Tanker Toys » Ball Toys - Soft

Planet Dog - Orbee-Tuff - Soccer Ball

Tanker — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:30:14 +0000

First Impression: Well the people over at Planet Dog heard about my website and decided I should test some of their toys. Puppy ‘o puppy am I glad they did! I saw this on their website about two months ago and I’ve been wanting to try it ever since. Dad says that the Orbee toys are made of an injection molded “thermo plastic elastomer.” Whatever… Basically the ball is strong, hollow, and has holes at both ends. This toy has a hole about 1 inch in diameter at one end, so you could put some dog treats inside, the other hole is much smaller about 3/8 of an inch. They are very flexible - I can easily crush the ball, but it just pops back out to it’s normal shape. All of the Orbee toys they sent me have a strong peppermint smell. I personally really like it; I was licking the ball at first… Of course they are bouncy, and apparently they also float! Dad also mentioned that when it’s hot during the summer we can freeze them to help keep me cool..
Conclusion: I’ve managed to pull a small piece loose near the large opening on the ball. The white part of the soccer ball is peeling away from the interior layer. I don’t think it’s going to be a huge problem, but I’ll keep everyone posted if I manage to destroy it!
Followup: I managed to tear the loose piece off and swallow it before Dad could stop me. It was close though… I’ve also managed to get some more loose. Dad is debating about gluing that part down, or possibly cutting it back. I’ll update you if I can keep tearing pieces off!
Followup #2: Dad thinks that the flaw is probably just a manufacturing defect. It’s possible that not all of the Orbee Soccer Balls do this. However, the black and white are separating around the large 1in hole. I’ve torn off and eaten some, no problems yet. Here are a couple of pictures to illustrate how much they are coming apart. NOTE: The ball is being squeezed on the sides to show the problem.

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3 out of 4 paws!

Planet Dog - Orbee-Tuff - Glow for Good Ball

Tanker — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:52:16 +0000

First Impression: Well awhile ago the kind folks over at Orbee sent me a large package of toys to test. I reviewed most of them then, but Dad kept a couple back to review later. This glowing orb was one of them. I love all my Orbee toys. The only one that has failed in any way was the Soccer Ball, but I’m pretty sure it was just a manufacturing defect. All of the balls like this one are still 100%. My favorite thing about this one is scaring Mom when its dark. I stand on the stairs with the glowing ball in my mouth. I got her really good once. {devious grin}
Conclusion: As with all Orbee toys, you can’t go wrong. Buy them all!

4 out of 4 paws!

Planet Dog - Pink Ribbon Ringo Toy

Tanker — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:37:03 +0000

First Impression: This ball is very similar to the diamond plate ball. It smells the same, tastes the same, it has the same size holes, the ball is the same diameter, etc. However it has this 1/2 inch raised rib that goes around the center of the ball. This causes the ball to act erratic when Dad or I throw it. However, I don’t think it’s quite as bouncy as the Diamond Plate ball. If I had to choose I would pick my super bouncy orange diamond plate ball.
Conclusion: A great rubbery ball, for a great cause! Support Breast Cancer Research! 3.5 out of 4 because it’s a strong toy that supports a great cause.

3.5 out of 4 paws!

Planet Dog - Orbee-Tuff - Diamond Plate Ball

Tanker — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 22:13:19 +0000

First Impression: This toy seems very sturdy! Plus dad says I make a “sucky face” noise when I’m chewing on it (slurp, slurp, slurp). I’m partial to tennis balls, but this ball is winning right now. It’s WAY bouncier, and it smells better too. It has all the advantages of the soccer ball, it floats, it bounces, it smells like peppermint, but it seems to be constructed even better! The holes are 1/2″ on one end and 3/8″ on the other end.
Conclusion: Overall I’m very pleased with this ball. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to destroy it. It’s super bouncy. It smells great. What more does a giant puppy need? I would definitely recommend this ball!

4 out of 4 paws!

Petsport - Tuff Balls

Tanker — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:07:16 +0000

First Impression: Now let me start off by saying I’m a tennis ball aficionado. I can entertain myself for hours playing soccer, trowing the ball for myself, bouncing it off peoples feet so they don’t even know they are playing, etc. But tennis balls tend to fray and Dad doesn’t like it when I start pulling off the felt. Plus with enough time I can split a tennis ball wide open. So the wonderful folks over at Petsport came through again, and sent me some Tuff Balls! Word around the dog park is they have a 4 inch model too. I need to get my huge paws on one of those!
Conclusion: Tuff Balls are industrial strength, extra thick, non-toxic, and colorfast! If your puppy love tennis balls as much as I do, I would highly recommend trying Tuff Balls! I’ve been chewing on mine for days and except for the dog hair that’s stuck on it, it’s just like new.

4 out of 4 paws!

Chuckit Ball Launcher

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:50:10 +0000

First Impression: Someone gave me the Chuckit Ball Launcher as a gift. It seems to be for lazy humans. Fetch is not my favorite game, so we don’t use this toy very often. However even Mom can make the ball go pretty far with the device. For the most part I just look at her like “Why did you throw the ball way over there?” then she goes and gets it for me. Don’t get me wrong I like to chew on the ball… But why should I retrieve it? I’m not a retriever!
Conclusion: If you like to fetch, this is a great device for your parents to buy. They will be able to throw the ball farther, and they won’t wear out as quickly. Plus if they are “old” they don’t even have to bend over to pickup the ball! They can use the Launcher as a handle and press the cup onto the ball. Nifty. 3 out of 4 stars because Rottie’s are not big on fetch.

Buy it from PetSmart now!

Click on the image below:

3 out of 4 paws!

Jolly Ball on a tetherball

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:27:09 +0000

First Impression: Dad’s friend at the SPCA gave me a tetherball prototype to test. I destroyed the Jolly Ball in less than an hour of total use. But I loved every minute of it. I thought the goal of the game was the drag the ball to the ground and destroy it. Dad and Mom kept throwing the ball so I would jump for it. I’m hoping to join the All-Rottweiler Tetherball circuit next year.

After Dad realized how easily a big dog could tip the unit over, he filled the base with cement and let it dry. Here are some pictures of me playing tetherball with the heavy base. Also here is an 8 point review of the current design.
Conclusion: Wonderful concept, but not sturdy enough for a large breed dog. Dad says he would recommend cementing a 8ft tall fence post in your backyard and attaching your own tetherball. However this product would be ideal for puppies, or any dog weighing less than 40 lbs. As you can see I found the toy irresistible. 2.5 out of 4 Paws because its not strong enough for BIG dogs, but a great concept.

2.5 out of 4 paws!

Jolly Ball Horse Toy

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:26:43 +0000

First Impression: Dad and Mom had the great idea to go shopping for toys in the horse section. They found me a horse size Jolly Ball. The material is very easy for me to puncture and I have already destroyed one and am working on my second one. The ball is easily mutilated within an hour. However, even with holes and tears in the ball, it is still fun. I grab the handle of the ball and swing it around. I enjoy hitting myself with it and hitting everything else in the living room. These balls could be built better, but are still fun for giant Rottweiler puppies.
Conclusion: If $20 for a toy that only will last 2 weeks sounds OK to your parents, then this ball will be one of your favorites for that short period of time.

Buy it from PetSmart now!

Click on the image below:

3 out of 4 paws!

JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy (on a string on a pole)

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:21:39 +0000

First Impression: Dad bought a 6 foot piece of 3/4″ PVC pipe and end caps. He drilled holes through each of the end caps and ran a rope through it. He tied a knot at one end and left two feet of rope hanging out the other end. Then he tied my Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy onto the rope.

Dad moves the pole around and I chase the toy like crazy. Dad has lots of leverage with the pole and is better able to wrestle the toy away from me. Mom says I look like a kitten chasing a ball of yarn. This is a great homemade Rottweiler toy.
Conclusion: If your parents want to wear you out quick, tell them to make you this toy! It’s very easy to make; it only took Dad about 10 minutes of total work. The length of the pole is optional, your parents could go longer than 6ft. Then Dad keeps the tip of the pole on the ground and moves it in erratic patterns. He tried just doing figure eights, but I caught on too fast.

Buy it from PetSmart now!

Click on the image below:

4 out of 4 paws!

JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:20:17 +0000

First Impression: I have a difficult time using my Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy. It has rubber feet that fit easily in my mouth. I always try to grab the ball by its feet, but then it doesn’t make any noise. If I ignore the feet and open my mouth real wide, I can fit the ball in my mouth and make it squeak.
Conclusion: This toy was not my favorite. But after Dad tied it onto the above toy, it definitely became one of the best toys in the house. Alone this toy only ranks as a 2.5 out of 4 Paws, because its durable but not very interesting.

Buy it from PetSmart now!

Click on the image below:

2.5 out of 4 paws!