ToysRUs Pets Dumbbell with Tennis Balls

Going back over the list of toys he's already destroyed would be nearly impossible, so I'll start with today.

This is our current victim:

A ToysRUs bone with tennis balls embedded in either end.


The price was right, at under $5.00 and the rubber feels durable enough that it should last a while. There are no squeakers, which will both save my sanity and perhaps make it last longer, as those are usually the first spot he tests for weakness.

Initial Impression:

He was given the toy about an hour and a half ago and he's been working on it constantly since then. So far, the bone itself is completely intact and showing no wear at all. However, the tennis balls are already looking somewhat the worse for wear. He's easily punctured them and they're pretty much destroyed, though the bits are staying contained within the ends of the dumbbell so far. The holes in the ends of the dumbbell are fairly small and he shouldn't be able to get the pieces out too easily.

As you can see, it's got his full attention. He reluctantly let me have it for a moment to snap a quick picture.

Path of Destruction:

Four Hours:  Now finding pieces of tennis ball all over the floor. Thankfully he shows no interest in chewing or eating the pieces. They are quite small and soft, so not likely a choke or obstruction risk even if accidentally swallowed but still less than idea. Supervised play recommended.

                 TOY:     Dumbbell with Tennis Balls

PURCHASED AT:     PetSmart

                    COST:     Under $5.00                    

           LIFE SPAN: 

               RATING: 

Bent On Destruction

Our dog Buddy is fairly certain the toys we give him are more of a job than a source of amusement. They're not for playing with, they're for destroying. He wrecks things like it's his mission in life. He will not stop until he has reduced whatever we've given him to small piles of chewy shrapnel that litter the carpet like little rubbery landmines.

Keeping the Mutt entertained is a costly and frustrating endeavor and I've grown weary of toys that claim to be "indestructible" or for "the toughest chewers" and then last ten minutes.

Earlier this year we had a scare with the wee man - something he ingested caused a bowel obstruction that required costly surgery to repair. It was a traumatic and terrifying experience and the thought that one of the toys we gave him may have been the culprit strengthened my resolve to find the ultimate dog toy - something he wants to play with but can't destroy.

I thought I'd start a blog to track what we give him and how it holds up. My plan is to review each new toy we buy him. I'll let you know how much it cost, whether or not he liked it and how long it lasted.

A bit about the chewer in question..

Buddy is a 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Shih-Tzu-Poodle cross. So, perhaps not what you would picture when you think of a dog capable of reducing the toughest toy to tatters. What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in dedication!