I was in a session with a client the other day and at the end she brought out a toy to amuse her dog while we talked. I got so excited! Small, high-value tug toys have been a predicament in my mind for a long time. Most truly high-value tug toys aren’t small and more often than not most of my clients aren’t on board with bringing a backpack on walks just so they can have access to a great high-value tug toy. I asked Aimée where she got the toy. She said, “My friend Danielle just started making these, aren’t they great?” I reached out to Danielle right away to find out more. Danielle just started Hambos Dog Toys (website). She is a maker based in Seattle who uses reclaimed leather to make planet-friendly high-value dog toys. Some of them have sheepskin and fur on them and some have squeakers. Each toy is handmade and unique.
I am so excited about these as interactive high-value toys that can easily fit into your back pocket on walks! Finally a really exciting tug toy that is easy to bring along and really fun and prey-like!
For full-strength terriers I recommend using these interactively and not leaving them alone with your nutbar as these are (wonderfully) durable and you don’t want your terrier to try and swallow them. (Anyone reading who doesn’t live with a full-strength nutbar is probably thinking I am weird, but anyone whose terrier has gulped down a whole prey animal knows what I am talking about!). I don’t think Miles would swallow his, but left to his own devices he did settle in happily to treat it as a bully stick – such a huge compliment to how high-value these are! Miles’ still looks new after his bear-sized teeth and jaws gave it the “TTLC” treatment – Toothy Terrier Loving Care!
Danielle started HAMBOS because she wanted to make a rewarding toy that her rescue pit mix Pocket would love. Thank you to Pocket! (pictured below – isn’t she the sweetest?)
These toys look great.
When I tried to order I found they do not deliver to Canada.
Hi Shirley, I didn’t realize that! I let her know and she said she will look into it tonight. I’ll reply here again if she offers that option. 🙂
Hi Shirley, she just updated me that she is offering shipping. Its high right now because of the border I think, but I think they are worth the added cost! Normal big tugs are similar price but not so portable. 🙂
I have been looking for something like this for ages. Really disappointed no shipping to Canada.
Hi Glynis, I didn’t realize that! I let her know and she said she will look into it tonight. I’ll reply here again if she offers that option. 🙂
Hi Glynis, she just updated me that she is offering shipping. Its high right now because of the border I think, but I think they are worth the added cost! Normal big tugs are similar price but not so portable. 🙂
Emma,
Of course I ordered one of the Hambos toys right away… as soon as I read this post! (You know I buy and love every single thing you recommend, .. never disappointed) can’t wait for Sally to open her toy when it comes in the mail! I love the recycled idea, and the durable reputation of these toys.. Sally ALWAYS manages to kill the squeakers in a few minutes, then bye bye toy. Can’t wait for her Hambos!
I’m so sorry about your heat. It really is something to complain about.. no escape! Poor Miles. Poor you! Window a/c will be perfect for you… if you don’t need it, it can stay off, if you need refreshment it can be on.. When it is hot, (97 degrees in Boston last week), Sally takes a slow walk too… I have to really be careful that she doesn’t walk on too much blacktop. It is so hot on the blacktop.. too hot for her feet! I walk on streets that have stone paver sidewalks, or concrete sidewalks, as they are lighter in colour, and cooler, or walk on grass. When she gets home she goes strait to the bathroom and flops down in the cool cast iron bathtub. She loves to drink the running faucet water, then lay in the wet tub! Our ceiling fans are very helpful, but a bedroom a/c is key to a good night’s sleep!
Love to you and Miles, Darcy and Sally
Hi Darcy, I have spent a lot of time in TX but the heat dome effect was totally different at night especially. Hopefully it doesn’t happen in more areas and you never have to find out! I had two fans inches from my body at night and felt nothing. It was crazy. I am so grateful it is over! Which Hambo toy did you order? I am excited to see Sally enjoying it!
These look like wonderfully made toys – I’m sure Oliver would love them. He loves playing tug and adores the previous tug toy we got with rabbit fur on it. And you’re right – a lot of Oliver’s favourite toys are big and floppy – not the best for taking places. I’ll keep these in mind for Christmas or when I get bored of playing with the same old toys 🙂 (Really though, he’s very spoiled, but I love a good recommendation!)
My clients are OBSESSED with them Danielle!!!