A Ball of Yarn Met a Pile of Bernese Puppies. The Yarn Lost.

A cream ball of yarn has rolled into a gang of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies, and chaos has followed. One pup chews a loose strand, another reaches out with a white paw, and two more crowd in from behind. Threads trail across the floor, and a laundry basket, a sofa, and a houseplant fill the corner of the living room.

Playing with yarn is a classic scene, but it is not a safe habit. If a dog swallows yarn, string, or thread, it can form a dangerous blockage in the digestive system that sometimes needs emergency surgery. Keep craft supplies, ribbon, and sewing items stored in closed containers, and call your vet right away if you think a puppy has swallowed any. A sturdy dog toy is a much better choice for tug and chase games.

Bernese puppies are naturally playful and curious, and they like to explore with their mouths. Giving them lots of chew-safe options, such as rubber toys and rope toys made for dogs, helps protect your belongings. Large-breed puppies also benefit from short play sessions followed by rest, so their growing joints are not overworked.

For these pups, the yarn is the greatest toy in the world. It will probably be a snarled mess by the end, but the fun is clearly worth it. A knit sweater may have to wait for another day.