For this guide, I tested 27 toys with Herschel, my basset hound puppy. I also asked other pet guardians, veterinarians, and a dog trainer about the most enriching, durable toys for puppies.

Once they've got their nose to the ground and a scent on their mind, they can be hard to sway or distract, even by one of the best dog toys. Basset hounds are used to working in packs. This makes ...