Q&amp;A for Toys Category

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Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

We had the same problem! We went to hard rubber toys- some of the ones by Kong, and some with good reviews on this site. Also- "firehose" toys are good- they are multiple-stitched and harder to destroy. Good luck!
(For treats- see if you can get soup bones (beef marrow) from your supermarket butcher. We freeze ours and the dog gets one every so often for a treat- frozen makes it take longer for him to get through! Perfect for a peaceful dinner.)

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

11 months ago

Greater Chicagoland, IL

+9points

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Top 1000 Contributor

Answer:

the only toy that has been indestructible for my jack russell -mix puppies are the Kong that look like a snow man: 3 rings,stacked, each a little larger, you know the type! The X-shaped Kong and the ball Kong both were victims of chewing- the pups pulled pieces off with their front teeth. Stuffing the kong with peanut butter is great, just be careful not to give it too often or tummy aches result. Small treats inside work well also. NEVER give a chewer any toy that they can ingest! And NEVER pull a string out of an animals hind end! String ingested leads to a bowel impaction, pulling can damage the intestine! These things can kill your animal, or cause severe pain. I once lost a ferret to an impaction caused by - of all things- doll baby hair. Rope toys are a no-no for my pups because they love to pull the strings out and try to eat them. Instead, they get Booda Bones, Dingo sticks, Better than Ears and the like. Great chews, safe to swallow. :)

1 year, 4 months ago

DawnDawn

Grottoes, VA

+7points

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Best Answer

Answer:

"Jollyball" brand is by far the best maker of high quality, innovative, cool indoor and outdoor toys. I am a Canine behaviorist and have owned several boarding facilities & have several Jolyball toys that have been in my dog yards for over 15yrs and are still going strong.

Age: 45-54

Gender: male

1 year, 9 months ago

OriginalDogWhisperer

Tualatin Oregon

+4points

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Answer:

I agree with the others about Kong toys. I have three labs and they especially like the kong ball,it has lasted for years! They also like squeaky toys and I have bought them a square "squirrel" that has about 20 squeakers in it and it's still intact. I think having a large variety of toys makes them last longer. I also trade old toys in good conditio with other owners at my local dog park. That's a good way to unload the toys they don't play with.

Age: 55-65

2 years ago

jaci

florida

+8points

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Answer:

One of my springer spaniels is a vigorous chewer. I got her a Kong Extreme Toy and Kong Extreme Goody Bone for Christmas this year. By March she'd destroyed the Goody Bone (I never put goodies in it) and she has already chewed some small pieces out of the other toy. I don't think there is a truly indestructible toy. So I try to find things she can chew up that are not expensive and will last for as long as possible. The Kongs are good. Another thing that doesn't cost a lot and will last for days are cow hooves. They smell a little funky but it's not terribly strong. She seems to prefer the hooves to Nylabones and I prefer a natural product.

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

2 years, 1 month ago

CurlyGrrl

Lake Norman, NC

+3points

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Answer:

We have Samoyeds and they chew EVERYTHING. I would definately invest in KONG toys. When you buy them don't buy the filling if you don't have to...just put some peanut butter in there and she'll love it.

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

2 years, 2 months ago

TakodaMommy

Buffalo, NY

+4points

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Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

I have three large breed dogs. 2 with massive, powerful jaws. Unlike another poster I do NOT recommend rope toys. Active chewers tear through them quickly and unless you like pulling string out of your dog's rear end, stick with tough toys! I like the Nylabones. We still tear through them faster than other dogs, but they do last quite a while. I like the dental kind and my bullmastiff likes the Galileo. We also like Kongs- both the kind you can stuff, the bone shape and the indestructable balls for throwing are all intact. Hard rubber rings for carrying and tugging. I like real cow bones-NOT rawhide, actual femurs and such- the longer, skinny kind. You can smear some peanut butter in them, and they are nearly indestructable. I have bought just about every kind of dog toy out there and most don't last literally more than a few minutes. At Christmas I bought a rubber "tire" for "powerful chewers" and a nylon "duck". In two minutes my Cane Corso had chewed completely through the tire, and in 6 minutes my Weimie had performed surgery on the "tough" duck and had piles of stuffing strewn about the family room. "Tough" is relative! Oh, also on this site and others there is a busy-toy that looks like a box or dice with a hole in the top- you put kibble or small treats inside, and the dog pushes it around to get the treats to roll out. It is very hard plastic. Of my three dogs only one likes it. It makes a racket on hard floors, but it does keep her busy for a while. Also, some vets recommend having as many as thirty toys! I probably have that many for three dogs, but do have an array for your dog to choose from.

2 years, 3 months ago

CaneCorsoMommy

NoVa

+6points

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Top 1000 Contributor

Answer:

We have a lab that chewed through everything as a puppy and continues to do so as an adult. We get her the Nylabone Durabones and rope toys. The rope toys seem to satisfy her need to shred and even though you will have to clean up shredded rope bits - it will last a long time. Skip the rope toys that come with the plastic toy, ball or stuffed animal attached ...just rope.

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

ScubaBug

Florida

0points

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Answer:

Have you tried the nylabones?? That seems to work with my Golden Puppy. He chews and eats everything as well...he is at the stage where I can't even give him the plush toys (that my other golden used to love), because he tears all of the stuffing out of them. Even tried some of the toys that you can stuff a plastic bottle in them, but he eventually gets that out by tearing the toy up. So when he starts to "seek and destroy" as we call it, we take it away, and give him one of the MANY nylabones we have. We used different flavors and sizes, and he usually goes back to them. He does like egg babies too, and surprisingly, had NOT torn any of those up!

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

Dani12

+2points

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Answer:

WOW! What kind of puppy do you have?! Have you tried any of the KONG toys? You can stuff most of them with KONG stuffin' treats and pastes, which will keep her occupied for a short time, at least. And they are made of durable rubber and are good for her to play with and chew on. Also, COMPRESSED, NATURAL rawhide seems to last a lot longer with hard chewers than just regular little sticks or flip chips. They come in a variety of sizes, so I imagine there is a size that would work for your little girl! Trust me, I understand! My beagle girl loves to chew cardboard and paper, and just about anything else she encounters that she knows she's not allowed to have! I hope this helps!
Tracey (Momof7)

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

Momof7

Arnold, PA

+2points

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Answer:

well there is no one thing i have found and i have three dogs who have chewed through everything for power cords to batteries(no puppies were harmed!) but i have found that a large supply of different types of toys helps because then the distruction is evened out throught them and nothing really gets detroyed (at least not for a while) and in the process if you puppy happens to find one certain type of toy or one certain toy that they really love there less likely too detroy it like my one dog loves plush toys with squeakers so she tends to not be as rough with them so that they don't get ruined because she knows if it gets ruined it gets thrown away! and she has now had her one favorite plush toy for almost a year!

Age: 18-24

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

sophie419

minneapolis, minnesota

+2points

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6 answers

I have a problem with unwanted cats on my porch how can I keep them away

My neighbor feeds them and just lets them run. She doesn't do anything to stop them from breeding. They even get together on my front porch. I don't want to hurt them but I have two dogs and they can't go out the front door because of the fleas. Also my front door is starting to smell like cat urine.

Age: 55-65

Gender: male

2 years, 3 months ago

Rick

Ohio

-1point

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Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

My vet recommended Safeguard soap. You can rub the bar soap on your front door and on the porch boards. We did this with lurking cats and it worked like a charm. something in it they don't like.
We also used it in the house when our cat started using a spare bedroom- grated it and sprinkled it on the floor. That worked, too! (and it was easy to vacuum up- but made the room smell fresh too!)
You might talk to your neighbor about catching them and having them spayed/neutered. Safer and more animal friendly that way, too.

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

11 months ago

Greater Chicagoland, IL

+1point

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Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

plant lavender to keep fleas at bay period or doctor your dogs with a lavender water spray at least once a week to help control fleas. there are things you can put on top of a metal fence that makes it where the cat or racoon can't climb the fence but that works for backyards more. suggest to your neighbor to put a cat friendly stuff in his/her yard since you don't like cats and to find a vet or shelter that will do a trap and release to help him/her get the cats fixed to help get the population down. if your town is like mine and people are irresponsible and dump animals on streets when they get to big or change their mind work towards getting the town to fine heavy for that and round up the strays and take them to a no kill shelter so they can go to good homes.

there are also a few things that I cant think of what they are called that make a nasty smell to a cat or a certain sound that a cat or dog doesn't like that you can put around your yard or front door..similar to the dog training aids to keep pets off couches and such probably something like that in the cat section to train cats to not jump on counters..if your front pouch is covered you could probably put that outside where it wont get rained on to make them stay clear.

in all rights your neighbor is doing a good thing and not making these poor cats starve..they are obviously strays since they stay near the two of your homes rather than come up only to eat they should be able to be adopted.

1 year, 8 months ago

RebeccaB

+1point

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Answer:

1st: Get a new neighbor who is more responsible than to feed cats so they are strong enough to reproduce constantly!
2nd: Talk to your neighbor calmly and tell her how her actions are having a detrimental effect on your dogs and your property.
3rd: If that doesn't work, call your local animal control office and ask for someone to pick them up.
Good luck!

Age: 35-44

Gender: female

2 years ago

PetParent

Pearland, TX

-8points

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Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

1) Get a Have-A-Heart trap from animal control. You can usually get one free with a security deposit that is returned when the trap is returned. Catch it up, bring it to the pound, and repeat as necessary. I had a neighbor whose un-neutered male cat would wander in to my open garage and mark his territory because I had female cats. Talking about it with the neighbor was useless- some people think they're doing the cats a favor even though they are contributing to unwanted populations and spreading disease. Off he went to the shelter Tom Cat went, where he was fixed and homed. Cats aren't typically euthanized unless they are terminally ill or vicious so you won't have Cat-Killer on your conscience.
2) Call Animal Control and complain. A nuisance is a nuisance. Cat urine is smelly, nearly impossible to remove from some surfaces, and if it's damaging your property there are legal cures.
3)Get a dog that hates cats. :) I have no cat problems. Cats, rabbits, squirrels, moles, groundhogs and crows entering my yard do it one time and use one life escaping.

2 years, 3 months ago

CaneCorsoMommy

NoVa

-1point

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Best Answer
Top 1000 Contributor

Answer:

First, I'm not a cat hater but I do empathize with this problem. I had neighbor cats getting on top of my car and sliding down the back window resulting in deep scratches in the paint. Not the cat's fault - irresponsible cat owners.

Cayenne pepper. Sprinkle it all over your porch. The cats will get it on their paws, lick their paws and will quickly decide they no longer like your porch. The cats don't like it but it doesn't harm them.

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

ScubaBug

Florida

+6points

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Answer:

they make a scat type thing that sprays water at the intruder or by cat and dog repellent

Age: 18-24

Gender: female

2 years, 3 months ago

Emily

+7points

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5 answers

Trying to find a floppy animal toy without a squeaker, any suggestions?

2 years, 1 month ago

Tiare

-2points

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Answers

Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

I forget the exact name of the toy (there are a few different brands), but the "water bottle" toys are pretty floppy and not all of them have squeakers. You can look for the toys that say you can put a water bottle in them (through a velcro-ed opening). We use them without the empty water bottle and the dog loves them. Pretty durable, too.

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

11 months ago

Greater Chicagoland, IL

0points

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Answer:

Try skinneez stuffing free dog toys????

Age: 18-24

Gender: female

1 year, 8 months ago

Indi

+1point

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Answer:

Yes foster and smith sell some nice ones especially the skunk whic my 3labs know as "stinky". Love not having to pick up stuffing!

Age: 55-65

Gender: female

2 years ago

jaci

florida

+1point

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Best Answer

Answer:

I'll send you mine right after my dog destroys the squeaker (best time is about 5 seconds and he never breaks a stitch)! Otherwise, I'd buy something like the Skinneez Stuffing Free Dog Toys, take a long pin and puncture the two squeakers. No more squeaking! All that's left is a crunchy, plastic disc inside. Good luck!

Age: 35-44

Gender: female

2 years ago

PetParent

Pearland, TX

+2points

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Staff

Answer:

Thank you for your question. We do offer the Big Bite Skinneez Water Bottle Toys (item #72860). They do come with a plastic water bottle that you can remove so then there is no noise when you pet plays with the toy. Your animal choices are: Coyote, Jackal, or Wolf.

2 years, 1 month ago

DrsFosterSmithStaff1

+1point

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3 answers

I am sponsoring a puppy that has legs that dont work what toys should i get him????

He was in a car acident and now his back legs dont work! Her is the problem his owner does not have enough money to get him a wheel chair! What toys do think are best for him???????

Age: 18-24

Gender: female

1 year, 8 months ago

Indi

+1point

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Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

Get him bully sticks. They last a long time and dog's really enjoy chewing them. Just always supervise him while he is chewing so he doesn't choke.

6 months ago

BooElla

Texas

0points

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Best Answer
Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

I would suggest any toy the puppy can use that doesn't involve a lot of movement (unless the vet suggests otherwise, such as for rehabilitation). Some (most?) puzzles can be completed with the pup seated in your lap, for instance. Age-appropriate chew toys of any type might also keep her happy. I would suggest maybe avoiding Kongs and balls made to bounce all over the place since she won't be able to get it and that would be kind of unfair. But, talk to a vet - preferably the pup's vet who knows her situation. They probably would have the best suggestions. Best of luck to you all and the puppy.

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

1 year, 4 months ago

DogWhispererWannabe

Stati Uniti

+3points

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Staff
Expert

Answer:

Thank you for your question. Most of the toys we offer would be good for your puppy, however you may not want to give your pet toys that may roll away from your puppy. If your pet likes to chew on soft objects, we would recommend any of our soft plush toys. If your puppy would prefer flavored, hard toys, then we would recommend any of our flavored bones to chew on.

1 year, 8 months ago

DRS1

+2points

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3 answers

Have a puppy who gets bored & tears up things how do I stop this?

Age: 55-65

Gender: female

11 months ago

clumsybc

Frankfort, Ky

+1point

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Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

My dogs love to chew so I buy them Bully sticks, which is bull pizzle. Just make sure they are NOT manufactured in China as China has been having issues with tainted ones. They last quite awhile and will keep your puppy busy and satisfy his chewing urge.

6 months ago

BooElla

Texas

0points

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Best Answer
Top 250 Contributor

Answer:

It may depend on the type of puppy you have- s/he may need to run around more and expend energy. A variety of toys (chewy toys that are harder to destroy, rawhides, squeaky toys, pull toys) may be a good way to train chewing specific things as opposed to others (ours used to shred cardboard- anything cardboard went up higher, but we got a few toys that were more coarse materials and that seemed to do it). S/he may also need playmates- see if there are other dogs in your neighborhood or if there's a dog walking group or "play" group- i know it sounds kind of weird, but it's great socialization for dogs- and will wear them out for a good few-hour nap!

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

11 months ago

Greater Chicagoland, IL

+2points

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Answer:

Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to keep him/her engaged. If your dog is motivated by treats/food, something like this might be good: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24067

Age: 25-34

Gender: female

11 months ago

laylasmom

Altoona, IA

0points

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