THE BENEFITS OF TUGGING

Every dog is different.

For Ru, it’s all about engagement.  When we come home, she will seek out a toy and gently press the toy into your leg, inviting you to play.  If Ren is her target, she will pick out a toy and offer it to him.  If he just isn’t interested, she’ll patiently try another...and another...until she finds one that he wants.  If that still doesn’t work, she goes for the ankles.

For Ren, like everything else, it’s all about giving 110%.  When playtime begins, he throws himself into it with everything he’s got.  If you’ve ever met a Staffy, you know their determination is hard to match.  Left to his own devices, Ren would happily destroy just about any toy within reach.  Offer him a tug toy though, and he’s ready to participate in a spirited game to see who’s the stronger tugger.  Whether it’s with Ru or another human, he’s just happy to play.

Tug is a fantastic game to help mentally stimulate your dog while providing physical exercise.  Interactive play, whether with their human or another dog, is a very powerful bonding experience.  Ru almost demands playtime out of me when I come home.  Ren has to get his hugs and kisses out of the way before it’s time to engage. 

We use fleece to create our handmade toys because it is a durable material that is easy to care for.  It’s soft and gentle on dogs’ mouths and they tend to like the feel of it while engaged in play.  Ru likes to perform her T-Rex routine, standing tall and pulling with all her might.  Ren likes to test your endurance.  He will pull repeatedly until your arms are exhausted...or you just give up.  Most of the time, they prefer to play tug with each other; giving my arms a well deserved break.

When taken care of, a well-made fleece toy should last a very long time.  These toys are certainly stronger than they look. 

About Our Materials:  Engineered for the Perfect Tug

At Ren & Ru's Tug Co., we don't use stiff, treated anti-pill fleece. We intentionally select our fleece based on its raw flexibility and how it stretches. By cutting the fabric precisely along the stretch of the grain, we are able to pull, yield, and lock the fibers into an incredibly tight, dense braid. This creates a springy, dynamic resistance that absorbs shock and protects your dog's neck, teeth, and gums during a high-energy game of tug. 

However, it is this exact flexible, woven stretch that makes our toys safe only for interactive play. Because our toys are made of pure, high-stretch fleece rather than hard, rigid plastic, they are NOT chew toys and are not made to withstand solo chewing or gnawing. When your game of tug is over, simply store the toy out of your dog's reach to keep it fresh and intact for your next playtime!

Supervised Play Is Key!  

To keep your handmade dog tug toys in great shape for a long time, supervised play is essential. If a dog is left to chew away at a toy intended for tugging unsupervised, it won't last long. Take a moment and check out Ren's video.  It may have taken him about 20 minutes, but he gleefully destroyed that knotted tug!  Make sure to check your dog's tug toy regularly for wear or any weak spots. These toys are designed so that you can cut off a damaged section, tie off the end, and keep playing.

Easy Cleaning For Lasting Fun

Let’s face it—a well-loved tug toy is going to get covered in slobber, dirt, and grass. The good news? Our fleece tugs are completely machine washable and incredibly easy to clean!

To keep your braid tight, fresh, and hygienic, follow these simple steps:

  • Toss It in the Wash: Place your tug toy in the washing machine. For the best results and to prevent the braids from snagging on other clothes, we recommend tossing it inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase.

  • Cold & Gentle: Wash on a cold, gentle cycle using your regular dog-safe detergent. Skip the bleach and fabric softeners—raw fleece fibers don't need them!

  • Air Dry or Low Heat: Tumble dry on a low or air-fluff setting, or simply hang it up to air dry. Because of our ultra-tight braid pattern, it may take a little extra time for the very center of the core to dry completely.

  • The Safety Check: Once the toy is clean and completely dry, give the braid a quick visual inspection. If it’s intact and looking good, it's officially ready for your next interactive game of tug!

A Quick Reminder: Washing restores the freshness, but it doesn't make fabric indestructible. Never leave your dog alone to chew on a wet, fresh, or dry tug toy. Keep it clean, keep it supervised, and keep the game going!

 

Important Safety Warning: Our tug toys are designed to last through many games of interactive tug. However, they are strictly for tugging, not chewing, and unsupervised chewing will quickly lead to destruction. Inspect your toy regularly, keep it out of reach when the game is over, and discard if severely damaged.