Durable Saint Bernard Dog Toys: Long-Lasting Fun!

Okay, here we go, let me tell you about my experience with saint bernard dog toys.

So, it all started when we got Brutus, our giant fluffball of a Saint Bernard puppy. I mean, this dog was huge, even as a puppy! I quickly realized the regular dog toys we had lying around just weren't going to cut it. They were either too small, too flimsy, or both. Brutus would demolish them in minutes. I'm talking stuffing everywhere, little plastic bits… a disaster zone.

First thing I did was hit up the local pet store. I was on a mission! I needed something tough, something durable, something...Saint Bernard-proof. I grabbed a few things that looked promising – a "tough" rope toy, a giant tennis ball, and a supposedly indestructible chew toy. Big mistake. The rope toy lasted maybe an hour before Brutus had shredded it into a million pieces. The tennis ball was fun for about five minutes until he punctured it and deflated it completely. And the "indestructible" chew toy? Yeah, he just chipped pieces off of it all day. It was noisy and I was constantly worried he would swallow them.

I went online next, figuring I could find something better. Amazon became my best friend (and my wallet's worst enemy). I started reading reviews, focusing specifically on ones from other Saint Bernard owners. That's where I found out about Kongs. Everyone raved about them, so I ordered a few different sizes and the Kong "stuffing."

The Kongs were a definite improvement! Brutus loved them, especially when they were stuffed with peanut butter or those Kong treats. He'd spend hours chewing on them. They were much more durable than anything else I'd tried, but even they weren't completely immune to Brutus's jaws. He eventually managed to put some serious dents and scratches into them, but they held up way longer than the other toys.

Then I stumbled upon some articles about DIY dog toys. That got me thinking. Maybe I could make something that would actually last. My first attempt was a braided fleece rope. I took a few old fleece blankets, cut them into strips, and braided them together. It was surprisingly sturdy, and Brutus loved it! It was also washable, which was a huge bonus since he's a drool machine.

After that, I experimented with some other DIY ideas. I stuffed old t-shirts into a knotted rope, creating a soft, squishy toy. I even tried making a frozen toy by freezing broth and some small treats in a plastic container. Brutus loved that on hot days!

Here's what I learned through all of this:

• Size matters. Small toys are a choking hazard for big dogs like Saint Bernards. Always go for the larger size.
• Durability is key. Look for toys made from tough materials that can withstand heavy chewing.
• Supervise playtime. Even the toughest toys can be broken down eventually. Keep an eye on your dog while they're playing and remove any broken pieces to prevent them from swallowing them.
• DIY can be a great option. Get creative and make your own toys using old clothes or other household items. Just make sure they're safe and non-toxic.
• Rotation is important. Keep a variety of toys available and rotate them regularly to keep your dog interested.

So, what toys does Brutus love now? His Kongs are still a staple, especially the black ones designed for power chewers. He also loves his braided fleece rope, and I try to make a new one every few months. And honestly, he still enjoys a good old-fashioned bone – just make sure it's a large, weight-bearing bone to prevent splintering.

Finding the right toys for a Saint Bernard is definitely a journey, but it's worth it to see them happy and entertained. Just be prepared to spend some money (and maybe do some DIY projects!). Good luck!