed.
• No Small or Removable Parts: Eyes, ribbons, or glued bits can be ingested.
• Non-Toxic Materials: BPA, phthalate-free. If it smells weird or looks painted, skip it.
• Hardness Thumbnail Test: Not so hard it risks fractures, not too soft to crumble instantly.
• Manufacturer Durability Info and Guarantees: Many high-quality brands replace chewed-up toys.

Durability Levels and Supervision Guidelines

• Safe for short unsupervised play: Engineered rubber, KONG puppies.
• Requires regular inspection: Rope toys, flavored nylon, edible chews.
• Never unsupervised: Rawhide alternatives, plush with stuffing, or small chewables.

Top Toy Categories For Scottie Puppies That Chew

From rubber to rope, discover the top toy types that keep your Scottish Terrier puppy busy, safe, and happily chewing for hours.

Durable Rubber Chew Toys

• What They Do: Resistant to punctures, stuffable, sometimes freezable.
• Pros/Cons: Long-lasting and versatile, extreme chewers may eventually mark them.
• Best For: Grinders, teething pups, fetch and chew combos.

Engineered High-Durability Rubber

• What They Do: Power-chewer safe, often with wear indicators.
• Pros/Cons: Very durable, pricier.
• Best For: Persistent chewers and supervised heavy-chew sessions.

Flavored or Engineered Nylon Chews

• What They Do: Long-lasting, textured for gum massage.
• Pros/Cons: Durable but can shed pieces if over-chewed, supervision required.
• Best For: Slow gnawers with good bite technique.

Edible Chews and Dental Chews

• What They Do: Consumable, satisfy chewing instinct, promote dental health.
• Pros/Cons: Engaging, watch calories and digestion. Avoid rawhide.
• Best For: Occasional supervised rewards.

Puzzle and Treat-Dispensing Toys

• What They Do: Mental engagement, boredom-busting, slow-feeding.
• Pros/Cons: Excellent for brain work, avoid too hard to prevent frustration.
• Best For: Smart Scotties who need mental stimulation.

Rope and Tug Toys

• What They Do: Interactive, gentle dental flossing.
• Pros/Cons: Great for tug and bonding, retire when frayed.
• Best For: Supervised interactive sessions.

Plush and Squeaky Toys (Reinforced or No-Stuffing Options)

• What They Do: Comfort and prey-drive play.
• Pros/Cons: Not for power chewers unless reinforced.
• Best For: Gentle mouthers, supervised play, comfort.

Freezable or Soothing Toys For Teething

• What They Do: Cold soothes gums, textured surfaces massage.
• Best For: Puppies in active teething phase.

Recommended Specific Toys and How To Use Them

Not all toys are created equal for Scotties. Check out our top picks and learn how to use them to satisfy teething, chewing, and mental play safely.

• KONG Puppy (Small): Stuff and freeze with kibble or pumpkin. Great for teething.
• West Paw Zogoflex (Toppl or Tux): Durable, dishwasher-safe, floatable, warranty-backed.
• GoughNuts Ring (Small): Safety-core design, wear indicator lets you know when to replace.
• Nylabone Puppy (Chillable): Textured teething chews, gentle on gums.
• Benebone Puppy: Flavor-infused nylon for long gnaw sessions.
• JW Hol-ee Roller (Small): Rubber ball, stuffable for fetch and chew.
• Outward Hound Nina Ottosson (Beginner Puzzle): Mental enrichment, boredom buster.
• Bully Sticks or Beef Cheeks: Supervised edible reward, monitor calories.
• ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz (No Stuffing): Plush outlet for shredders, safe and fun.
• Mammoth Flossy Chews (3-Knot Rope): Tug and dental flossing, supervise for frays.

Toys To Approach With Caution Or Avoid

Not every toy is safe for a Scottie pup. Some can break teeth, upset tummies, or turn into choking hazards. Here’s what to skip or use with extra care.

• Rawhide and untreated rawhide: digestion and choking risk.
• Antlers or bones: too hard for puppies, fracture risk.
• Cheap dollar-store plush: weak seams, toxic dyes.
• Thin plastic or hard vinyl: can shatter, sharp pieces are hazardous.
• Small toys: swallowable, choking hazard.
• Rope toys with loose threads: intestinal risk.

How To Introduce Toys and Set Up A Chew-Safe Routine?

A toy is only as good as how you use it. Learn how to introduce new toys, set rules, and build a safe chewing routine your Scottie will love.

1. Start With a Small Rotation: 4–6 toys, including rubber, nylon, puzzle, rope or plush.
2. Teach “This Is Yours”: Catch and Swap, calmly remove forbidden object, offer toy, praise.
3. Stuff and Freeze Method: KONG stuffed with kibble plus pumpkin or peanut butter, frozen overnight.
4. Supervised Free-Chew vs. Work-Only Toys: Designate crate-only, supervised-only, and short unsupervised safe chews.
5. Use Toys in Training: Reward-based play reinforces good chew choices.

Rotating Toys and Keeping Interest: The 3-Box System

Even the best toy gets boring if it’s always around. The 3-box system keeps your Scottie excited by making old toys feel brand new again.

• Box 1: Active Toys (rotation this week)
• Box 2: Resting Toys (out of sight, reintroduce later)
• Box 3: Special or Crate Toys (alone time or crate sessions)

Schedule: Swap 1–2 toys every 3–5 days. Reintroduce old toys after around 2 weeks for novelty. Crate-only favorites build positive crate association.

DIY and Budget-Friendly Chew Toy Hacks

• Frozen KONG Hack: Kibble, pumpkin, peanut butter, freeze.
• Towel Braid Toy: Braid old towels, knot ends.
• Cardboard Box Maze: Crumpled paper, hidden treats, supervised.
• Water Bottle Crunch: Empty plastic bottle in old sock, crinkle sensation. Replace often.
• Ice Tray Soothers: Broth or wet food frozen in cubes, short teething relief.

Safety Note: Supervise DIY toys, discard when torn.

Safety, Cleaning, Maintenance, and When To Replace Toys

Chew toys don’t last forever. Regular cleaning, quick checks, and knowing when to toss them out keeps your Scottie safe and happy.

Inspect Regularly: Cracks, bite marks, exposed cores, shredded edges, replace immediately.

Cleaning How-To

• Rubber toys: dishwasher-safe or soak and scrub weekly.
• Rope toys: machine wash/dry or air-dry, retire frayed.
• Nylon chews: wipe, inspect for sharp edges.

Call the Vet: If ingestion is suspected, vomiting, lethargy, or pain.

Dental Note: Chewing helps plaque, does not replace brushing or professional care.

When Chewing Becomes Destructive: Red Flags and Solutions

Chewing is normal, but when it turns into wall-biting, wire-nibbling, or frantic chewing, it’s a red flag. Here’s how to spot trouble early and guide your Scottie back on track.

Red Flags

• Chewing only when left alone (separation anxiety)
• Targeting walls, baseboards, wires
• Swallowing non-food items
• Frantic chewing with pacing or whining

Solutions

• Mental stimulation: puzzles, training, sniff walks
• Desensitization to departures, short absences
• Calming aids: Thundershirt, diffusers, vet-approved supplements
• Consult certified behaviorist for persistent anxiety-based chewing

Quick Reference: Scottie Puppy Chew Toy Cheat Sheet

Need a fast, no-fuss guide? This cheat sheet shows the best toys, the ones to avoid, and how to rotate them to keep your Scottie happy and safe.

• Buy These: KONG Puppy, West Paw Toppl/Tux, GoughNuts Ring, Nylabone Chillable Puppy, Mammoth Flossy Rope, ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz
• Avoid These: Rawhide, dollar-store plush, thin plastic squeakers, small swallowable toys, antlers for young puppies
• Rotation: Swap every 3–5 days using the 3-box system
• Supervision: Always when introducing new toys, never leave edible chews unattended
• Replace When: Cracks, exposed cores, shredded edges, loose pieces

Top 10 Quick-Buy List

In a hurry? Here’s a quick list of the top 10 chew toys your Scottie puppy will love, all ready for fast, stress-free shopping.

1. KONG Puppy (Small): Stuff and freeze for teething
2. West Paw Topple or Tux (Small): Durable, washable, floatable
3. GoughNuts Ring (Small): Safety-core indicator for power chewers
4. Nylabone Puppy (Small): Textured teething chew
5. Benebone Puppy (Small): Flavor and ergonomic shape
6. JW Hol-ee Roller (Small): Multi-use chew and fetch
7. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson (Beginner): Mental enrichment puzzle
8. Bully Sticks (Short Sessions): Edible reward under supervision
9. Mammoth Flossy Chew Rope (Small): Tug and dental flossing
10. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz (No Stuffing): Safe plush outlet for shredders

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion and Action Steps

Chewing is natural, especially for Scotties. The right toys and routine create a happy pup, intact home, and strong bond.

Two-Week Starter Plan

• Buy a 3-toy starter set: durable rubber, nylon chew, beginner puzzle
• Use 3-box rotation or printable calendar
• Note preferences and wear patterns after two weeks, refine purchases accordingly

With these tools, supervision, and a little trial and error, you will survive the chewing stage and enjoy it. Those little teeth and boundless energy are totally worth it.

Bill Ivey

Pet trainer with a passion for helping animals and owners build strong, loving bonds through positive reinforcement and expert care.