Dog Toys
Below are some toys I have found to be very useful for many of my clients. Interactive toys are an invaluable source for lots of mental and some physical exercise. Dogs are highly intelligent and need a variety of toys, constantly rotated, to keep them mentally sharp and active. I really like all of these toys, although they are not all appropriate for every breed.
I have listed places where I have seen them. The names of the toys are linked to webpages that describe the toys, but are not necessarily the cheapest place to find them. Shop around and check out local pet supply stores. I recommend Petsmart since they are Petpartners with many area shelters. I also urge you not to support petstores who sell puppies, kittens, or non-spayed/neutered bunnies because these animals are rarely if ever obtained from humane, legitimate sources. Reputible breeders do NOT sell their animals in pet stores. They interview families and sell the animals from their homes. Period.
As many bully owners know, most toys just don't stand up to the jaws. Below are my bully Maison's picks for good bully toys. Please note, her picks ONLY reflect recommendations for BULLY breeds. The toys she rejects may be perfect for non-bully breeds or bullies who happen to be non-chewers. Remember, supervision is always necessary; do not leave your pets unattended with any toy, and watch them to make sure the toys I have indicated are appropriate for YOUR pet.
* Unsafe dog toy: Pimple Ball with Bell, by Four Paws *
Maison rejected - too soft for bullies
Maison rejected - too soft for the average bully
Maison approved - good for the softer bully mouths
Maison approved - bully proof
I have used these with the pits in shelters and haven't had one fail yet! That doesn't mean there isn't a turbo jaw out there who can't bust in, but most bullies can't get through this. It's a tough toy, both in structure and in mental stimulation. It takes a lot of work to get the food out, so be patient and help your dog with this one. Try putting breakfast in this one when you leave for work. Make your dog work for their meal as well, and at the same time keep them occupied for a while. (Online or Petsmart, some other pet supply stores may carry it)
If it's bullet proof, than it's bully proof! Although Maison quickly chewed through the rope on this one, the rest of the toy is a long lasting blast for any bully. She eats her breakfast out of this one and loves when I leave for work because it's Tug Jug time. Be careful if you have the pits who like to shake the life out of rope toys - they may knock themselves upside the head with this one! (I've only seen this one online). If your dog eats the rope off this toy, do not fret! Simply toss out the rope pieces and put a ball inside the jug. The ball will prevent the food from pouring out and will also maintain the puzzle quality. If you get a small jug, put a golfball inside. If you get a large, try a tennis ball.
** Recently, I have had one client tell me her dog cracked the jug. This is the only one I have heard of, but because one can do it, so can others! I recommended trying the larger jug so the dog could not get it's jaw around it to bite down and crack it. Please keep this in mind if considering the toy.
These come in a variety of chew strengths and flavors. The extra hard, chicken flavor is Maison's favorite. Be sure to toss it out when the ends get really shredded. If your dog snaps even the hardest Nylabone, than this isn't the toy for you. (Most pet supply stores and online)
Many bullies can't get through the black, tough Kong - but many can. If you have a medium strength bully this Kong may be better suited to you than the red, softer variety. I recommend mixing peanut butter or the canned version of your dry food with some dry kibble and freezing the Kong. Frozen Kongs last a lot longer and are much more exciting. (Online and most pet supply stores)
This is a fun and really cute toy, much like the Kong and stronger than the red Kong - rivaling the black. The difference is (besides the bright purple color and adorable squirrel shape) this toy has little rubber nubs that hold loose, dry food inside whereas the Kong allows dry, small pieces to fall out. Your dog's personality should determine which toy is best for you. Maison gets frozen Kongs with the canned version of her food, while Squirrel Dude is stuffed with the dry kibble. Each one has it's place her life! (Petsmart and online, some other pet supply stores)
This is the same as the black Kong, but softer. Most bullies chew right through this one, but it is wonderful for softer mouths and other breeds. It is also cheaper than the black one because the chew strength is much less. (Most pet supply stores and online).
This toy is so fun and Maison loves it. I had to really supervise her the first time though, because she tried to chew right through it and she easily could have. Once I showed her how it worked, she stopped chewing at it and started nudgeing it. But it is probably too soft for the average bully. (Petsmart, online, and some other pet supply stores)
Although she LOVES this toy, Maison chewed right through it in about 0.5 seconds. I tried to teach her how it worked and to not chew it, but to no avail. She got the game and loved pushing it around and pawing at it, but the rubber texture was just to irresistable to her. Great toy for softer mouths, but probably not appropriate for bullies.
Hide-A-Squirrel, IQube, Intellibone, etc. are stuffed puzzle toys for dogs. These toys are great for smart dogs who like to retrieve and don't destroy their toys. But I didn't even bother to test this with Maison because I would just spend my time cleaning up cotton fluff. If you have a non-chewer, this is a great toy. (Petsmart, online, some other pet supply stores).
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