Why Your Dog Needs a Toy Inside a Toy: Benefits & Tips

Alright, so check this out, I had this crazy idea the other day, right?

It all started when my dog, Max, was being a total menace, chewing on everything he could get his paws on. I'm talking furniture, shoes, you name it. I was like, "Okay, buddy, we need a solution, and fast." So, I hit up the pet store, looking for something, anything, that could keep him entertained and away from my stuff.

I saw this plush toy, a big ol' stuffed hedgehog thing. Seemed harmless enough, but I also knew Max could tear through those in, like, five minutes flat. Then I had this epiphany: what if I put a tougher toy inside the plush one? Double the challenge, double the fun, right?

First, I grabbed the hedgehog. Then, I rummaged through Max’s toy bin and found this super durable rubber ball with all these nubs and ridges. Thing was practically indestructible. Perfect!

Next came the surgery. I carefully cut open the hedgehog along a seam on its back. I made sure the opening was big enough to squeeze the rubber ball inside. This was a bit tricky, gotta be careful not to rip the plush too much.

With a bit of wiggling and pushing, I finally got the rubber ball nestled inside the hedgehog. It was like stuffing a sausage into a too-small casing. The hedgehog looked a little lumpy, but hey, it’s character, right?

Now for the sewing part. I'm no seamstress, trust me, but I did my best to stitch up the opening. I used some thick thread and just went for it, trying to make it as secure as possible. It wasn't pretty, but it held.

The moment of truth! I gave the "Frankenstein" toy to Max. At first, he was just sniffing it, trying to figure out what was different. Then he started chewing, and that’s when the magic happened.

He chewed and chewed on the plush, trying to get to the rubber ball inside. It took him a while, but he was totally engaged. The plush gave him something to rip and tear (which he loves), but the rubber ball provided a much tougher challenge once he got through the first layer.

It's been a few days now, and the toy is still going strong. The hedgehog is definitely looking a little worse for wear, but the rubber ball is still safe and sound inside. Max loves it, and my furniture is safe (for now!).

Here's the breakdown:

• Find a plush toy: Something big enough to hold another toy inside.
• Find a durable toy: Rubber, nylon, something tough.
• Cut open the plush: Carefully, along a seam.
• Stuff the durable toy inside: Wiggle it until it fits.
• Sew it up: Make it secure!
• Give it to your dog: And watch the fun!

Things I Learned

Okay, so a few things I’d do differently next time:

• Use stronger thread: Seriously, the thread I used was okay, but a heavier-duty thread would definitely make the stitching more durable.
• Reinforce the seams: Maybe add some extra stitching around the seams of the plush before stuffing it. This would help prevent it from tearing too easily.
• Consider a different inner toy: While the rubber ball worked great, maybe a textured nylon bone or something similar would add even more interest for Max.

Anyway, that’s my little DIY dog toy adventure. Hope it gives you some ideas for keeping your own furry friends entertained!