The Ultimate Guide to Bully Breed Dog Toys and Safety

Bully breeds are known for their strength and energy, which means they need toys that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Bully breeds were originally bred for fighting, but today they make loyal and loving companions.

Their jaw strength is impressive, with some breeds capable of exerting up to 700 pounds per square inch of bite force. This means they need toys that can withstand their powerful jaws.

Choosing the right toys for your bully breed is crucial for their safety and happiness.

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Safety Considerations are crucial when it comes to choosing the right toys for your bully breed dog. Remove any inedible items that could be swallowed, such as string, ribbon, rubber bands, and children's toys, from your home to dog-proof it.

Be sure to buy toys of the right size for your dog, as toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in their throat. I've seen it happen to a friend's puppy, and it was a scary situation.

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Some toys, like squeaky ones, require close supervision to prevent your dog from ingesting them if they become detached. Always check the labels on stuffed toys to ensure they're safe for children under three years old and don't contain any hazardous fillings.

Here are some things to avoid or alter on toys to make them safer for your dog:

To ensure your dog's safety, it's essential to dog-proof your home by removing items like string, ribbon, rubber bands, and children's toys that could be swallowed.

Dogs are naturally attracted to things that can harm them, so be on the lookout for these potential hazards.

Buy toys of the right size for your dog to prevent them from being easily swallowed or getting lodged in their throat.

Supervise your dog's playtime with squeaky toys, as they may feel compelled to destroy the source of the squeaking and ingest it if left unattended.

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Alter any toys that aren't "dog-proof" by removing parts that could be chewed off and ingested, such as ribbons, strings, eyes, or other attachments.

Discard toys when they start to break apart or get torn, and check labels on stuffed toys to ensure they're safe for children under three years old and don't contain any hazardous fillings.

Distraction toys can be a lifesaver for bored or high-energy dogs. Kong-type toys filled with treats can keep a puppy or dog busy for hours.

Make sure to choose a safe peanut butter option for your dog, as some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic. Add some peanut butter to the crushed-up treats for a tastier snack.

Busy-box or feeder toys are great for dogs who gobble their food too quickly. These large rubber shapes can be filled with treats, keeping your dog engaged and active.

Interactive play is essential for strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Try balls, flying disks, and other toys that promote interactive play.

By focusing on a specific task, your dog can expend pent-up mental and physical energy from boredom in a limited amount of time and space. This is especially helpful for young, high-energy, and untrained dogs.

Curbing your pitbull's tendencies requires patience and the right approach. Here are some tips to help you survive the puppy chewing phase.

Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, and it's essential to channel their energy into acceptable toys. You can start by introducing durable toys designed for pitbulls.

If your pup's chewing is becoming destructive, you may need to take a step-by-step approach to stop it. This involves identifying the triggers and replacing the objects with chew toys.

Older dogs can also suddenly start chewing due to various reasons such as boredom or anxiety. In this case, you need to address the underlying issue and provide suitable alternatives.

Some common dog behavior problems include destructive chewing, and it's crucial to address them early on. Here are some common problems and what you can do about them:

For bully breed dog toys, it's essential to choose durable options that can withstand their strong jaws and love for play.

Rubber toys are a great choice because they can be squeaked and chewed on without falling apart easily, as seen in the Kong toy example.

Interactive toys like puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are also excellent options, as they keep your dog engaged and stimulated, reducing the likelihood of destructive behavior.

Active toys are a great way to keep your dog engaged and entertained. Hard rubber toys like Nylabone and Kong-type products come in many shapes and sizes and are perfect for chewing and carrying around.

Tennis balls make great dog toys for fetching, but they don't stand up to chewing very well. Discard any tennis balls that have been chewed through, as they can pose a choking hazard to your pet.

For dogs with a high chase and tug drive, toys that roll on the ground are ideal. Pitbulls, for example, tend to love these types of toys, especially when thrown correctly.

The Kong Interactive Toy takes treat dispensing to the next level with its maze design. This means your dog will be entertained even longer, as the food doesn't fall out easily.

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For puppies, it's essential to provide toys that cater to their teething needs. From 12 weeks to six months, puppies get the urge to chew on everything, so supplying teething toys will make them more comfortable and save your belongings.

Durable nylon bones and rubber toys can withstand weeks of chewing without breaking into pieces that might be swallowed. You can also buy specialized puppy teething toys designed to be frozen and imprinted with soothing textures.

Pitbull puppies, in particular, may appreciate soft toys like the UltBone or Fabric Kongs, which can help tire them out. These toys are often a crowd favorite among dog owners.

Here are some features to look for in teething toys for puppies:

These features will help keep your puppy comfortable and entertained during the teething process.

Kong & West Paw Zogoflex toys are top picks for their durability. They're the only ones that have remained in one piece after years of use.

Laika, the dog in the article, has put these toys to the test and they've withstood her jaws for years. They're not fancy, but they last.

Kong & West Paw Zogoflex toys are perfect for leaving out without worry, as they're designed to be indestructible. They're also dishwasher safe and float in water.

The West Paw Hurley Bone is a great option for a tough chew toy. It's soft and has a bit of flex to it, but it's still pretty darn tough.

Laika has had no luck tearing apart the West Paw Hurley Bone, and it's lasted over 6 months. It's also light enough for indoor fetch and floats in water.

If you want a dog toy that will keep your dog busy, give them a Kong or ball. Interactive play makes them even more exciting for your dog.

Kong & West Paw Zogoflex toys are a great choice for pitbull puppies too. They come in soft versions like the UltBone or Fabric Kongs that are perfect for little mouths.

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Pit bulls have wide heads and strong jaws, which means they need toys that can withstand their powerful bites.

Their jaws are capable of exerting a significant amount of force, so toys need to be strong and durable to prevent them from being torn up.

Toys for pit bulls should be large enough to avoid being a choking hazard.

Smaller balls, like tennis or foam balls, can be torn up and eaten, leading to potential health issues.

Their strong jaws can also cause them to swallow toys that are too small, which can lead to obstruction and costly vet bills.

When it comes to choosing the right toy for your pit bull, it's essential to consider their age and jaw strength. A pit bull puppy needs soft dog toys, preferably made from soft-rubber, plush, or nylon.

A good chew toy should be able to sit comfortably in a dog's mouth, never being too big or too small. A general rule of thumb is to find a toy that is longer than your dog's jaw.

For pit bulls, natural rubber is the best material for indestructible chew toys. It's tough, but with enough give to not damage teeth.

A good chew toy should be tough, but not incredibly tough. It should have enough give to not damage teeth.

Pit bull puppies need soft dog toys, preferably made from soft-rubber, plush, or nylon, as their teeth are still too weak for tough toys.

Avoid toys with too many small parts or accessories that can be chewed off and swallowed.

A good test for a chew toy's hardness is the fingernail indent test: you should be able to drive your thumbnail into the rubber without gouging out a piece.

Toys made of hard plastic, real bone, or nylon can be hazardous for pit bulls, as they can break or damage teeth, or splinter and stab into their gums or throat.

All-natural rubber is a top choice for indestructible dog toys, as it's durable and long-lasting.

Other good materials include thick, knotted, double-knit rope and nylon, but be cautious of nylon chews as they can splinter and cause dental damage.

Any inflatable toys, children's toys, and toys with built-in squeakers should be avoided, as they can be choking hazards or cause other problems.

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A good chew toy should be able to sit comfortably in a dog's mouth, which means it should be large enough to prevent accidental swallowing but not so big that it's cumbersome.

For a general rule of thumb, try to find a toy that is longer than your dog's jaw. This will help prevent any accidental slips.

Bone shaped chew toys are not just for aesthetics, they can also prevent choking hazards with their flared ends.

Be careful of large, soft balls that can get lodged in your dog's mouth.

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Choosing the right toy for your dog requires considering their individual needs and personality. Some dogs, like Pitbulls, have boundless energy and need toys that can keep up with their playfulness.

Pitbulls, in particular, love to play tug-of-war and will exhaust themselves before stopping. This is because their brain and nose need stimulation to keep them engaged.

A good toy should be able to withstand rough play, like a tug toy made for Pitbulls.

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Pitties love being destructive, and one of the best toys for your dog is probably already in your house - a cardboard box.

You can make these challenges as easy or as challenging for your dog as you'd like by hiding their favorite toy or food inside the box.

For some dogs, this might look like an open box, while others might need a little more complexity.

To add some extra fun, you can try closing the box, taping it, or even putting a box in a box.

You can also add water bottles to create more sound and movement, or put food in paper bags.

Remember to consult your veterinarian with any concerns about using cardboard for enrichment or any other toy that could present a choking hazard or is a risk for not passing through a dog's GI system.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Most bully breed dog toys can be cleaned with a brush in the sink, but be careful with the products you use.

Plastic and rubber toys can generally be cleaned with a brush in the sink.

If any toy shows too much wear-and-tear, or any sign of mold, then it's best to say goodbye.

You'll also want to make sure to wash plushies with dog-safe detergent and no softener, and always rinse and dry them thoroughly after washing.

Dog toys can be coated with unhealthy chemicals, including heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can cause health problems even in small amounts.

It's less likely to happen with toys made in the USA, but it's still a risk. You can try an at-home lead-testing kit if you're concerned.

Flavorings on dog toys can be a problem too - they might contain harmful chemicals or just taste bad. Avoid them altogether if you can.

To keep your dog entertained, try hiding treats inside a toy or smearing it with xylitol-free peanut butter or gravy.

Cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your pet's toys. Most plushies are safe for the washing machine, but may need to be washed with dog-safe detergent and no softener.

Be careful not to use softener, as it can harm your pet. Always make sure the toys are well rinsed and dried after washing.

Plastic and rubber toys can generally be cleaned with a brush in the sink. This is a simple and effective way to keep them clean.

If any toy shows too much wear-and-tear, or any sign of mold, it's best to get rid of it. Trust your instincts and prioritize your pet's health and safety.