Advice on dogs please

[lost.parrot]

Really I am trying to find out if anyone has any direct experience of toys ( throwing balls ) that you have found last with dogs as toys and items to retreive?

Currently it's finding chewing them very appealing, and even alternatives like bones etc dont last long either, so is there anything you have found that does last, ball wise?

[mustard-tree]

Have you tried the solid rubber balls,

Make sure they are tennis ball size and not the little ones, as these can be swallowed by your dog

[ed_blackadder_1]

We have a solid rubber ball, bought from Pets at Home, seems to work. Our spaniel loves to eat balls but she has trouble with that one.

[fluffypenquin]

Not sure about an indestructible ball - you could get something like a Kong they are pretty tough.  The other way round it is to teach a "good" retrieve, eg put the ball on a long length of rope - then throw it and if the dog goes to get it but then lays down to chew it instead of bringing it back, tug on the rope to get the ball back to you, if that makes sense.  When the dog gets back to you with the ball give him a reward that he is allowed to chew.

[lost.parrot]

Thanks, they are as solid as they come, short of being cannon balls anyway, but although it takes him longer, unless he's under close supervision, they get ground down in his iron jaws. A tennis ball might last one or two throws. Did hear of a certain brand that sounded like a fictional film character, but haven't yet tried them. Just curious as to others experience.

[lost.parrot]

He's a rescue dog, and not a puppy, so has certain habits already. He's quite good overall, but knows when to push boundaries, and reward etc he finds less attractive than chewing

Yes that was the brand I heard, but not tried, just wondered if anyone had

[chickengrandma-2008]

The Kong is very tough but you are supposed to put treats inside it and it's supposed to keep them occupied getting the treats out.  This might work for your dog or it might encourage him to chew it up to get at the treats!! 

[ilove2patch]

Not for throwing but Pets at Home sell pieces of antler that my dog can't even dent.

[captainbovine]

piccies please

[rose2008-2008]

KONG TOYS are quite strong and are for putting things in aswell to keep animals amused for a bit longer.

[the-ginger-ninja]

What about this one?

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_toys_dog_training/intelligence_games/treat_toys_dogs/146803?s...

[Anonymous]

Try cheap 3 tennis balls from the pound shop.  My beardies love them.

[lhasa.two]

Yes, I used 'old' tennis balls with my dog. They lasted well but he had a "soft" mouth when retrieving, but it sounds like this young man doesn't.   I think the suggestion of pulling him in on a long lead/rope when he does start to chew is a good one because he'll get the idea that a ball to retrieve is not to be chewed... well that's the theory anyway lol.

[soppysofty]

PDSA sell a ball and other hard rubber items that can be thrown and they are 'chewable' but, because of their makeup, they last for ever.

Wander over to thier website if you don't have a branch near you.