The Mallard Duck from Loopies Toys was the hands down hit for my dogs at Christmas. It's great as a tug toy, has a squeaker and quacks just like a duck when it hits a hard surface. It sends my dogs into a complete frenzy! It has been played with for two days straight and still looks compeltely new.
Here's a picture of Norman with his duck.
I really should be out shopping for humans, but that's no fun! Here are my top ten picks for gifts for your dog (OK, maybe you'll like them, too!).
1. C’Mere
When you call your dog inside as he’s playing in the mud, does he act like he’s deaf? If your dog doesn’t come when called try the new C'mere Audible Target. Using simple, positive conditioned response training techniques, your pet can be trained to come instantly when the C'mere is activated. The hand-held unit emits a high pitched "chirp" that both you and your dog can hear. The manufacturer claims it can be heard by dogs for over 100 yards. I’ve tried this with my dogs and it works!! It’s amazing how fast they come running. And if that’s not enough, the unit includes a flashlight for late night poop pick-up (it’s not very bright) and
a personal alarm activated by pulling on the cord which was inconveniently demonstrated by my son at a recent holiday dinner party. The dogs were following him around like he had liver!
19.95
www.twomutz.com
2. Loopies
My dogs love their Loopies. There is something about the squishy and plus loops that make them want to carry it everywhere. It’s big, about 8 inches in diameter. The manufacturer states that it is not a chew toy and please use under supervision. Colors
Assorted. The manufacturer also makes many other very cool dog toys.
10.95
www.doggonegood.com
www.loopiestoys.com
3. Wubba Wubbas
The incredibly dog-popular Wubba Wubba combines a tennis ball (which gives the toy weight so that you can throw it a distance) and a giant squeaky ball. Roxi, my service dog-in-training carries hers around everywhere. Its outrageous design makes the Wubba Wubba great for dogs to fling around and toss into the air. The Wubba Wubba is 17" long and 4" in diameter at its widest point; a perfect size for medium and large dogs. The Wee Wubba is made from two squeaky balls and is 8" long and 2" wide at its widest point; it's perfect for smaller dogs or for a toy that you can keep in your pocket while you train. Comes in bright royal blue and red.
7.95 – 11.95
www.cleanrun.com
4. IQube II Cagey Cube Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
If you have a poodle or dog that’s nearly as smart, then you have to get an IQube II. Inside the cage-like square are 5 squeaker shapes: jack, ball, cylinder, square, and triangle. This is a toy that challenges and develops your dog's confidence and puzzle-solving skills as he attempts to remove the squeaker shapes from the cube. I love to watch my point-nosed poodles stuff their noses inside and shake their heads like crazy until they free their prize. You need to help your dog learn how to use the toy properly (otherwise the dog could become frustrated and chew on the toys and ruin them). You also need to be there to replace the squeaker toys once they have been removed. Machine-washable fabric is made with safe, non-toxic materials.
9.95
www.cleanrun.com
5. Tuffies
I volunteer for a prison puppy training program and the inmates were looking for tough toys for their lab and golden puppies. I found Tuffies and they have worked great. They have 2 layers of industrial grade nylon backing underneath the soft fleece outer for strength, and are stitched twice crosswise and twice linear to withstand chewing and abuse. Stuffed with non-toxic fiber, edged with heavy-duty grade webbing. Each toy has multiple squeakers with a protective pouch around each one for extra safety and a quieter squeak toy, plus it rattles. They float, and are great for toss or tug games. Machine washable, air dry.
Junior 7" 8.50
Large 10" 12.95
www.doggonegood.com
6. Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits
Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits are an all natural, low-calorie, small crunchy biscuit (a mini version of the Buddy Biscuit). My dogs love them and they are cute! Each biscuit is about the size of of a woman's pinkie and they hold up good in pockets. I hate treats that crumble and stink up my jackets. NO corn, soy, sugar, dairy, artificial flavors or sweeteners and there are wheat free flavors. Flavors: Bacon & Cheese
Chicken
Peanut Butter (wheat free)
Veggie (wheat free).
8 ounce box: 4.50
8 lb. box: 30.00
www.doggonegood.com
7. Bungee Ball Tug Dog Toys
If your dog loves to shake toys, he’ll love the way the Bungee Ball flings around My dogs swing it back and forth so that the tennis balls whack them in the head! The Regular Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1" soft-touch nylon webbing and has standard size tennis balls. It's 23" long, but it's elastic core allows it to stretch to 30". The Mini Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1/2" nylon webbing and the balls are 2" in diameter. It's 13" relaxed and stretches to 21".
11.95 – 12.95
www.cleanrun.com
8. Cuz Dog Toys
Cuz dog toys are another great toy for tough chewers. Cuz rubber squeaky dog toys are made of thick-walled, heavy-duty rubber and finished with a long-winded squeaker. Available in Good Cuz and Bad Cuz characters in three sizes: Small is 2.5", Medium is 4", and Large is 5". Assorted colors.
2.95 – 5.95
www.cleanrun.com
9. Microfiber Towel
I know there are a lot of microfiber towels on the market, but this one works better than any I’ve tried. I keep it by the back door and it cleans muddy paws thoroughly. A special Aquitex microfiber is ultra-absorbent and draws water and dirt from your pet's coat. It’s very thick and mine has lasted forever!. Color
Red
Large 19 x 39: 17.50
X/Large 29 x 55: 29.50
www.doggonegood.com
10. Kong Stuff'n TOTs
Kong Stuff'n TOTs are a few calories each and very small. This liver based treat is great for training or as treats for small dogs .The shape is cylindrical and consistent, so they are easy to work with. Dogs love the taste and they are low fat and gluten-free. Their smell is moderately strong (part of the reason dogs love them!). Packaged in a resealable bag.
NO wheat, corn or soy
NO artificial ingredients
NO preservatives
YES low fat
We've become a pet society obsessed with finding our dogs the perfect chew/bone/gadget/puzzle to occupy their time and keep them from becoming bored. Check out this list:
The picture above is of my cocker spaniel Vino and his Waggle Busy Buddy. He's been trying to get every last morsel for the last hour. He whines and growls so much I had to finally take it from him. I think he's about to lose his mind! The poodles were done with their sterilized bones with treats and kibble stuffed in the middle in about 5 minutes. Not Vino! He won't give up. There are fronds at the end of the toy to keep treats from easily falling out and I even cut them shorter so it wouldn't be so hard for him. There must be a larger treat stuck inside.
I don't leave my dogs home alone all day. Luckily I have that flexibility. But there are times when I just want to watch a movie and not have dogs wrestling in front of the television. That's when I bring one out from my arsenal of "interactive" or chew toys. Looks like I need to re-think my strategy: something harder for the poodles, and something that won't make Vino obsessively crazy.
What's in your arsenal of dog entertainment gadgets?
My friend Jenny has a Glen of Imal Terrier, named Michael Finnegan. You may not be familiar with this breed...more on that later.
It seems Finnegan, as he's called for short (and he's short), is a destroyer of toys (within 5 minutes, according to Jen.) Probably nothing new for most terriers. Jenny sent me a note with a recommendation for toys that stand up to Finnegan's assaults.
Ruffians, from JW Pet's Tough by Nature line are "made of really tough rubber and are perfectly designed to throw (hold the bear or chicken by the neck and wing it!), according to Jen.
"I personally like the chicken better, because I like to say “Finn…get your chicken!” Bad part about the chicken design – he chewed the legs off. It’s still in working condition, however. The bear is 100% in tact even after weeks of play."
I found them available at Pet Discounters.
Here's a picture of Finnegan. Glen of Imals are a very old breed that is very new to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have short legs, giant heads and long bodies and they are much more mellow than most terriers. Except for Finn. He's a wild man!
Fat Cat Inc. is one of my favorite dog toy manufacturers. Like the name suggests, they make cat toys, too.
About two years ago, I bought so many of their toys, I had to hide the box in the closet and give some of them away. My dogs don't like all of their toys, but they all make me laugh. Here are some of my "big dog" favorites:
Terrible Nasty Series - Big Mean Kitty, Dirty Rotten Kitty, Awful Mad Kitty
They flop around and the dogs love it when they are shaking them.
Crackler Bird
My dogs can't resist the crackling noise.
These toys aren't for aggressive chewers, so choose accordingly. There are other toys in the line that would work better. Also, there are toys for small breeds.
The Combat Extreme Toss 'n Pull Dog from Bamboo Pet Center toy is touted by the manufacturer as:
Constructed of the most durable fabric for aggressive and persistent chewers, Combat® Extreme outperforms most competitive soft toys on the market today.
I don't think so! Norman, the poodle had it torn apart in about 15 minutes, and he is not what I'd call an aggressive chewer, at all. The dummie/bumper is still intact, and Norm loves it, but it had a pocket at the top that contained the rope, which was attached to the ball. Norman chewed through the pocket and chewed the rope off the ball, and now it's in three pieces.
I'll give it to the company...they say I can return it for a refund! I'll give it a try.
After Norm:
OK, I know. There is nothing tough-looking about this photo. It's just downright goofy! I bought Tuffies Pet toys for some Lab and Golden Retriever puppies that love soft toys, but destroy everything they get their mouths on. They loved their Tuffies. I guess Norman loves it, too.
Tuffies are made to be tough. From the manufacturer's web site:
Our toys are made from 1 layer of soft fleece to allow for easy chewing and 2 layers of ballistic, industrial grade coated denier nylon in the center. All three layers are bonded and sewn together to make one Tuff Layer. Our toys are assembled with 7 seams. 4 seams hold the product together and then a layer of nylon is added to cover the assembly stitching and 3 more seams are added. Lets see your dog chew through that! Each toy is stuffed with safe, non toxic fiber and we added a protective pouch around each squeaker as an added safety measure in the unlikely event your dog gets to the core. Our toys have been tested on numerous dogs (including our own) to ensure the highest quality and most fun for our best (four footed) friends and the best value for our two footed customers.
Tuffies are washable (air dry) and they float. There are many sizes and designs available. See Ray-Ray and Purple Pete below. Products are rated according to their "Tuffness."
Note that a dog may be able to chew pieces or threads off the toy, and the manufacturer recommends that you cut off any loose pieces or threads so nothing is ingested.
My Poodle Norman loves his Loopie Ball. This neat toy from Loopies is great fun. It's soft and has six hidden squeakers (according to the manufacturer.) Something about the velour-like loops on the surface makes Norm just want to fling the ball across the room. There are all types of Loopies: Chill Pill, Dumbell Loopies, Lovey Dovies and the list goes on. There are even Water Loopies for the beach or pool.Next we're going to try Bag O' Balls. My dogs love to find hidden treasures. 
Loopies
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