All of those suggestions sound great! I wish I got the Kong instead of this other blue medium rubber thing with a rope that I got at Target. It says its for puppies with chewing needs etc...It had 2 hole inserts to put treats in...I was hesitant but it said for puppies to chew on and had holes like the kong to put treats in...Luckily I am home all day...I gave it to Milo who is 10months and stuck a treat inside..he had it chewed off in less than 20mins..I looked down and he chewed the blue hard rubber off too...I became worried that maybe he ate some because some was missing( not on floor) but he seems to be pooping ok..Just be careful-some rubber toys say ok for puppies chewing needs and it really is not. I paid $8.00 for that toy too..the kong was less expensive..should have gotten that one. ha ha oh well.