This is the first of three products reviews Champion of My Heart plans to post about the various KONG products we received during a recent tour of the KONG HQ and manufacturing facility in Golden, Colorado. Today, what the dogs think of the KONG Braidz (plush toy). In this case, a purple monkey.
The Champion of My Heart Dog Toy Review Matrix
While the photos below likely speak for themselves, I’ll go ahead and tell you that we measure how much the dogs like a new toy not only on how they initially respond to it but also on how much they engage with it on their own later. Our dog product review matrix (if you will) increases based on these criteria:
- The dogs play with the toy on their own.
- The dogs sleep with or cuddle with the toy.
- How often I have to put the toy away in the morning when I round up the previous day’s strewn items.
- How happy the dogs seem to be when we try to engage them with the toy.
- How often, Lilly in particular, brings to toy to Tom at night during their normal fetch game.
- How often, Ginko in particular, races to the toy box in the morning (usually after I’ve just put toys away) to grab it.
We’ve seen all of the above with our new KONG Braidz Monkey, so I’d say this toy is a winner at Chez Champion of My Heart.
And, I’m happy to report that so far, it’s held up to some serious tugging between us and the dogs and between the dogs themselves.
Notice, if you will, Lilly’s body language behind Ginko in this final picture. I know what I see, but I’m curious what you see and what you think her intent is. Post a comment with your observations, if you have time. I’ve love to hear it.
Hi Roxanne! How is this still holding up? Our boxer literally shreds apart any kind of “stuffed animals” by himself, without us even playing tug-of-war. We’re always looking for ideas!
Well, Betsy. Mine do often shred certain kinds of plush toys. As you can see in this, dog toy surgery post.
As far as your sweetie … perhaps this piece I wrote for Best Friends General Store will help put things in perspective.
Indestructible Dog Toys (the myth)
So nice to know this toy holds up to tug-a-war, which is my dog Gypsy’s favorite game. My house is always strewn with fuzz after we play with cheap toys! I’d say she’s saying, “Hey, ya going to toss that my way?!”
It looks to me Lilly is saying, “Hey, that is MY monkey!”
Thanks for the review Ginko & Lilly! We might need to look at these toys again…they did not pass the Betsy and Norman test when they first came out.
I think Lilly is not very happy about sharing.
Calming signal-foot raised-he has my toy! Give me my purple monkey now!
Looks like a very cool toy, might have to pick one up..