The Twelve Dog Days of Christmas: Day Nine - Toys, toys, toys (for dogs)

EverythingDogBlog #109: These are a few of my favorite things!

On the ninth day of Christmas, I recalled how amazed I am this past year over three specific dog toys, not all of which are new for 2013.

First is the new Bounzer from KONG. See the photo of Scooter inviting you to play with him and his big new Bounzer. The Bounzer is easy to toss, bounces erratically which dogs love, and is incredibly durable.

Although it comes in three sizes (small, medium and large – actually, medium, large and extra large), I really don’t think it matters which size you get.

The large Bounzer is loved by even little dogs because they can squeeze it and carry it by the ‘handle’ at the top. I wrote about the Bounzer in EverythingDogBlog in September. 

Another surprise to me is also from KONG – the Safestix.

Again available in three sizes (small, medium and large) and at least three colors (pink, blue and green), the Safestix is several toys in one. You can toss it a humungous distance for Fido to fetch. You can grab both ends (it’s bendable) and play tug with Rover and have a better chance of winning. And, it floats! Plus, if you have a dog who picks up sticks on a walk, the Safestix is safer. I purchased the medium which I thought would be too small for a lab, but it was the perfect size! Since Mia’s is green, I call it her greenstick.

And, finally, at less than $10 is the classic Hurley by West Paw Design, an eco-friendly company based in Bozeman, Montana.

West Paw has been around for so long and is so ubiquitous that people tend to gloss over its products and pass by. Don’t! They are a real bargain and dogs love the Hurley, especially. The Hurley is rather bone-shaped and fits a dog’s mouth just right. It is also dishwasher safe!

Does your dog play or chew? Here is a good webpage outlining the difference, along with the best ZogoFlex© toys for chewers and for players. Mia the Lab is both a player and a chewer and that’s OK, too! She has a Hurley to chew and a Bumi for playing.

Tomorrow: A Kid’s Book for Grown-ups - that we all need to read

Disclaimer: I have purchased many KONG products in the past, some at dog rescue auctions, and some from KONG booths at dog trainer conferences. I have also been sent products when I write for KONG. I received a West Paws product for writing a specific blog and have several West Paws items as well. (Photo credits: Lazyriver Photos, KONG, West Paw Design website) (This article first appeared on ColumbiaPatch.com on 23 December 2013.)