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 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
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
🤝 Follow us
We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
