Two Bernese Puppies Are Eyeing Everything in the Toy Crate
Two Bernese Mountain Dog puppies rest their paws on the edge of an old wooden toy crate, chins down and eyes up. Inside lie a blue stuffed whale, a yellow rubber duck, an orange ball of yarn, and a scatter of wooden blocks. A sofa, a green blanket, and a pair of sneakers fill the background in a warm, cluttered room.
It is common for puppies to claim toys that were never meant for them. Children's toys can have small parts, stuffing, and glued-on pieces that are dangerous when swallowed, so a toy box is best kept for dog toys only. Pick toys sized for large-breed puppies, and check them often for torn seams or loose bits. Rotating the toys keeps them interesting and reduces boredom.
Chewing is natural for puppies, especially when teething, which happens in the first several months. Offering safe chew toys, frozen washcloths, or rubber toys made for teething can ease the urge to nibble on furniture. Bernese puppies tend to be gentle but they have strong jaws as they grow, so setting good habits early is wise.
These two are surveying the crate like shoppers in a treasure shop. Nobody has chosen yet, but the whale seems to be a leading candidate. Whatever they choose, they will probably carry it off to a quiet corner and guard it proudly, tail wagging all the way.
