Mabel Jean's "Ruff & Tuff" Dog Toys

Dear Mabel Jean,

 

We need your professional advice.  Our owner runs an in-home, pet-sitting business and we are in desperate need of toys that can withstand MAJOR BITING AND CHEWING!

Several of our doggie friends who come to visit are SERIOUS chewing aficionados. There is NO toy that goes UNCHEWED and once the chewing begins, they show no mercy. At the end of the day, even the most rugged of our dog toys are torn apart and shredded. What we are left with is a pile of foam stuffing and small pieces of rubber. 

 

We know how much you like to chew and shred things, M.J.  Will you please test some really tough dog toys and give us some suggestions?  We're desperate!

 

-Maggie & Harley Manis, Kritter Kountry Club, Saint Clet, Quebec, Canada

 

Dear Maggie & Harley,

 

It's hard to find good toys these days.  They just don't make 'em like they used to! Unfortunately, this has caused a great deal of frustration to my human mom - as once I experience what I consider to be a "weak" toy, I move on to bigger and better things. (Leather ottomans offer a satisfying chewing experience, as well as the mud flaps on the truck.)  However, I learned rather early on that this is unacceptable to my human counterparts and now I stick to toys that are manufactured specifically for pets.  (Well, for the most part!)

 

In my toy test, I have yet to find any one toy that is completely indestructible, but I have found a few that have given me a run for my money!  I must say, the biggest challenge of all has been a 60 ft cedar tree...but I managed to conquer that one.  (Check out the before and after photos!) For those of you who prefer trees for shade, check out some of these great dog toys for aggressive chewers.  

 

 

Four Paws Crunch & Crackle Dog Toy

This is a real treat. The Four Paws Crunch & Crackle Dog Toy is a cylinder toy made out of thick canvas that makes funny crackling and crunch sounds when you chew on it. (And I don't mean a breakfast cereral type sound - but the kind of sound you hope to hear when you finally catch that squirrel who has been harassing you from the trees all day.) It also has a bell inside that chimes whenever the toy rolls over. (The cat who resides with me just loves this!) The Crunch & Crackle Dog Toy is made with new and improved firehouse material that is strong enough for big dogs - and entertaining to those who still like to play "Call of the Wild."

 

Nylabone Galileo Dog Chew

While the Nylabone Galileo Dog Chew doesn't make noise (with the exception of your own chomping and chewing) it still is one heck of a tough dog toy. In fact, it is considered to be the world's strongest nylon dog bone products and comes in such sizes as "regular," "wolf" and "souper." Personally, I like the biggest bone best - so "souper" size me! My pal, Tank, loves Nylabones. They are his absolute favorite dog toy  and as you can see from his picture, this TANK can really set some iron to the bone!  If you want to see him and his bone in action - check out his video!  You won't believe how LOUD he is!

 

Kong Extreme

What can I say?  I just like Kong toys. Your owner can toss it and the Kong will bounce like a bad check.  It is good in snow, water or mud (just like my old mailman) and it has a hollow core that can be filled with treats.  (This keeps me entertained while I'm waiting for the mailman.)  And if you prefer something other than the traditional biscuit or bit of meat to stuff in the center, Kong now offers Stuff'NPastes and Treats.  (Humans!  They think of everything!)  Kong Extreme is ideal for power chewers.

 

I give these products my paw of approval!

 

Do you have any dog toys that you can recommend for aggressive chewers?  Have you chewed up anything outrageous or expensive that you would like to share with pet sitters?  If so, have your human drop us an e-mail.  We'd love to hear from you!  And don't forget to send photos!