Play Tug-of-War With Your Pup With One of These Dog Tug Toys

Whether you have a three-legged best friend who’s been missing her tug of war training for ages or you‘re buying your first dog toy, there's no reason you can't have fun trying to figure out what the best dog tug toy is.

Dog tug play, often referred to as pony play, it is one of the oldest dog training methods and is still enjoyed by dog owners across the globe. A dog's natural instinct is to pull or push whatever he's held in his mouth, which is why it's crucial to purchase a dog play toy that is both fun and challenging for your pup.

Some dogs will even pull the toy off the floor if you leave it on a low floor. Whether it is for training or playtime, a tug-of-war toy must be strong enough to be pulled by your dog, but it must also be durable enough for him to successfully chew through.

It should be made of tough materials that your puppy can still tear apart, yet it should have lanyard holes so you don t need to worry about your pooch being hurt if he loses control.

Most dog toys will come with pull and chew buttons as well, so if your pet is a chewer, you won't be left out of this rewarding training experience.

Tips When Buying Dog Tug Toys

Dog tug toy manufacturers make great products, but they’ve got a few tips to help make your playtime more enjoyable. Read the instruction manual.

If you're new to dog tug, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the weight and size limitations. Your dog is a little more flexible, and you may need to experiment a bit with different sizes and shapes to figure out which ones are best.

Make your dog comfortable. You want to be sure that your pup won't just put up with whatever your toy there is. Some toys are designed to make it hard for your pooch to pull on the rope. Others do the opposite, making it easy for the dog to grab and pull. Don't be discouraged if your puppy or dog doesn't do well with the tug.

Sometimes it just takes a minute or two to warm up to the idea. Give the toy a chance. Most dog toys require a tug before they will engage in play. After that, you don't need anything more than a friendly tug to keep your best buddy happy.

Try different toys. Once you get a hang of a dog toy, try it out in different environments. Many dogs learn best when they can play in a variety of places, from the backyard to your living room.

Things To Consider When Buying Dog Tug Toys

Dog tug toy materials

Dog tug kits come in a range of materials, including wooden toys, plastic toys with suction cups, and rubber toys coated in silicone.

Wooden toys

Offers a more aesthetically pleasing surface, but they’re less likely to last for years, as they may crack or warp with frequent use.

Plastic toys

These can be made from a variety of non-toxic materials and feature rubber-coated o rings to keep the toys grippy. Rubber toys are often water-resistant, so they don't just stay wet, they actually get wetter.

There‘s some debate about the best material for dog tug sets, especially as more companies enter the market. Some say that bone-paw toys will last longer, while others say a wooden toy is more durable.

Still others claim the material is irrelevant. Either way, the most important consideration is choosing a toy that you and your pooch will both enjoy.

Durability

The strength of your dog‖s jaw is directly proportional to the amount of effort he or she can put into pulling on the toy. If your pup cannot successfully tear the ring apart, your toy won t last very long. As a general rule, chew toys made of wood or ABS plastic should last at least a decade, whereas toys that are made entirely of rubber or silicone should remain durable for as long as five to seven years.

Size

All dog toy sets contain three to six toys. The largest sets may be geared toward puppies, with a capacity for around 100 pieces. These toys often come with their own accompanying training harness, which will protect the inside of the set and allow you to use your tugger in public. Smaller toy kits typically contain between 50 and 75 pieces, depending on their size, although many people keep a second set just in case.

Prices to Consider When Buying Dog Tug Toys

You can find a basic tug toy for as little as $5 to $15. These usually have simple harnesses that can be tied or broken, and they are usually for dogs up to about eight pounds. You can also find some excellent dog tug models in this price range that feature better harness systems and materials.

For $20 to 30, you’ll find many high-quality dog toys with more sophisticated harness designs and sturdy wooden toy yards. While some models will cost a bit more than $30, it's unlikely that your dog will tire of a tug in the $10 to 20 range.

At $40 to 50, expect to find dog pull toys that will last at least a year. They should also feature high quality materials and be of the highest caliber. More expensive models can cost up into the hundreds of dollars.

Features To Look For In Dog Tugs

Before deciding which tug toy is the right one for your four-legged friend, there are a few features you should check out.

Material

The best dog toys are made from high-quality materials, as this will make them last longer. Most of these toys, whether natural or man-made, are tough, durable, and can stand up to rough treatment. You should also consider the material your dog likes to chew on. For instance, if your pup likes his chew sticks, you will get more use out of him with a solid material.

Durability

A toy that is durable is ideal for long-term use. As dogs are rough on toys and other things, this is vital. A tug made with high quality materials is more durable than one made of low quality material, giving you a longer toy to last.

Color

Different dogs have different eyes, so the color of your tug is important. If your pooch happens to be a redhead, then you can get away with red. On the other hand, dogs with other colors prefer yellow or blue, which may not be the best color combination for him. Avoid the red dog as it is too dominant and will look out for the dominant dog. It is better to match your red-headed pup with yellow-colored toys so he doesn't get confused. The same goes for blue dogs.

Size

Most tug-toys are small, but you need to take into account the size of the dog to get the correct toy. Smaller toys can be great for a puppy as they are more manageable.

However, the bigger the toy, your puppy will outgrow it easily. To avoid this, opt for medium-sized toys. Dogs are not that heavy-handed and as such, a medium toy will be fine for most dogs, especially those that are around six months old. Types Of Dog Toys Most dog toy are available in two types; natural and man made.

Natural dog tug are usually made out a rubber material which has been transformed into various shapes. They are ideal to use with puppies as these are the easiest to train.

Man-Made dog Tuggies are crafted from softer materials and are only suitable for dogs that have already been trained. These toys have been made using various construction methods to ensure their durability.

Price

Dog toys vary in price, depending on the construction method and the quality. In most cases, dog training toys cost between $10 and $200. Budget-friendly models are cheaper and made to work with smaller dogs; these tend to cost less than pricier models.

Mid-range models will suffice for any dog, between two and six years of age, although larger dogs may require a priciest model.

All About Dog Tug Toys

Dog tug toy manufacturers are obviously taking their cues from the industry standard, and the average BOS toy is no exception. The most common materials are wood or plastic, though you will also find faux leather and faux fur.

Some boss tuggy toys are made entirely of plastic and come in fun designs. Others are durable nylon, with thick rubber or coated fabric for extra grip. Boku Dog Toys have a reputation for being durable, easy to clean, fun, durable. They are also the most expensive BOD toys on the market, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Tugs are tough to break, especially if you are the one who breaks them. Many owners return their bodey tugs for a full refund.