10 Tough Toys for Dogs

ammo the dachshunds 12 days of christmas

If you didn’t know already, I’m the kind of dog that can destroy the average toy in mere minutes. No make that seconds! Stuffed toys are totally my jam, and I love pulling off eyes, ripping tails, and putting a pile of cotton all over the floor. So needless to say I don’t get those kinds of toys very often. You can even check out a post I did last year about all the toys that have made it into my “toy graveyard” – as even sometimes the tough ones eventually do.

Toy Graveyard // Ammo the Dachshund

Now being that I’m such a tough chewer – I’ve learned over the years which toys seem to hold up much better to my tough chewing ways.

So here’s my list of 10 Tough Toys for all the tough dogs out there! (contains some affiliate links)

1. Benebone

What I did for Christmas // Ammo the Dachshund

This tough chew toy is one of my all-time favorites. It comes in two different sizes with flavors of bacon, chicken, and peanut butter. If your dog loves to chew they’ll love the Benebone. Note that is does wear down over time, and will eventually need replacing.

2. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Raspberry

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Raspberry // Tough Toys for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Planet Dog makes lots of great toys that are strong enough for tough chewers like me, but one of my favorites is this Raspberry. It’s the perfect size for me and it’s especially good when my mom fills it up with a little peanut butter. This size lasts quite a long time, and eventually some of mine have needed replacing (if only because I chew on them so often).

3. Ruffhides Refillable Chew Toy

What I did for Christmas // Ammo the Dachshund

I got one of these for Christmas this year and it’s essentially a rubber wrap that goes around a dog chew (they sell them with rawhide or himalayan dog chews inside) to make it last longer. I’ve also found some tough all-natural bones at my local pet store that seem to fit nicely into my Ruffhides wrap.

4. Nylabone

Ammo the Dachshund visits PetValu - nylabone

Nylabone makes a variety of chew toys for powerful chewers, and I’ve tried many throughout the years. They always hold up well and are something I never get tired of chewing on.

5. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop

Friday Fetch: Orbee-Tuff Snoop / Interactive Dog Toy // Ammo the Dachshund

The Snoop is an awesome treat-dispensing toy for dogs that is made with toughness by Planet Dog. I spend hours playing with this toy at the shop, and to make it even harder to get the cookies out my mom stuffs a Planet Dog ball in the opening (just like above).

6. Antler Chew

Antler Chew Toy // Tough Toys for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Antler Chews hold up really well to tough chewers like me. While I tend to loose interest in these a little quicker than some of the other toys, they definitely last a long long time.

7. Chase ‘n Chomp

Chase n' Chomp // Tough Toys for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

When the Chase n’ Chomp arrived in a past Barkbox, my mom wasn’t sure it would hold up to my sharp, shark-like teeth. And although it no longer squeaks it’s still hanging around my house, and remains one of my favorite balls to play fetch with (probably because it’s extra squishy).

8. Pickle Pocket

Pickle Pocket - Treat Dispenser for Dogs - Review // Ammo the Dachshund

The Pickle Pocket is a tough rubber toy that that has slits in it to hold treats. This is great if you don’t feel like breaking out the messy peanut butter and I could spend hours just trying to get a few treats out.

9. ZogoFlex

ZogoFlex // Tough Toys for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

The Zogoflex is another toy that’s made of tough rubber that your dog won’t be able to chew through. Granted it’s not my top pick for a toy (I think I’d grab a Benebone or Nylabone over one of these given the choice), but mine has certainly held up over the years and is one of those toys that will be around forever.

10. KONG

ammo the dachshund with kong

It wouldn’t be a tough toy list without mentioning Kong. These rubber toys are built to last and also have a handy hole for stuffing with treats. Although, full disclaimer, I did break one once!

kong toy

What sort of toys has your dog destroyed over the years? Any tough toys I should add to the list? Ammo the Dachshund

Why Socks are the Best Dog Toys

Dogs Love to Wrestle with Socks // Ammo the Dachshund

Stinky sock + two best friends = dog heaven.

Dogs Love to Wrestle with Socks // Ammo the Dachshund

All the fancy dog toys in the world just can’t compare to one stinky sock (that Trooper pulled out of the laundry basket for us to play with – he’s the best).

Dogs Love to Wrestle with Socks // Ammo the Dachshund

You might think it’s weird, and strange – but it totally makes our tails wag.

Dogs Love to Wrestle with Socks // Ammo the Dachshund

So next time you find yourself without your sock’s mate you’ll know exactly where to look for it…..

Dogs Love to Wrestle with Socks // Ammo the Dachshund

…stuffed underneath your dog’s bed, or hidden inside his toy box – there’s nothing better than discovering an old stinky stock you stashed for later! Ammo the Dachshund

Puppy on the Playground

Dachshund Goes to Playground and Loves it // Ammo the Dachshund

Just after Christmas I went on a fun little excursion to the playground with my family. Who knew playing on the swing set and slides would be so much fun?

I’m already campaigning to add a swing set to my own backyard!Ammo the Dachshund

Has your dog ever been to the playground? Did he enjoy playing around as much as I did?

Did Someone Say Par-tay?

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

Every year I host an Epic Halloween Party at my house, where all the party goers are required to dress up within a certain theme. This year’s theme was dead people, as in celebrities, historical figures, or characters that are no longer living or met their fate in a movie or tv show. As you already know, I dressed up as the American Icon, Evel Knievel.

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

Dad decided to dress as Bernie from Weekend at Bernie’s and Mom was Ellie from Up.

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

One of these years we keep saying we’ll all dress up as a group costume – maybe next year will be the year!

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

I was really excited when my best friend Trooper showed up to my party though, dressed as the equally as famous, Rin Tin Tin.

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

image via

Well before my time, I did have to google a photo of him – but he sounded like a pretty cool dog!

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

And just like most dogs, Mr. Rin Tin Tin had a thing for Evel Knievel helmets – mostly because my head resembled one great big tennis ball!

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

You know it’s going to be a good party when Rin Tin Tin and Evel Knievel have a wrestling match before it even gets started!

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

My party ended up being a smashing success – even if I did have to wait in the refreshment line exceptionally long!

Halloween Party // Ammo the Dachshund

And by the end of the night, this Evel Knievel was pooped! I better rest up though, because it will be time for my annual Halloween Party again before I know it! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Scary Things

halloween dog

Seeing as tomorrow is Halloween I thought it would be fun to compile a list of 5 things that give me the heebie jeebies, and just totally make me want to hide under the bed!

Ammo’s List of Scary Things!

The Dog Pack // Ammo the Dachshund

1. Over Zealous Big Dogs

It’s true, I get a little un-nerved when Big Dogs think I’m their own personal squeaky toy. It’s tough being a small dog, and sometimes certain big dogs don’t give you any respect (my pal Trooper is exempt from this category as he’s really just a big softie). But I’m always quick to remind those bigger dogs that I’m NOBODY’S SQUEAKY TOY!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

2. Vet’s Office

It’s not the vet I dislike, it’s just the actual office. It smells like other dogs, shots, and scary things. I totally get the shakes every time I go. Honestly, do you blame me though……I lost my manhood in that place!

Ammo and the Fly

3. Flies

I don’t know what it is about that tiny little buzzing creature that strikes fear in me, but if one of those flies finds it’s way inside I spend the entire day cowering in the corner as mom runs around trying to swat it for me.

ammo the dachshund camping

4. Campfires

Even though I love to go camping, the smell of campfires and smoke are not something I’m very fond of. Call it natural instinct, call it paranoia – it doesn’t even have to be a campfire, just the smell of something smoking is enough to strike fear in me! I’ve even been known to hide in the bathtub if mom or dad burn dinner (well mostly dad!).

Ammo the Dachshund // Evening Hunting on the Farm

“What’s that sound”?

5. Gun Shots

As ironic as it is (considering my name is Ammo), the sound of a far-off gun shot on the farm is enough to send me screaming for my mom! Better safe than sorry I say!

What are your dog’s biggest fears? Ammo the Dachshund

Halloween Adventures with an American Icon

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Barkbox.

So seeing as how we’re just a few short days away from Halloween (or Halloweenie as I like to call it), I decided it was time to officially share my costume for this year. As you might already know, I’ve made it my mission each year to come up with a handmade costume (with some help from my mom and dad) – and this year was no exception!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Of all the super heroes that have graced the pages of Marvel comics, there is only one real life superhero (well aside from me) …… Evel Knievel. And the legend lives on with my Halloween Costume this year!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Evel Knievel was known as King of the Daredevils as he flew through the air on his motorcycle – over canyons, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, even buses.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Of course when I chose to be him this Halloween I couldn’t help but envy his costume fashion flare and brave (albeit maybe a bit foolish too) daredevil antics.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

I’m glad he at least opted to wear a helmet!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Considering Evel Knievel broke a record 32 bones in his career, which landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records, I knew some precautions had to be taken before I attempted my first daredevil feat.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

So to prepare, I practiced falling…..gracefully. Well as gracefully as one can when flying through the air on a motorcycle.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

So after a thorough practice session on “landing” I headed out to the backyard to attempt my first stunt.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Mom helped me set up some ramps, and I double triple checked them for safety.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

But seeing as how I was a little short on school buses for my first daredevil stunt, I had to improvise and use ponies instead.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Also, I had a little trouble coming by a motorcycle, but not to worry – Mom’s vacuum seemed like the perfect thing to carry me through the air.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Now if you’re particularly nervous about watching a dachshund dressed as Evel Knievel riding a vacuum over several ponies than I suggest you close your eyes for this next part. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Better yet, I’ll spare you all the scary details and just let you know that I did it! I landed safely on the other side – clearing the ponies, and gently navigating my vacuum to the ground.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

But you know what, after my hair raising adventure through the air, I decided I’m much safer with all 4 feet on the ground.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Especially when my October Barkbox showed up at my door!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Packed full of lots of yummy Halloweenie goodies just for me, it totally got my into the spooky spirit! (As if wearing an Evel Knievel costume wasn’t Halloweenie enough)

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Did you know that Barkbox has a new program called Scout’s Honor – and if you or your pup isn’t completely happy with an item, the BarkHappy team will replace it with something better suited – or issue a credit of equal value to the brand new BarkShop.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

My favorite this month? This Plush Puppies Invincibles Cat!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

And now that my Barkbox has arrived, something tells me I won’t be making it to the other side on my next big jump!

If you want to fetch your dog a Barkbox Subscription to be excited about too, make sure you use coupon code AMMO5 for 15% off this month only! Only a few days left!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

And now, I leave you with an Evel Knievel quote…

“Kids want to be like me, men want to be me, and the women want to be with me” – Evel Knievel

Happy Halloweenie everyone! Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Barkbox, but all opinions are entirely my own!

What Best Dog Friends Do

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

Over the weekend my best friend Trooper came over to spend the day with me.

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

It’s been a long time since we’ve spent the ENTIRE day together, so we had a lot of catching up to do.

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

Mostly we had a lot of snuggling to catch up on!

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Snuggles with Best Friend // Ammo the Dachshund

Boy did I miss snuggling with my best friend! Ammo the Dachshund

Zoomies

Did you ever get a case of the zoomies? You know the feeling, all you want to do is run as fast as you can – ears flapping in the wind – your best friend trailing hopelessly behind you. Just the usual….

Zoomies // Ammo the Dachshund

Does your dog ever get the zoomies? Ammo the Dachshund

Versatile Dog Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Disclaimer : This is a sponsored post brought to you by Chewy.

Planet Dog Glow For Good Ball // Ammo the Dachshund

I don’t know about you, but don’t you just love a toy that’s versatile?

Planet Dog Glow For Good Ball // Ammo the Dachshund

Planet Dog has long been one of my go-to toy manufacturers because not only are they “Ammo proof” (I’m the toughest chewer….trust me!) but most of them contain “treat spots” so you can convince your mom and dad to “fill-er-up” with you favorite yummies.

Planet Dog Glow For Good Ball // Ammo the Dachshund

And this Glow For Good Plant Dog Ball from Chewy.com even glows in the dark! So indoors or outdoors, day or night, I’ve got a toy that might just even outlast my everlasting energy!

You can fetch your own Planet Dog Glow For Good Ball from Chewy.com. Did you know that Planet Dog even donates 2% of all their sales to rescue groups? Now that’s a ball I can totally get behind! What sort of toys does your dog like to play with? Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Chewy.com, but all opinions are my own, and I have been a long-time supporter of all the Planet Dog Products.

 

Hallway of Fun

I have one main hallway at my house. It has been dubbed the hallway of fun. See below:

Chewy.com Planet Dog Tennis Ball Review // Ammo the Dachshund

My new Planet Dog Squeaky Toy Tennis Ball from Chewy.com has proven to be the perfect toy for the “hallway of fun”.

Chewy.com Planet Dog Tennis Ball Review // Ammo the Dachshund

And that squeak….oh boy does it drive me crazy!

Chewy.com Planet Dog Tennis Ball Review // Ammo the Dachshund

I can hardly contain my excitement long enough – now hurry up and toss it down the hallway of fun before I have my way with this ball!

Do squeaky toys drive your dog crazy too? Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Chewy.com, all opinions are my own.