sorry if this has been asked before but i'm a new puppy owner. my pup isn't teething yet but so far loves to chew rope toys and paddywack [tendon]. she isn't interested in rawhide chews which is good cos i don't like them much. i have seen tripe sticks and will try them.
what sort of bones are the best? - there are so many on the market i'm a bit bewildered.

A nylabone is a good investment. Your puppy might not pay it any attention at first, but after a while they get the idea. I would not be without them for my dogs. Welcome to the forum by the way :-)

rawhi chews,pigs ears,cow hoofs, there a lot out there just go to the nearst pet shop they would help you out, the baby teeth fall out around 14 to 16 weeks old depending on the breed,but i find the dog chew most when the adult teeth are settling back down into the jaw bone at a round 7 to 12 months,but only let the puppy to chew on thing that you want it to,

I'd avoid the hard rawhide chews, and pigs ears as they can easily get stuck in the roof of the mouth. Also puppies need something with a little 'give' - Kong now do a puppy version made of softer rubber, Raggers and other soft furry toys (be careful of those with squeakers or eyes which can be removed by puppy teeth). An old tea towel knotted will amuse many dogs (but keep your good ones out of reach) and a wet one which is then frozen helps when those baby teeth do start to loosen :)

I watched a training program a while ago, and the trainer suggested getting a face cloth and soaking it in water then freezing it. Apparently it not only gives them something to chew, but also soothes sore gums.
If you're going to give bones, please stick to Nylabones, they can't bite big bits off them!!

Sarah.

mmmmmm, puppys like to chew anything and everything, especially if its something you DONT want them to chew!

Depending on the size of the pup, a really massive raw bone would be okay, (obviously if you have something like a mastiff pup, then you will find dinosaur bones a touch hard to get hold off)

Frozen ragger toys are another good one.

Em

Hmmm my pup (6 months) is already on his second nylabone, i wouldnt dare be without it! :D Generally your pup will chew on his toys to sooth his teething, you will notice when he is sore as he will 'tell you' i found that giving mine an ice cube (warmed to take the edge off) worked a treat! soothed his gums and kept him happy. Make sure he is supervised with it of course.

Apart from that Kongs are good, There is a Pedigree toy that is brightley coloured and has 4 prongs off it thats safe and easy to chew. I didnt give my pup bones or rawhide chews as the bones can splinter and the chews can easiy cause a choking hazard in puppies.

Just be sensible. Most reputable brands, Nylabone, Kong, Pedigree etc.. give good guides and instructions on the back and they allways give a minimum age. :)

Good Luck and have fun! :)

Roxanne

thanks everyone for your suggestions - i will get a nylabone, and a kong, and try the face flannel / knotted [old] teatowel /ropetoy out of the freezer! along with the paddywack i think i am prepared....though she isn't showing signs of teething yet, she is only 10 weeks and a small JRT X.
will keep you posted!