Toy Review: Skineeez Big Bite by SPOT

Recently I have had a couple litters of pups here on the farm, and the puppy chewing has been over the top. That, on top of this harsh winter has depleted my store of toys and I decided to boy a couple of toys to supplement the tattered remnants of the toy box.

I chose two toys that I felt were tough enough for my players, I took them home and left them on the floor while the dogs were out, just to see what they thought of the new toys...

This is a review of the first toy, Ethical 5715 Skinneeez Wooly Sheep Stuffing-Less Dog Toy, 13-Inch (pictured above)

Both toys were discovered within a few minutes (I will be reviewing the other toy as well in an upcoming post). The Skineeez toy was the more coveted toy, and drew more attention as it makes noise (it comes with a water bottle already inserted).  I LOVE the idea behind this toy. Once the water bottle has been flattened, you can easily replace it with a new water bottle. There was lots of play and interaction with this toy, two of the dogs played together with it, then Maes stole it and spent time tossing it in the air and shaking it like crazy. So, the dogs definitely found the toy to their liking, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The downside for me is the toy lasted less than 24 hours. Now, I do have a ripper (Maes) and I have no doubt that she was at the bottom of the ripping and tearing. I suspect if it weren't for Maes, the toy would have lasted much longer and as I said, the dogs did really love playing with it...

So, I give it a fairly high rating for non-chewers, especially for dogs that love to toss and shake toys. This will make an excellent toy for young dogs, puppies love the sound of a crunching water bottle....this toy also comes in other 'forms' and sizes (bigger and smaller) for all of the dogs in your life...and it is reasonably priced.

If you would like to try this toy with your dog(s), please go in through the fundinco portal of amazon to make your purchase; a portion of every dollar you spend there will come to MABCR....

Canine Hardware Chuckit Ball Launcher Toy Review

Chuckit Ball Launcher Toy Review --

Rachelle and Moss Daigneault

Price $6.50 to $12 (online comparison shopping)

Simply put, the Chuckit Ball Launcher is the best dog exercise tool ever invented. It is in the same category as Velcro and duct tape. If you like handling slobber covered tennis balls, then don’t get one. If you have a throwing arm like Cy Young, then don’t get one. If you live with a lap dog that cringes at the thought of putting its paws on solid ground, then definitely don’t get one. If you have a wild dog who loves to careen across a field in hyperdrive to fetch a ball, this is your tool. Young or old, fit or frail, it is easy to get seriously unexpected distance with a Chuckit. I speak from personal experience. Getting older has not improved my pitching arm but the Chuckit has.  Be your dog’s besty and get this ball launcher! I have a blue one.

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Nina Ottosson's Tornado Toy Review

Tornado Toy Review – 

by Jaclyn and Vivie Waryasz

Price $40+

I bought the toy for as a Christmas Present for Vivian.  I thought she would like the food reward aspect and I liked that is was marketed as a challenging dog toy.  Apparently, the marketers do not have Border Collies. 

There was a several page instructional booklet along with a how to DVD.  I was getting excited – if it was this difficult to use than maybe it would provide hours and hours of entertainment for Vivian.  

I filled the first level with dog treats and inserted the bone shaped ‘lock’ and handed the toy to Vivian with the command “Find It.”   Anticipating that this could take some time and be a little frustrating for Vivian I sat with her and gave her encouragement when she got close to the lock like the book said.  After about 2 minutes she had gotten the lock out and had all the treats.  

WHAT???  This was supposed to take a lot longer.  Maybe it’s because I only set up the first layer.  So now I set up all 3 layers.  I still sit next to her for encouragement thinking that the first time was a fluke (I spent how much for 2 minutes of entertainment?).  No it was not a fluke . . . she had all three layers unlocked and the treats devoured in less than 5 minutes.

All in all it is a fun toy.  Vivian loves getting treats from it but it is not worth the heavy price tag for just a few minutes a day.  If it could really provide 30 minutes to an hour of play time it would be worth it – and maybe it can be but not just for Vivian.