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A blue merle Border Collie puppy chews a thick knotted rope toy on a living room floor with slippers behind him. 25 / 31

A Tiny Pup Gripped His Rope Like It Was the Last One on Earth

AI imageborder collieblue merlerope toy

With a knotted rope clamped firmly in his jaws, a blue merle Border Collie puppy stares up with serious eyes and a very determined set to his chin. His gray speckled coat is tousled, his ears are half up, and the tasseled end of the rope trails off the bottom of the frame. Behind him a sofa, a pair of slippers and a scattering of toys show how busy this living room has been.

Tug and chew toys are some of the best tools for a growing puppy. Teething can make gums sore, and chewing on something firm and safe offers relief while saving the furniture. Pick rope toys that are the right size for your dog, supervise play, and replace them when they fray, since swallowed threads can cause problems. If your puppy chews constantly or seems uncomfortable, your vet can offer advice.

Border Collies tend to put real effort into their games. They like to have something to focus on, and a rope can double as a training tool, teaching a puppy to take, hold and release on cue. Playing tug gently, pausing now and then and asking for a drop it, helps keep excitement under control and builds trust between puppy and person.

This pup is not in the mood for lessons today, though. He has found his favorite toy, he has a solid grip, and no one is going to take it from him. At least not without a fair trade.

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