Posts tagged "dog toys"

Q: We took our puppy to a training class at the local pet store. The trainer handed out a list of dangerous items that we should never give our pets, and on that list was a tennis ball. We thought this was odd. We've had dogs for years and have always thrown tennis balls for them. As a veterinarian, do you see a problem?

A: Yes--and no. Our Golden Retriever, Shakira, is a tennis ball addict, and a daily dose of fetch has helped keep her lean and fit well into her senior years. But tennis balls do present a hazard that requires they be used only in supervised conditions.

SEE ALSO: Why Does My Dog... Lick and Chew His Feet?

The problem is that dogs have strong jaws capable of compressing a tennis ball. If that compressed ball pops open in the back of the throat, it can cut off a dog's air supply. Most notably, one of Oprah Winfrey's beloved dogs was a tennis ball victim, but there have been many others. The chewed bits of a tennis ball also aren't something you want inside your dog.

SEE ALSO: Meet the Pets of the Republican Presidential Candidates

You don't have to throw away all your tennis balls, but you do need to use them in a way that reduces the risk of choking. Tennis balls should always be put out of reach after a game of fetch, and no dog should ever be allowed to use them as a chew toy. In supervised play, insist that your dog fetch, return and immediately release the ball--no games of keep away while the dog works the ball in her mouth. And have only one ball in play at a time, to minimize the risk of having your dog pick up more than one and get the furthermost ball lodged back in her throat. Keep the game of fetch fast and lively to keep the focus on the chase and the next throw. (I couldn't live without the Chuck-It, a tool that flings the ball much farther than most of us can throw.)

Nothing in life is without risk, sadly, but there's no need to deny your dog the joy and needed exercise that a tennis ball can provide. Just be sure to follow a few simple guidelines to keep playing safely.

The perennial joke about children's toys is that you'll spend a lot of bread buying them something big and elaborate, and they'll end up spending more time playing with the box it came in.

The same is true for pets. We spend epic amounts of money on toys when cats are perfectly happy batting at dangling pieces of string or your shoelaces. And dog, well, they genuinely love tennis balls and chew toys, but when all of those are too chewed up to play with anymore and you haven't hide time to buy replacements yet, improvise.

Many dog owners have encountered this familiar problem: you offer your pooch a brand new toy, as excited as he is to begin playtime, and after five minutes of enjoyment, the toy is destroyed. And you're left with a pile of fabric tufts and plastic shards.

For highly active dogs and power chewers, many toys offer both enjoyment and durability. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite tough toys to keep your canine happy and satisfied during hours of playtime.

Combining a dense rubber texture with a soft, smooth surface, the Flavored Rubber Bones Dog Chew Toy from FetchDog stands up to power chewers, showing only a few small indentations after several serious gnawing sessions. Available in such flavors as Peanut Butter, Pistachio, and Chocolate, this incredibly durable toy had an enticing aroma that appealed to our tester dog – and he also loved the hours of chewing satisfaction that this bone provided.


A sturdy toy that also helps to control doggie breath, Tuff Peanut Butter Balls from PetSport feature solid construction, with rubber seams that can resist both slobber and persistent chewing. And if your dog is the type who never gets tired of playing fetch, the Tuff Peanut Butter Balls are also weightier than regular tennis balls, helping to extend their lifespan. And the nutty aroma should remain on your dog's breath long after you've come home from the park.


For an interactive dog toy that won't deteriorate during your first tug-of-war session, try the Big Mouth Triple Rings Dog Toy from JW Pet. These brightly-colored, interlocking rings are made of sturdy, non-toxic rubber to keep the toy intact, whether you use the rings as a tugging toy or just as a chew toy. And the unique design features raised nubs for extra chewing satisfaction, keeping easily bored dogs interested during playtime.


An appealing squeak toy that also resists hours of chewing, the Dura Play Ball from Hartz has a lower decibel level than other, similar squeakers – delighting your dog with its noise while keeping you from plugging your ears. And the Dura Play Ball's design kept our tester dog completely absorbed for extended playtimes without showing signs of wear and tear on its tough exterior.


Offering a durable option for plushy toy-loving dogs, the Plubber Dog Toys from ToyShoppe combine a furry texture with a tough rubber material to withstand long periods of chewing and play. The design of the Plubber prevents the toy from squeaking too easily, making dogs work to produce that satisfying, high-pitched noise. And the cute animal and bone shapes are an ideal size for most active pets.

Do you love to spoil your sweet little pup? Of course you do. We do, too, which is why we are featuring goodies from an online store that specializes in upscale doggie apparel and accessories. FouFou Dog has all types of cute canine loot -- like collars and harnesses, clothes, booties, beds and toys.

This week in our giveaway, one lucky Paw Nation reader will win one puppy blanket, one luggage tag in choice of breed, and his or her choice of any two toys from FouFou Dog.

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us why your pet deserves to be pampered.

The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET on Fri., Apr. 1, 2011.

You may enter only once.

One winner will be selected in a random drawing.

One winner will receive one puppy blanket, one luggage tag in choice of breed, and his or her choice of any two toys from FouFou Dog, valued at $70.

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete official rules. Winner will be notified by e-mail, so be sure to provide a valid e-mail address.

For more great savings opportunities, go to the Daily Deal at MyDaily.

If your dog has a bit (or, like in the case of our home, a lot) of excess energy, you've probably tried taking extra walks, maybe going farther or faster in an attempt to wear your wiggly pup out. But did you know that mental stimulation can exhaust your active animal just as efficiently as physical exertion, if not more so?

Focused on Fun
Interactive treat toys are a fun, effective way to engage Bowser's brain and give him some special treats at the same time. Our helpful hounds tested seven treat-dispensing toys. Yes, it was a lot of fun -- there's little we love more than watching our furry friends figure out problems and get rewarded -- but we learned a lot in the process, and we like to think our pups got a little smarter as well!

The Kong Wobbler ($19.99) is a bit reminiscent of those inflatable punching clowns we had as children, but, you know, a lot less creepy. The twist-off dispenser is easy to fill with treats or kibble, and it's easy for dogs to figure out -- they simply bop it around and food spills out. It's large and sturdy enough to withstand some rough play, too (although, as is the case with all these toys, we wouldn't leave any pup alone with it).


The Nina Ottosson Dog Finder ($49.99) is one of several brain-teasing interactive toys the brand offers. Treats are hidden beneath removable bone-shaped domes, which slide into slots on the plastic tray. We thought it would take our pups forever to figure this out, but, as it turned out, our dogs are smarter than we gave them credit for. This was the most fun toy for us because we had to hold the tray down to keep it in place, and it was amazing to watch our pups problem-solve right before our eyes.

When you're holding a snuggly, warm puppy, you may not want to set him down long enough for playtime. But for those times when you can't cuddle your puppy, offer him toys that comfort him, soothe him and keep him occupied.

From chew toys that relieve teething pain to interactive treat dispensers that engage energetic young dogs, a range of products are designed to meet the needs of growing pups. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite toys to keep your puppy entertained.


Available in a convenient two-pack, the Soft-Bite Terry Moose & Elephant Dog Toys from Booda are the ideal size for puppies. Featuring a soft, comforting texture, these cuties also have a squeaker to keep young dogs from getting bored too quickly. And don't let the gentle exterior fool you -- the Soft-Bite is impressively sturdy.


To give your puppy's brain a workout, try the Mini Leo Dog Toy from Canine Genius. Measuring just 5 inches, this small-scale version of the durable treat-releasing puzzle ensures that your young pooch will stay occupied, while the toy triggers his natural foraging instincts. As a bonus, the dishwasher-safe Mini Leo can also introduce your puppy to fetching and tugging.

The most amazing dog toys in the world aren't all that helpful if your dog has just torn through his most recent batch. Filling your dog's playtime with awesome toys and stimulating games can be as easy as grabbing things you already have around the house like socks, tennis balls, garden hoses and even paper cups and muffin tins.

While you might not be able to keep your pooch entertained with just a pack of cards as photographer Lawrence Chua did with his dog Belle in the photo here, there are fun things you can create yourself with time and patience. And as plus, these toys and games don't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Muffin Tin Teaser
This game (we'll call it a game but it's more like a canine brainteaser) requires an empty muffin tin, dog treats, and a dozen or so tennis balls. Place three or four treats in the muffin tin, each in its own separate muffin compartment. Next, place a ball on top of each opening in the tray, concealing the treats underneath. (It will look as if you're about to cook a tray of tennis balls.) Last, put the tin on the floor and watch your dog's nose at work. It's simple and fun to watch.

Treat Hide and Seek
This one is as simple as it gets. All you need is a treat. Put your dog in the sit-stay position and "hide" the treat in plain sight. Then return to your dog and release it to go get the treat. Next time, repeat the process, but place the treat just out of the dog's line of sight. Once you're confident that your pooch is catching on, try progressively difficult hiding places.

You've spent loads of time perfecting costumes and special Halloween snacks for yourself and your family, but has someone been left out of the action? Although sharing your sweet treats with your furry friend is a bad idea, there is a way to get your pet in on the festivities: a new Halloween-themed toy!


JW Pet Arachnoid Ball, $9.99 at PetSmart
Our toy-testing dogs went crazy for these! They're easy to throw, and we dig how super cute they are. The dogs seemed to like the different layers of rubber and the remarkably loud squeaking. Though described as durable, we suggest human supervision around power-chewing pooches.


Mini Plush Tootsie Pop, $1.99 at DogToys.com
You can't give your dog any loot from your Halloween haul, but you can offer the next best thing with a toy lollipop! Or maybe you should just have a few on hand for your dog-owning neighbors when they stop by your house to trick-or-treat. We know we'd love to get this in our candy bag!

If we were taking a quick poll of favorite childhood toys, it's likely that a number of Fisher-Price classics would make the list. Who among us doesn't have fond memories of pushing around a Corn Popper or making up songs on a Classic Xylophone?

Now, your playful pooch can have the same experience. Sort of. Fisher-Price has just entered the world of dog toys, reinventing favorites to be more pet-friendly -- including adding a peanut butter scent!. The brightly colored toys are just hitting shelves at PetSmart this month.

We checked out the large Ruff-A-Stack and Xylobone ($11.99), as well as a small Chatter Pup Telebone ($7.99). Each of these toys features two separate soft parts (one with a squeaker) connected by a rope. We thought the toys looked super cute, but figured they last about a minute against our power chewing canine testers. We were thrilled to be wrong.

As soft toys with two parts, these have proven to be fantastic for interactive play. We can toss them across the room and swing them around without worrying about breaking anything, and dogs are just crazy for them. The pooches seem to be really attracted to the peanut butter smell, though, so there's been a significant amount of concentrated chewing, but the toys are holding tough!

Bottom line: Although they aren't indestructible, these nostalgia-inducing toys are more durable than they look and were certainly fun for the four-legged testers. And with large and small sizes available in many of the toys, these will work with a wide variety of dogs.

Is all your pet stuff -- chewies, brushes, etc. -- junking up your otherwise attractive home? Never fear! Martha is here! The domestic diva and Petsmart are launching Martha Stewart Pets, a collection of pet essentials featuring Martha's classic style and classy colors. Grooming and bathing supplies, toys, collars, leashes and the delicately-described "waste management tools" are a few of the items that will be included.

Standouts include crochet chew toys ($9.99) and a grooming/bathing tote ($19.99), which can be stuffed chock full of the accessories (sold separately) you need to keep your pet looking good.

The collection will be available at Petsmart today with prices ranging from $4.99 to $59.99. Will you be scooping up anything new for your pup?

Who says Cinco de Mayo festivities are only for bipeds? We think our party pooches would love to get in on the celebration, and the makers of Puppy Piñata agree. In fact, they're giving hundreds of Puppy Piñata Poncho and Lulu toys away to the deserving dogs of the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.

Puppy Piñata isn't new to the idea of lending a paw. The company partners with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) International and donates a portion of each sale to the organization. However, this Cinco de Mayo celebration is something new for the 2-year-old company.

"We are huge animal lovers and were looking for a way to give some joy to underprivileged dogs," says Jussi DeFazio, creator of Puppy Piñata. "On this special day, we thought it was the least we could do to brighten their day. We want them to know they haven't been forgotten."

Puppy Piñata is a plush dog toy with a Velcro pouch to stuff with natural treats designed to stimulate a dog's instinct to hunt and work for its food. (If you want to see the toys in action, you can watch videos of them in play here.) We were given a few Poncho toys in both the large and small varieties to test out on a few different dogs.

Cold weather often generates a strange phenomenon in well-trained dogs. Shredded toilet paper appears throughout the house, garbage cans are overturned and special "presents" are left for you to discover. Though there may be other factors contributing to your dog's destructive behavior, cabin fever is often at the root of the problem.

Snowstorms and freezing temperatures may keep you from taking your dog for long walks or trips to the dog park, but there are a variety of ways you can keep your canine physically and mentally active throughout the winter.

Provide Interactive Toys
Most dogs love to eat, so why not use food as a motivation to keep their minds busy? Michelle Douglas, President of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, recommends stuffing your dog's meal in a Kong. "This way, your dog will have to work at getting the food and will burn calories in the process." The Buster Cube and the Dog Tornado are other toys that offer your dog the opportunity to work for their meal.

But the toys don't have to feature food to be fun. The IQube challenges your dog to remove squeaky balls from within a plush puzzle-like cube, and comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate both small and large pooches. Babble Balls are another fun -- and noisy -- option. The balls entice your dog by producing realistic animal noises each time he passes by, tapping into his desire to hunt. If, however, your temples are throbbing at even the thought of wild animal calls, Fetch a Bubble may be a good alternative. This clever machine blows chicken-scented bubbles into the air, sending your dog into a frenzy to catch the delicious floating flavor.

Most dogs outgrow the need to chew as puppies, but some have an oral fixation that Freud would find noteworthy. If Fido has jaws of steel and has started eyeing your shoes, here are five of the most indestructible dog toys on the market.

1. Nylabones. Nylabones are dog bones made of durable plastic that is made to smell like bacon or chicken. They come in several different sizes and strengths. Be sure to check the rating on the package to ensure the Nylabone is made for heavy chewing. Nylabones can last for a year or more, although be warned that small pieces can flake off during use. Cost ranges from $5 for puppy bones, up to $16 for heavy-duty Nylabones.

2. Buster Cubes. Buster Cubes are hard plastic cubes that trap dog treats inside. Dogs extract the treats by rolling the cube around the room with their noses and paws, or by picking it up with their teeth and tossing it down. Buster Cubes are often recommended by animal behaviorists because they are ideal for destructive dogs who may be bored in addition to having a strong need to chew. This is also a great toy to break out when company comes over. Fido will be so absorbed with the buster cube, he'll forget to jump on the guests. Cost ranges from $15 up to $20 depending on size purchased.

Last month's SuperZoo, the largest pet goods trade show of the year, showcased hundreds of products both predictable (leashes, toys, carriers) and a bit offbeat (licorice dog treats, cat's pajamas, relaxation CDs). There was a lot to choose from, so we at Paw Nation searched high and low for a collection of the most intriguing, useful, strange and ingenious new items hitting pet stores in the coming months.

Existential question of the day: Why do dogs love to chew water bottles? Probably for the same reason people bite Gobstoppers -- it's impossible to resist that satisfying crunch.

Fat Cat Inc.'s eco-friendly Water Bottle Crunchers (which won 2nd place in the Best New Dog Products category at the 2008 Global Pet Expo) are "cat"erpiller shaped toys that allow you to insert water bottles (up to 20 oz.) through a velcro flap at the bottom. Just in time for Earth Day!

The benefit of the cruncher cover? Your bottle-bitin' pup can enjoy the gratifying crackle of plastic without accidentally ingesting any dangerous BPA (a chemical found in some plastics which mimics the female hormone estrogen). Plus, the puppet is nearly double the size of a standard water bottle, which seriously diminishes the choking hazard of chewing them.

Better still, once the "cat"erpiller is all crunched up, just remove, recycle and stick a new bottle in. As far as your pooch is concerned, it's a brand new toy to enjoy and destroy.

Buy the Water Bottle Cruncher