How to Introduce New Toys to Your Dog (Without Overwhelming Them!)

It happened again.

Kirk came home excited—a brand-new snuffle mat for Moxie! He unwrapped it, placed it in front of her, and waited for the magic to happen.

Moxie? She gave it a sniff… then a side-eye glance of pure suspicion. She took one step back, as if the snuffle mat was plotting against her.

McLovin, on the other hand, would have immediately rolled on it, sniffed it, and claimed it as his own.

Not all dogs react the same way to new toys. Some get excited, some get overwhelmed, and some—like Moxie—need time to warm up.

So, how do you introduce a new toy the right way? Let’s break it down!

1. Start Slow—One Toy at a Time

Some dogs love new things. Others? Too many new toys at once can be overwhelming.

🐾 The Right Approach:
✔ Introduce one toy at a time.
✔ Let them sniff it before expecting them to play.
✔ Encourage curiosity, but don’t force interaction.

If you dump five new toys in front of your dog, they might not know what to do first—and end up ignoring all of them!

Moxie had to inspect the snuffle mat for a full five minutes before she felt ready to engage. (“Is this thing ALIVE?”)

2. Use Their Scent to Make the Toy Familiar

Dogs explore the world through smell, and sometimes a new toy smells too unfamiliar to be comfortable.

🐶 Easy Fix:
✔ Rub the toy on their bedding to transfer a familiar scent.
✔ If possible, leave it near them before introducing it for play.
✔ For plush toys, let them sleep near it first before using it in play.

This small trick helps them feel like the toy is part of their world—rather than an alien object.

3. Make the New Toy FUN & Exciting

Some dogs need motivation to interact with a new toy.

🐶 Ways to Make It More Fun:
✔ Use praise & encouragement. Act excited when you introduce the toy.
✔ Move it around to spark interest. Some dogs respond better when the toy is “animated.”
✔ Pair it with treats! Hide treats inside or near the toy to create positive associations.

For Moxie’s snuffle mat, she ignored it until we sprinkled a few treats inside. Once she realized it was a reward-filled treasure hunt, she was hooked!

4. Play WITH Your Dog First

If your dog seems uncertain about a toy, playing together can help break the hesitation.

🐾 How to Play Together:
✔ For Tug Toys: Give a gentle tug and encourage your pup to grab on.
✔ For Snuffle Mats & Puzzle Feeders: Show them how it works by placing treats inside.
✔ For Fetch Toys: Roll it on the floor instead of immediately throwing it.

Dogs learn through interaction, and if you’re involved in the fun, they’ll be more likely to join in!

McLovin? He loved anything we played with first. Moxie? She needed to see that the toy wasn’t secretly out to get her.

5. Let Your Dog Set the Pace

Not every dog will instantly love a new toy, and that’s okay!

🚫 What NOT to Do:
❌ Don’t force the toy into their mouth.
❌ Don’t get frustrated if they ignore it at first.
❌ Don’t assume they’ll never like it—some dogs just need time!

🐾 What TO Do Instead:
✔ Leave the toy in their play area so they can approach it when ready.
✔ Try reintroducing it later—some dogs need repeated exposure.
✔ Switch up where and how you introduce it (different location, adding movement, etc.).

Moxie needed a full day before she accepted her snuffle mat as part of the household. Now? She refuses to eat treats anywhere else.

6. Match the Toy to Your Dog’s Play Style

One reason dogs ignore toys? It’s not the right kind for their personality.

🐶 Find the Best Toy for Your Dog’s Play Style:

✔ Chewers → Rope toys, tough chew toys, and natural fiber options.
✔ Sniffers & Problem Solvers → Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, and treat-dispensing toys.
✔ Chasers → Balls, frisbees, and interactive moving toys.
✔ Cuddlers → Soft plush toys, stuffed animals, and comfort blankets.

If your dog isn’t interested, try a different style of toy!

McLovin would chase anything. Moxie? She needs a puzzle to solve. Knowing your dog’s preferences helps you choose toys they’ll actually love.

7. Rotate Toys to Keep Things Interesting

Dogs can lose interest in toys if they’re always available.

🐾 The Best Trick? Toy Rotation!

✔ Keep 2-3 toys out at a time.
✔ Swap in new toys every week.
✔ Reintroduce “old” toys later—they’ll feel new again!

This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without constantly buying new toys.

Final Thoughts: Help Your Dog Love Their New Toys!

✔ Introduce one toy at a time so they don’t get overwhelmed.
✔ Make it smell familiar by rubbing it on their bedding.
✔ Add treats & excitement to encourage interaction.
✔ Play together first so they feel comfortable.
✔ Let them set the pace—not all dogs warm up to toys immediately.
✔ Match the toy to their personality—chewers, chasers, problem-solvers, and cuddlers all have different needs.
✔ Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.

Moxie may have given her snuffle mat the side-eye at first, but now? It’s her favorite thing in the world.

Looking for high-quality, handmade dog toys? Check out our cotton rope tugs and snuffle mats—perfect for introducing interactive play the right way! 🐶✨