Canine enrichment simply means providing your dog with engaging activities to enhance their mind and motor skills. This could involve anything from interactive puzzle toys to sniffy walks or dog massages. And these enriching activities aren’t just good for dogs. Pet parents benefit from canine enrichment, too. Because dogs who are kept engaged and entertained are often more relaxed, better behaved, and less prone to anxiety.

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Since we all want a little more of that in our lives, I decided to try out one new canine enrichment toy that’s generating a lot of buzz…and not just with one dog, but with three! My very eager canine play testers—Natsu, Dexter, and Haru—and I put Wild One’s Tennis Tumble Puzzle Toy to the test to find out just how much enrichment this popular toy could deliver.

What is Wild One All About?

The company behind the innovative Tennis Tumble dog toy is Wild One, a Brooklyn-based team of pet lovers who are passionate about making quality products to improve quality time spent with your pets. The brand designs and manufactures a broad selection of pet essentials for both people and their dogs—everything from toys, gear, and accessories to grooming tools and healthy treats—so you and your pup can walk, play, and live in style. 

Though style is a key selling feature for all Wild One products (many of which are available in a virtual rainbow of fun color options), function always comes first in the design. The brand believes in thoughtfully designed products that work well and make life easier, first and foremost. The fact that they look great, too, is just icing on the pupcake.

Wild One is also well-known for putting its commitment to animal welfare into action. Through their Dog a Day program, the brand partners with animal rescue organizations across the country in support of one noble (and lofty) goal: to help rescue one dog a day by 2024. A portion of every purchase you make on WildOne.com supports these efforts, and you can even find out more about the dogs Wild One has helped save by visiting the brand’s Dog a Day program page.

Wild One’s New Dog Puzzle Toy: The Tennis Tumble

The Tennis Tumble has made a big splash on social media, so many have already heard about the popular puzzle toy. For those unfamiliar with it, the Tennis Tumble features a tough barrel-shaped exterior made from sturdy natural rubber, and within this cylindrical shape is enclosed an oh-so-tempting tennis ball. Your dog’s mission (should they choose to accept it): Free the ball from this clever contraption.

The Tennis Tumble is substantial in size, measuring almost 4 inches in length and 2.5 inches in diameter. The dimensions are precisely calculated to make freeing the tennis ball challenging enough to keep a dog occupied for hours, but not so challenging that they become frustrated (though your dog’s experience may vary).

The walls of the BPA-free dog toy are slatted to reveal the ball inside, which naturally will entice a dog to interact with the toy. This thoughtful design also prioritizes your pet’s safety by allowing plenty of airflow, which prevents your dog’s tongue from getting “sucked in.”

Wild One recommends using the Tennis Tumble to engage your dog and provide mental stimulation in a variety of situations, whether you’re playing with your dog one-on-one or away from home. However, as a longtime pet trainer and pet behavior specialist, I personally caution against allowing dogs to play with toys unsupervised, to avoid potential choking hazards.  

My other concern is what could happen if a dog becomes frustrated with a toy. The Tennis Tumble looks like a pretty tough challenge, even for the most toy-savvy dogs. But, I’m not a dog. So let’s see what my three dog testers thought of the Wild One Tennis Tumble.

Putting the Tennis Tumble to the Test

All dogs are different, and taste in toys can be very subjective. So instead of trying the Tennis Tumble out on one pup, I chose three different canine candidates. Here’s how each dog reacted. 

Natsu, the Collie

Natsu was the first canine play tester I introduced to the Tennis Tumble. At first, he didn’t know what to think about the new toy (which I chose in a lovely, seasonal shade of lilac). He looked at it for a while, but did not immediately interact with the toy. So I picked it up, wiggled the tennis ball inside, spoke words of encouragement, and put the puzzle toy down on the floor in front of him…but still no reaction from this tough customer. 

Natsu is a dog who loves a good game of fetch, so out to the yard we went. Once I tossed the Tennis Tumble, Natsu was all in! He chased the Tennis Tumble and easily picked it up by placing his upper jaw inside the cylinder and lower jaw at the bottom. Fetch was on.

After multiple rounds of tossing and fetching, Natsu carried the puzzle toy into the house. Now, he seemed much more interested in finding out what this toy was all about and even carried the Tennis Tumble around with him from room to room.

When (by sheer accident) Natsu dropped the puzzle toy, his eyes lit up. He quickly picked it back up, strutted around the house, and dropped it again, seeming to really enjoy the new game he’d made up. That’s one of the benefits of providing a dog with an enrichment toy—they try new things and find fun in ways we may never have expected.

Although Natsu really didn’t necessarily feel that ball was the coolest part of this dog toy, he certainly enjoyed the Tennis Tumble. After a day of playing with the toy, he then started tossing the Tumble up in the air, watching it soar, bounce, and land. In the end, the Tennis Tumble was a hit with Natsu.

Dexter, the (elder) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Dexter is a senior dog who has logged countless hours of playtime with different types and brands of interactive enrichment toys over the past twelve years. Despite all that experience, like Natsu, Dexter didn’t show a lot of interest when I first broke out the Tennis Tumble for him.

I made a point of showing him the ball inside, rolling it on the floor, and acting like a crazy woman. Nada. He just looked at me. Dexter is a foodie, so my next step was to introduce the toy with some bits of healthy treats inside. Bingo. Now I thought I had his number.

With the treats inside the cylinder, Dexter pushed the Tennis Tumble around, gobbling up the treats that fell out. However, once the treats were gone, Dexter again lost interest. Thinking back to Natsu, I decided I’d try the fetch tactic again, but Dexter remained a tough sell when it came to the Tennis Tumble.

If I had to guess, I’d say Dexter’s reaction came down to pure preference…as it does for all dogs, which is an important consideration when picking out pet toys. Though Dexter enjoys fetch, the Tennis Tumble was perhaps a little too big for him to really be interested in it as a fetch toy. And while the Tennis Tumble got his attention as a treat dispenser, the puzzle aspect of the toy just didn’t grab him. 

I will say that the Tennis Tumble is one of the more challenging puzzle toys I’ve encountered. The fit between the ball and cylinder is really quite snug, which is great if your dog is always eager for a new challenge. However, for Dexter, the Tennis Tumble was a no-go.

Haru, the (younger) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Finally, it was time to test the Wild One Tennis Tumble out with Haru, another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, though one who’s in his prime playing years. Unlike the other dogs, as soon as I showed the puzzle toy to Haru, he was very excited! Even though he’s a smaller dog, he quickly picked it up and ran away from me like the Tennis Tumble was his most prized possession.

I went over to see how he was playing with the Tennis Tumble, and he was batting it with his paw, poking his face inside the toy, rolling it around, and gnawing on the natural rubber. He seemed intrigued by the movements of the ball within the cylinder and very intent on trying to free the ball from the toy.

When I picked up the Tennis Tumble and gave it a toss, Haru raced down the yard after the toy. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him run that fast! Although he never freed the trapped tennis ball, Haru didn’t seem to get frustrated or upset about that fact. Instead, he seemed even more determined the longer he played. He continued to go back and forth with his play style, happily switching things up in the hope that he’d crack the puzzle, until our play session was over. I think it’s safe to say that the Tennis Tumble was a big hit with Haru.

Wild One Tennis Tumble Results

When I look at how the three dogs interacted with the new enrichment toy from Wild One, they each had distinctly different reactions. I think that’s a good reminder—that all dogs have different preferences and play styles, so no dog toy is a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to canine enrichment. 

Despite the fact that none of my testers “solved” the Tennis Tumble puzzle, it was a definite hit with two out of the three pups who tried it out…just not always in the way I expected. Again, this is a great thing to keep in mind when shopping for enrichment toys: What your dog finds enriching or entertaining may surprise you! 

The versatility of the Tennis Tumble is really an advantage here. Not only can pups play with it the way its designers intended, but you can also use it in a number of other ways. Your dog may enjoy the tennis ball that comes with the Tennis Tumble (also available in a pack of four replacement balls), the empty Tennis Tumble cylinder itself, or even use the puzzle toy as part of an entirely new game, like Natsu did.

For example, if the ball and cylinder aspect doesn’t float your dog’s boat, you can try wrapping a few healthy treats in a folded-up washcloth and placing it inside the Tennis Tumble with just a bit of the cloth hanging out. Encourage your dog to pull the cloth out and unwind the cloth to find the rewards inside. Voila, you’ve invented a whole new way to enjoy this innovative puzzle toy. 

Things I Like

• I love the fact that the Tennis Tumble is made from BPA-free rubber. The wide range of colors are a nice perk, too!
• The weight of the Tumble made it easy for me to toss.
• The size is nice for medium-to-large breed dogs.
• After many hours of play with my team of tester dogs, no rubber was chewed off, even though Haru did a lot of gnawing.

Things to Consider

• Depending on your dog’s preferences (or size, in some cases), some dogs could get frustrated if they can’t remove the ball from the Tennis Tumble. My testers did not have this issue, however they found plenty of other things to enjoy about the Tennis Tumble, outside of solving the puzzle.  
• If your dog does frustrate easily, I would suggest helping the dog by slightly popping out the tennis ball, making it easier for them to pull out.
• I would love to see this toy in two more sizes. One for tiny dogs and one for giant breeds. As designed, the size of the tennis ball might make it difficult for some larger and smaller breeds to rescue from the cylinder. 

Wild One Reviews: What Others Are Saying

There are lots of Wild One Tennis Tumble reviews from real dog owners, with many rating the puzzle toy four or five stars when it comes to design, durability, and enjoyment. Here’s what a few happy Tennis Tumble pet parents had to say: 

• “Great product for active dogs! So good to find a toy my baby can’t destroy within a few minutes. She is a chewer and manages to pull the stuffing out of most toys. She loves chasing this toy around, and it keeps her interested far longer than other toys.”
• “Our pup loves this Tumble! We replaced the tennis ball after he was able to figure it out with a slightly larger ball, and he has lots of fun with it!”
• “The only toy that constantly has my dog’s attention. He can’t stop playing with it, and I can finally watch a show and get work done uninterrupted.”

Wild One: Our Verdict

Though my tester dogs “failed” to solve the Tennis Tumble puzzle, I’d consider the puzzle toy trial largely a success. Two out of three of my testers enjoyed the heck out of the toy, which is what enrichment toys are all about. 

If you decide to treat your own pup to the Tennis Tumble, please supervise your dog during playtime—as is the case for all dog toys, chews, bones, or potential choking hazards.

If any parts of the Tennis Tumble become damaged or worn from wear and tear, please reach out to Wild One for a replacement. If your items aren’t performing as they should within a year of purchase, Wild One will fix or replace them free of charge. It’s much easier to replace or remove a dog toy to be on the safe side than to deal with the prospect of surgery required to remove an obstruction. 

Giving your dog a rich, rewarding life is what being a dog parent is all about, and finding the right source of enrichment can help you achieve that goal. To that end, I’d definitely recommend adding the Wild One Tennis Tumble to your dog’s toy box. Even if your pet doesn’t play with it as intended, your dog is sure to find other plenty of other ways to enjoy this durable and versatile puzzle toy.

While you’re exploiting the Wild One website, be sure to check out their other dog toys and lifestyle accessories to find the perfect fit for you and your pet.

The post Testing Out the Tennis Tumble: Review of the Wild One Dog Puzzle Toy appeared first on Vetstreet.

If your dog enjoys playing with toys, you are probably looking for durable ones that are tough and indestructible. When you and your dog find a tough dog toy that you can toss around or tug, you are connecting with your pup on his level. He’s interacting with you and learning just how fun you truly are. 

But what about those dogs that just tear apart supposedly durable dog toys? What is the best way to choose a dog chew toy for your extreme canine friend?

Indestructible Dog Toys: What to Look For?

First, let’s discuss the concept of finding the best durable dog toy on the market. First, let me be clear—indestructible dog toys do not exist. 

Even the most durable dog toys can be destroyed by your canine’s set of canines if your dog is out to kill his toys. You may be surprised to learn that even a small dog can chew up an extremely tough dog toy. However, there are definitely durable dog toys that are better than others. 

As a professional dog trainer, I’m always on the lookout for the toughest toys for my dog-training clients. Here are a few things that I take into consideration:

It puts product safety first. Yes, I’m looking for durability, but I’m also concerned with a pet’s safety. If a tough dog toy is too hard, then it can cause injury to a dog’s teeth and jaw. 

It passes the shred test. I don’t want dog toys that will shred to bits after being chewed on or played with a few times. The last thing I want to encounter is a dog eating the bits and pieces of a toy. 

The company offers transparency about manufacturing. If the origin of your dog’s toys is important, then you will want to know where the manufacturer sources the materials, not where the toy was made. For example, made in the USA does not mean the raw materials used for your dog’s squeaky toy came from the US. 

How I Ranked My Top Durable Dog Toys

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Durability was my #1 ranking factor in this dog-toy roundup. I looked at how a toy held up during fetching and tugging. 

I also took into account my past history with the toy. A lot of my recommendations are toys that have been in my dog’s toy box for years or that have been successfully used by my dog training clients. 

Next, I took the toy’s safety and precautions into consideration. If a product isn’t safe, I would never recommend it. 

Finally, I gave bonus points to those pet toy brands that use eco-friendly manufacturing and provided quality sourcing information for their raw ingredients.

Our Top Durable Dog Toys

• Most Indestructible & Overall Winner: PetSafe Sportsmen Squeak ‘N’ Treat Booya
• Best Durable Plush: goDog Skinny Dragons with Chew Guard 
• Durable Plush Runner Up: Fluff & Tuff Plush Dog Toys
• Best Durable Squeaky: KONG Squeezz Toys
• Best Durable Chew Toy for Small Dogs: West Paw Design Jive Zogoflex Durable Ball
• Best Durable Chew Toy for Large Dogs: Chuckit! Breathe Right Stick
• Best Indestructible Puzzle Toy: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Dog Chew To
• Indestructible Puzzle Toy Runner Up: Planet Dog Snoop Balls

Most Indestructible Dog Toy: Overall Winner

My Pick: PetSafe Sportsmen Squeak ‘N’ Treat Booya

Choosing a one size fits all was no easy task. When it comes to longevity, thick rubber tends to be more durable than other materials. I also have a long history with this brand’s interactive dog toys. Actually, the product line was originally created by a dog trainer and manufactured under another brand some 15+ years ago.

What I like about the Squeak ‘n’ Treat Booya is the design and shape of the toy. It reminds me of a bowling pin. This allows a dog to grab the top and toss it around. 

It also doubles as a durable squeaky toy and triples as a dog puzzle toy. The bottom of the toy allows you to toss in a few healthy dog treats. The little rubber prongs make it a pretty challenging rubber dog puzzle toy. If your dog finds it too challenging, you can cut the rubber tips to make a bigger hole, allowing the treats to fall more freely. 

Cleanup is a breeze with a little soap and water.

Highlights

• Made of durable rubber.
• Available in two sizes: medium and large.
• Doubles as a squeak toy and food puzzle.
• It floats in water.
• It’s easy to clean.

Things to Consider

• It’s manufactured in China. Many pet products are, but it’s something to note if you’re looking for American-made dog toys.
• Some reviewers say it has a strong, rubbery smell that you might find unappealing. 

Best Durable Plush Dog Toy

My Pick: goDog Skinny Dragons with Chew Guard 

Almost a decade ago, when my dog Dexter was a puppy, I came across my first goDog dragon toy. I was on the hunt for tough and durable plush dog toys. The impressive display of cute dragons and dinosaurs also highlighted goDog’s Chew Guard Technology. Chew Guard offers added durability to help toys stand up to tough chewers.

Their combination of durability and design was—and still is—impressive. Dexter and I tugged the Dickens out of his new dinosaur without so much as a tooth mark or seam rip. These toys were even washed numerous times and the squeakers never failed. I liked these tough, soft dog toys so much, I went back and bought him three more! 

Dexter had his goDog line of toys for a few years until he decided he wanted to just chew and chew them like an ear of corn, and that is when they finally bit the dust. As with any soft dog toy, if a dog is set to chew one piece over and over, his sharp teeth will eventually win.

Now, Dexter has the goDog Skinny Dragon, and he loves it when we play fetch and toss together. When we are done playing, I place the toy in my closet, where it remains until our next game of fetch.

Highlights

• Offers trade-marked Chew Guard Technology, which really does make it chew resistant.
• Comes in a variety of sizes.
• Manufacturer offers one free replacement 
• Squeaks—and the squeaker doesn’t break in the wash.
• Simple cleaning, with a quick trip in the washing machine.
• I’m a little obsessed with the dragon-themed design.

Things to Consider

• Keep in mind that this is a plush toy, so it’s not as resistant to heavy chewing as more durable materials. Pay extra close attention to the wings and tail as some online reviewers said these were the first pieces to go!
• Again, this dog toy is manufactured in China. 

Durable Plush Dog Toy Runner Up

My Pick: Fluff & Tuff Plush Dog Toys

The Fluff & Tuff brand also lasted in Dexter’s toy box for many years. Dexter really enjoyed playing and tugging on these shark and fish-shaped toys. Now he’s loving his playtime with his plush turtle dog toy.

The Fluff & Tuff dog toys offer a durable inner liner covered with a very plush long-lasting outer fabric. All the seams are generously folded then double stitched. With all of Dexter’s tugging and fetching and me washing the toys frequently, a seam never failed. 

As with all plush toys, if a dog decides to continually gnaw on one corner, their razor-sharp teeth will win. Dexter’s durable turtle comes out for interactive play, but I put it away when we are done.

Best Durable Squeaky Dog Toy

My Pick: KONG Squeezz Toys

KONG is a brand of durable dog toys that has been around since the 1970s. Just that statement should give a dog owner a sense of what this brand brings to the pet industry for our extreme chewers. 

My 27-pound dog is an extreme killer of dog toys. I’m continually on the lookout for the best durable squeaky dog toys for him and my dog-training clients. Whenever I’m in a pet store I always look at the KONG display. About five years ago I came across KONG’s Squeezz Toy line. I purchased the ball, dumbbell, and bone.

All three of these durable squeaky toys have stood up to Dexter’s chewing and fetching. They are so durable and strong that they always get to stay in Dexter’s toy box. He has not been able to chew through these dog squeaky toys. His favorite is the bone shape. I think he likes how it’s thinner and easier for him to grasp, compared to the ball and dumbbell shapes. Cleanup is easy with this squeaky toy—just use a little soap and water.

Highlights

• Kong brand is known and trusted for its durability.
• The Squeezz line comes in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the right one for your dog.
• It squeaks—obviously. Or it wouldn’t be our durable squeaky toy pick!
• It floats, which makes it fun for the pool or bathtime. 
• It’s simple to clean. 

Things to Consider

• These toys are manufactured overseas.
• Some online reviewers said that these toys from Kong are difficult for some dogs to squeak—which is likely due to its durable nature and materials. My dog never had a problem!

Best Durable Chew Toy for Small Dogs

My Pick: West Paw Design Jive Zogoflex Durable Ball

West Paw has been manufacturing pet products since 1996. I’ve always heard great things about their product line, but it wasn’t until about five years ago that I purchased my first West Paw product for Dexter. Now that I’ve seen their toys in action, I can’t get enough!

The Jive Zogoflex ball is the most durable toy they make. It’s a super tough dog toy that has an incredible unpredictable bounce that Dexter goes crazy for. And it’s not just a hit with Dexter—I have three other dog training students who are hooked on the Jive Zogoflex. 

This ball is perfect for small dogs. It’s always a challenge finding durable chew toys for small dogs, especially in ball form. West Paw’s Jive Zogoflex hits it out of the park.

Highlights

• It’s a super tough dog toy with great bounce.
• The size makes it easy for small dogs to handle
• It floats, making it a fun option for water play
• It’s latex-free and FDA-compliant (meaning it’s safe to eat off of)
• It’s 100% U.S. sourced and made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Some online reviews mention that this ball is “hard as a rock” and “heavy.” My dog never had trouble playing with it, but it’s best to be careful when using this ball indoors.

Best Durable Chew Toy for Large Dogs

My Pick: Chuckit! Breathe Right Stick

I chose the Chuckit! Breathe Right Stick as my favorite durable chew toy for large dogs for a variety of reasons. First, the width of this chew toy is the perfect size for large breed dogs. This fetch stick is made of a pliable material with lots of holes so that a dog can breathe while fetching. 

And don’t let the flexibility fool you—this durable chew toy for large dogs stands up to some good chomps. 

As an added bonus, the Chuckit! Breathe Right Stick floats and with the bright orange color, is easy to see in the water.

Highlights

• Size and shape is ideal for large dog breeds. 
• Stands up to rough play.
• Offers air holes for easy breathing when running and fetching.
• It floats and it’s easy to clean. 

Things to Consider

• If your dog is a chewer who doesn’t like to fetch, this might not be the best option. It’s durable and great for interactive play, but online reviewers say their determined chewers can rip this up.
• Like many other dog toys, this one is made in China. 

Most Indestructible Dog Puzzle Toy

My Pick: West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy

Once again, West Paw is leading the pack with my favorite dog puzzle toy. I fill my dog’s Zogoflex Tux puzzle toy with snacks every evening. I don’t just fill the Tux with healthy, crunchy treats, I actually fill it with pureed fruits, vegetables, and bone broth. Then, I freeze this durable dog puzzle toy overnight. The next day, my dog has a long-lasting and healthy snack. In my home, we call this Yappy Hour.

This tough dog puzzle toy has been getting chewed and gnawed on by my dog every evening for the past three years. It is so tough, it barely has any wear. And Dexter really goes to town licking and chewing on his puzzle toy. 

Not only is this a great way for canine enrichment, it also doubles as a great fetch toy.

Highlights

• It’s highly interactive and can be used with loose treats or you can freeze it for longer-lasting engagement.
• It boosts brain power as pups try to get the treats out.
• Comes in two sizes and a variety of colors
• BPA-free, latex-free, and FDA-compliant (safe to eat off of)
• 100% US Sourced and made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Some online reviewers claim that the hole for the treats is too large, making tough to use with small treats.
• The three nubs or arms are NOT hollow, so treat storage is only in the middle of this toy.

Durable Dog Puzzle Toy Runner Up

My Pick: Planet Dog Snoop Balls

I’ve been buying Planet Dog toys since the brand emerged in 1997. The company takes great pride in the environment with their eco-friendly pet products and manufacturing standards. As someone who is conscious not only about durability but a dog’s safety when interacting with a toy, this makes Planet Dog a top-notch company.

My dogs have always enjoyed Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff balls. Dogs really seem to enjoy the way these balls bounce and float in water. But, they are more than just a durable dog ball—they are a great dog puzzle toy.

These balls have a hole in the center that you can fill with your dog’s favorite healthy treats. The tough, yet soft material makes this ball a great interactive toy for any dog breed or size.

Highlights

• It’s both a fun ball AND a puzzle toy—a win-win.
• Comes in various sizes and colors
• It floats, making it fun for water play.
• It’s BPA-free and phthalate-free

Things to Consider

• Some online reviewers say that the outer material picks up “everything”—meaning dog hair, dirt, and more. You may need to clean this more than some other balls.

Safety Practices for Extreme Chewers

Please remember that dog toys should really be an interactive activity with you and your dog. Supervision is truly important if you have an extreme chewer on your hands. 

If your dog has a history of trying to eat his dog toys, please remove the toys after playing. 

Also, if your dog’s toy is showing wear such as tears, or pieces are missing, discard the toy. Replacing your dog’s toys is less expensive than an emergency visit to your dog’s veterinarian.

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