Many dogs have distinct preferences that make it difficult to find your dog’s favorite toy. While you can bring your dog into the store to try to pick out a toy, it can be a time-consuming process. And sometimes when your dog picks out a favorite toy, he brings it home and promptly forgets or destroys it. So, what’s a dedicated dog owner to do?
Mud Bay decided to tackle to problem of pairing dogs with toys by creating our play preference tool. Each toy is placed in a specific category that should appeal to a particular type of dog. Our hope is the play preference increases the chance that each dog owner finds their dog’s favorite toy the first time.
To find out more about play preferences and how to use them, we talked to Marney McGovern. Marney has worked at Mud Bay for 19 years and chooses all the dog toys that Mud Bay has to offer. She agreed to explain how the play preference was developed and how it benefits dogs.
MM: We wanted to come up with a tool for customers and staff to help them easily find their dog’s favorite toy. We knew that dog owners sometimes have trouble finding the right toy for their dog. Certain toys may only appeal to certain dogs.
It also helps narrow down your search. You can easily see which toys fit your dog’s play preference in the store so you can focus on the toys most likely to delight your dog.
Muddies wanted to make sure that customers were more satisfied with the toy they bought. Some people would return toys because they were disappointed about how their dog reacted to the toy. Sometimes their dog would tear the toy up immediately, while other dogs would completely ignore a toy. Our play preference toy selector is all about finding the right toy and making people and dogs happy.
MM: Play preference categories depend on the type of dog. Some dogs are a mixture of a couple of different categories, but most dogs will like toys in at least one of these categories.
With dogs who have the snuggler play preference, the name says it all. These dogs like to snuggle—not chew—their toys. They carry the toys around in their mouths, and they’re very gentle with them.
Dogs who want to pull are tuggers. These lovers of tug-of-war want something they can use to play with another human or dog. Dogs who love ropes or springy plush toys fall into these categories.
Thinkers are dogs that have the patience and intelligence to do puzzle toys. Dispensing toys that can be filled with kibble or treats also fall into this category. Thinkers tend to be very food motivated, so puzzle toys that hold treats tend to be very popular with dogs who are thinkers.
Fetchers are the dogs that are constantly trying to get you to throw things for them. It could be a ball or a stick or another toy, but dogs in this category tend to want to play fetch as often as they can.
Destroyers are the dogs who are really tough on toys. These dogs like to play by tearing apart most other toys. Toys in this category have to be strong to withstand rough play and chewing.
MM: Try to observe how your dog plays. Does your dog immediately start tearing off pieces of his toy or is he happier to just carry it around in his mouth? Does your dog like to learn tricks and is highly food motivated? He might be a thinker.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask a Muddy in a store, with or without your dog. Muddies can’t see your dog at home, but they can help by asking questions to narrow down what your dog might like.
Dogs may have play preferences that follow specific breeds, so you might want to use your dog’s breed characteristics to choose a toy. Knowing the standard temperament for your dog’s breed can definitely help when choosing a toy.
MM: Destroyer dogs genuinely enjoy tearing apart toys, which can be frustrating for owners who just spent $20 on a new toy! But there are a few techniques to try.
First, you might want to consider having both chews and toys. Sometimes your dog will be chewing a toy with the back of his mouth, and a chew is more suitable for that type of behavior. So, giving that dog a bully stick or other chew toy, and taking away the toy for a while, might be the better option in those situations.
All dogs can benefit from having both chews and toys, but some owners just prefer to give their dogs toys for whatever reasons. If you just want to give your dog a toy, you can try taking it away when your dog starts to chew it apart. Then, after a while, you can try giving your dog back the toy.
Supervision with any dog is also important because you don’t want your dog to swallow part of the toy. But destroyers tend to be more likely than most to swallow toys. So, watching them closely is important!
Some dog owners can’t seem to convince their dog not to destroy toys, so we recommend more indestructible, hard rubber toys. Many dog owners like plush toys, but even the toughest plushie won’t withstand constant chewing.***
Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
#mudbay #furvor #healthypets #pnwpets #bonebroth
Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
#mudbay #fleaandtickseason #healthypets #dogs #fleafree
We have all the treats, toys, and zoomie-inducing catnip options for your cat, both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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So whether you have a cat who likes to bite, rabbit-kick, or lie back and relax with a nice treat and some catnip, we have what your feline friend needs to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.🐈
#mudbay #cats #cattreats #catnip #cattoys
Oven-fresh meals straight to your dog’s bowl.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest is a high-protein, oven-baked dog food, basted in bone broth to support your dog’s digestion and joint health.
Nulo only uses high-quality proteins like turkey, herring, chicken, pork, lamb, and beef, then bakes each formula slowly at low temperatures to retain nutrients and make meals easier to digest.
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Choose from Adult recipes such as Chicken & Whitefish, Turkey & Herring, or Pork & Lamb, available in 4-lb or 25-lb bags. For small breeds, Beef & Lamb comes in 4-lb and 10-lb bags.
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Shop Nulo Culinary Harvest Oven-Baked Dog Food in stores or order online today!
#mudbay #nulo #healthypets #ovenbaked #dogfood
Did you know that Mud Bay now has sushi 🍣 for cats?
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Thanks to our friends at Fabcat, your cat can now enjoy a 5-piece sushi combo platter at Mud Bay. Each piece is not only fun to play with, but also filled with North American-grown catnip that will get your cat excited to bite, swat, and zoom around.
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Check out the Fabcat Sushi Combo Platter and treat your cat to something special. Available in-store or online.
#mudbay #sushitime #orderup #cats #catnip
Looking for a simple way to slow things down at mealtime or keep your dog busy?🤔
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The Walkabout from Woof is a multi-purpose enrichment toy that can hold up to 2 cups of food or treats. Just twist it open, fill it up, and rotate the inner dial to adjust how quickly food is released.
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It’s designed for quieter play, gentle on teeth, and safe for your floors—no marks, no noise, just steady engagement.
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A great option for busy days, working from home, or dogs that need a little extra enrichment. 🛒 🛍️ Shop the Walkabout in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #puzzletoy #woof #dogs #healthypets
You heard us, now we want to hear from you! 📣 👂
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We want to know your dog’s favorite woof Pupsicle recipe. Let us know what your pup loves most in their Pupsicle. We’d love to share your recipes with our followers, too.
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Send us a DM, leave a comment, share photos, or tag us in your favorite woof recipe. We might even make your recipe in-store and give you a shout-out! We can’t wait to hear from you.
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Stay tuned, because we’ll be sharing some of your recipes 🧑🍳 in the coming weeks!
#mudbay #woof #letusknow #healthypets #pupsicle
Nulo Culinary Harvest coming soon at Mud Bay!
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This new option from Nulo is an oven-baked, high-protein dog food basted in bone broth. And because it’s oven-baked, that means it’s cooked at a lower temperature, so your dog can absorb more nutrients and get the most out of each meal. The bone broth also adds extra flavor, perfect for dogs who appreciate something extra at mealtime that also has functional benefits to their overall health.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest for Adult and Small Breed dogs, will soon be available both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #nulo #dogfood
🐝 🌷 🌈 Spring is here, and that means fleas and ticks are back. To help protect your cat, we’re excited to offer new TropiClean 🌴 options designed to make care simple and effective.
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TropiClean Laundry Additive helps tackle fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae right in your wash. Just add half a cup with your regular detergent, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, and use it on bedding, towels, blankets, rugs, and toys. Plus, it’s safe for use with your dog!
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TropiClean Gentle No-Rinse Cat Shampoo offers an easy way to clean and protect without the hassle. It helps eliminate fleas, ticks, and mites, protects against mosquitoes, and is safe for pets and kids.
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TropiClean Gentle Mist for Cats is a quick, on-the-go option for added protection. Just spray and go for an easy way to help protect against fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes.
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You can shop TropiClean products for your cat in-store and online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fleaprotection #tropiclean #tropicalclean #healthypets
Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #furvor #bonebroth #dogs #healthypets
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
