Rope & Tug Toys

Rope toys come in cotton, braided and vinyl-coated versions, and the material decides how they behave. Cotton rope is soft on the teeth and washes well, but it frays with enthusiastic chewing. Vinyl and rubber-coated ropes resist wear but feel firmer in the mouth. Match the thickness and length to your dog's jaw: a slim knot suits a puppy or small breed, while a thick, long tugger is built for a strong dog.

Shape tells you how the toy is used. Knotted balls and fling tugs are made for throwing and chasing, figure-of-eight and ring tuggers give two hands or two dogs room to grip, and a long rope allows a large dog and an adult to tug safely apart. Plush animals with a rope core, such as the Happy Pet and Kowloon designs, suit gentler players and dogs who like to carry a soft toy.

Rope is for supervised play, not for unattended chewing. Check the toy before each game and throw it away once it is loose or shedding strands, because swallowed fibres can cause trouble. For tug, keep the toy low, let your dog win now and then, and teach a drop cue. Puppies who are teething do best with a soft knot and short sessions.