Rope & Tug Toys

A good game of tug is one of the best ways to play with your dog — it’s interactive, burns off energy fast and, played with a few simple rules, actually strengthens your bond rather than winding a dog up. Rope toys double as fetch and shake toys too, so one toy covers several games.

There’s a tooth-care bonus as well: the woven cotton fibres work like dental floss as a dog chews, helping to nudge away plaque between the teeth during play.

Keep tug fun and fair: teach a reliable “drop” or “leave it” so the game stays under control, let your dog win sometimes to keep them keen, and keep the action gentle for puppies whose teeth and joints are still developing. Tug is a game between you and the dog, so put the rope away afterwards rather than leaving it out.

The one real watch-point is frayed rope. Dogs can swallow loose strands, which can cause a serious gut blockage, so trim away stray threads and replace a rope toy once it’s badly unravelling. Always supervise rope play, and don’t leave a determined chewer alone to pick a rope apart.