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As part of a larger initiative to educate dog owners on proper nutrition, effective training, and other ways to raise a happy and healthy dog, the Dogington Post is reviewing products, toys, foods, treats, and trainers in our first annual Dogington Post Awards Program!
Each week, we’ll present 3 nominees in a particular category. And, YOU, our readers, will have an opportunity to weigh-in on your favorites, to help us choose a winner!
Nominees from each category for the Dogington Post Award have been selected based on strict criteria including safety, durability, quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturer ethics.
This week, we’re presenting the nominees for Best Dog Toy for 2012!
An excellent dog toy will encourage active playtime, stimulate your dog mentally, or provide a safe outlet for natural chewing behavior.
Dogington Post’s Best Toy nominees are:
1. PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys: PrideBites are more than just a stuffed dog toy. These cleverly designed toys are tough enough for tug-o-war, feature sewn-in squeakers that won’t lose their sound even after hours of chewing and fetching, and they float, making them a great pool toy or beach bag must-have! Besides being downright adorable, PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys are durable enough for even the most active chewers, lightweight for hours of tireless play, and totally machine washable! Best of all, they promote active playtime for both you AND your dog together!
PrideBites are available in dozens of different dog-friendly shapes and sizes, from bones and fire hydrants, to cats and even a mustache, you’re sure to find a PrideBite that fits your dog’s personality!
What’s more, PrideBites gives back to the dog community through their “Buy a Toy, Help Save a Dog” program. For every single toy sold, PrideBites donates $1 to animal shelters and other organizations that help dogs in need.
Because of excellent craftsmanship and quality, a product that encourages healthy, interactive play between dogs and their humans, and their dedication to giving back to the dog community, PrideBites has easily earned Dogington Post’s nomination for Best Toy in 2012!
2. Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles: There are a zillion plastic puzzles and treat-hider toys on the market, but none as skillfully made, durable, and fun as the classic wooden dog puzzles by Nina Ottosson. A healthy and well balanced dog needs mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise and healthy diet. Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles are an excellent way for your dog to get the brain exercises he needs.
Much more durable and rugged than the cheap plastic knockoffs, these are the only puzzles currently on the market that meet California’s strict health and environmental standards for composite board. Plus, they’re available in 14 different difficulty levels, from an easy first-timer’s puzzle to a more complex puzzle for seasoned dogs.
Besides just being plain ol’ fun for your pooch by providing a necessary mental challenge, Nina Ottosson Wooden Puzzle Toys are excellent as a tool for dogs that eat too fast. Instead of putting your pup’s food in a bowl and watching them scarf it down, fill each little compartment of a puzzle and challenge your pup to find all his food!
These puzzle toys are great for entertaining dogs of all ages, especially puppies and senior dogs that may not be ready or able to explore the great outdoors.
3. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball: Hard to believe a simple ball made our TOP DOG Toy for 2012, right? Well, this isn’t just an ordinary ball! The Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball is bouncy, it floats, it’s super tough for super chewers, it’s got a minty scent that dogs love, it glows in the dark for nighttime play, it’s totally recyclable, and it’s made in the U.S.A.
(It also fits in the optional Planet Dog Wood Chuck ball chucker for high-flying, fetching fun!)
If those attributes aren’t reason enough to make the cut, 100% of all proceeds from the sale of this awesome ball go to The Planet Dog Foundation, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support canine service programs.
There they are, our nominees for the Best Toy of 2012. Which toy do you like best? Or better yet, which toy does your dog like best?
Leave a comment with your selection to vote for your favorite!
Shirley
Jan 23, 2013 at 9:21 am
Nina Ottosen
NICHOLE
Dec 7, 2012 at 11:15 am
Nina Ottosson- Dog Casino!
Ben
Dec 6, 2012 at 6:19 pm
PrideBites dog toys!!
Karin Vilanova
Dec 6, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles of course! Keeps the mind active! Our dogs love them!
Emily
Dec 5, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Jeff P
Dec 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm
PrideBites for sure!
Katie
Dec 3, 2012 at 2:35 pm
PrideBites are the best toys! My dog loves them!!
Chelsea Papish
Dec 3, 2012 at 2:11 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys!
Margaux
Dec 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys
Kev
Dec 3, 2012 at 1:44 pm
PrideBites
Larry
Dec 3, 2012 at 1:44 pm
PrideBites toys!!
Stephani Spruill
Dec 2, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Puzzle toys, absolutely!!!
Emily Yan
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:40 am
Nina Ottosson toys are amazing !!
Blue Lan
Dec 2, 2012 at 7:55 am
I love Nina Ottosson .
OB Cindi
Dec 1, 2012 at 4:52 am
JUST CUZ rubber balls are the GREATEST DOG TOY invented. My Rhodesian Ridgeback mix loves these rubber balls with “feet” and gets major air jumping to catch her “GOOD CUZ” ball. I bought a large ball sized chuck-it and it fits the JUST CUZ BALL perfectly. When this ball hits compacted sand at dog beach, it makes a huge bounce. It doesn’t leave the dog with sand in its mouth like a tennis ball. Dogs who don’t even fetch balls will steal this ball when my dog and I are playing with it on dog beach. GREATEST BALL EVER MADE!!! I give a standing ovation to the makers of JUST CUZ balls!
Annalinda Li
Dec 1, 2012 at 2:23 am
Nina Ottosson rocks!
Dorothy
Dec 1, 2012 at 2:06 am
Nina Ottosson is the best !!
popo kuo
Dec 1, 2012 at 2:03 am
Nina Ottosson
Jayme D
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:55 am
PRIDEBITES!!!!
Lauren Grenader
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:54 am
Pridebites
Aidan Israel
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:48 am
PrideBites all the way!!!!!!!
Ben Deschner
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:43 am
PrideBites!
Ryan Ladd
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:41 am
PRIDEBITES
Eric Bormaster
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:24 am
No question – PRIDEBITES!!
Anita Bormaster
Dec 1, 2012 at 12:23 am
PRIDEBITES all the way!!!
KML
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:36 pm
WAHOO!!! PrideBites has been named the “BEST NEW DOG TOY OF 2012” by Pet Business Magazine. VOTE FOR PRIDEBITES!!!
Abe Jacobs
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:36 pm
PrideBites are awesome, my dogs love them!
Ross Golding
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:35 pm
PrideBites are the best!
Ross Golding
Nov 30, 2012 at 8:34 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys
Shelli Veatch
Nov 30, 2012 at 6:35 pm
PrideBites Toys!
Hans Bjerkan
Nov 30, 2012 at 6:34 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys
Ned Brown
Nov 30, 2012 at 6:32 pm
PrideBites dog toys!
Tom Emaus
Nov 30, 2012 at 11:23 am
Wooden Dog Puzzles Nina Ottosson is the best toys ever!
Jazz Girl
Nov 30, 2012 at 5:02 am
I LOVE Nina Ottosson toys!!! All puzzles I saw/own/tested/gave away as a gift are loved by dogs and dog owners alike… I want to give my vote to Nina Ottosson. Her products have convinced me and our dogs.
christie foster
Nov 30, 2012 at 12:03 am
Pridebite interactive dog toys:)
Felicia
Nov 29, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Pride Bites!
Daniel L
Nov 29, 2012 at 10:54 pm
PRIDEBITES!
Jason Yang
Nov 29, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Nina Ottosson dog fighter
Stevie Brewer
Nov 29, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Pridebites
Kyle Brewer
Nov 29, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Pridebites
Amanda W.
Nov 29, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball… by far my german shepherds favorite toy he has ever had! he won’t put it down and he has had it for almost a year now and it still looks like the day I bought it!
Tina McElhattan
Nov 29, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Caryn R.
Nov 29, 2012 at 7:08 pm
PrideBites interactive dog toy!
Marilyn Thompson
Nov 29, 2012 at 6:58 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys
James Blonde
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Pride Bites is the only toy for an MI-6 Agent at work all day!
Peter
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Nina
David G.
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Nina Ottosson puzzles
Sue K.
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Nina Ottosson
Ashlee Gonigam
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Nina Ottosson! All her toys are amazing.
Chuck
Nov 29, 2012 at 3:01 pm
The Nina puzzles
Vickie Swarowski
Nov 29, 2012 at 1:57 pm
# 2 Love the Nina Ottosson products!
Pat
Nov 29, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Nina Ottosson all the way
Nancy K
Nov 29, 2012 at 11:31 am
Nina Ottosson wooden dog puzzles !
Jared Mendeloff
Nov 29, 2012 at 11:12 am
Pride bites!!
Adam Shapiro
Nov 29, 2012 at 10:53 am
PrideBites!
PB!
Bites of Pride!
Oh no, my dog bit into the wooden Nina Ottosson toy and has a splinter!
Ellie
Nov 30, 2012 at 5:12 am
They don’t splinter like wood!
Jaclyn Jacobson
Nov 29, 2012 at 10:45 am
PrideBites! For sure 🙂
Steven B.
Nov 29, 2012 at 10:44 am
Pride Bites!!
Jenny from Holland
Nov 29, 2012 at 9:55 am
Nina Ottosson is the best in the range from all the Dog toys. She is the one who invited the first game with always the comfort of the pet as her starting point! And it is not only for dogs, even cats, parrots, rabbits, monkeys use her durable games with great pleasure!
Mikael Lindstrand
Nov 29, 2012 at 9:41 am
Nina Ottosson toys are wonderful, me and my dogs love them.
Lena
Nov 29, 2012 at 8:36 am
Love ALL the Nina Ottosson puzzle games!!
Katarzyna
Nov 29, 2012 at 8:22 am
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Marianne
Nov 29, 2012 at 7:53 am
Nina Ottosson…the absolute best
Carl Gage
Nov 29, 2012 at 6:36 am
We are proud to be the North American distributor for Nina Ottosson’s line of wooden interactive puzzles. These high quality, innovative designs are changing the way we play with our companion animals. Make em think
Carl Gage
Nov 29, 2012 at 6:35 am
We are proud to be the North American distributor for Nina Ottosson’s line of wooden interactive puzzles. These high quality, innovative designs are changing the way we play with our companion animals. Make em think!
Jilana Ordman
Nov 28, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles! Dogs don’t get many chances to get smarter, and these things work!
Steve
Nov 28, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles and all her puzzles get my vote.
They are great for dogs that are very intelligent and highly active dogs. We got a medium difficult one for our Cirneco puppy, and he solved it on his first try
Ben Balson
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:37 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys!
Mike Saig
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:36 pm
PrideBites!
Helen
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:29 pm
I vote for Pride bites…..the cutest toys ever!!!
Pup's Place
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:25 pm
We’re a big fan of the Nina Ottosson interactive wooden puzzles! Our dogs go LOVE them!
jackie
Nov 28, 2012 at 7:09 pm
I vote for Nina Ottosson. My 3 terriers all benefit from the mental stimulation these puzzles provide.
Duane Brewer
Nov 28, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Pride Bites!! Wonderful toy for your pet.
Nick Heaton
Nov 28, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I vote for Nina Ottosson.
I purchase one of her dog puzzles every year for Xmas for my dachshunds to play with, which they love.
Chrissy Vancour
Nov 28, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Definately Nr.2. Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles….it’s not just a plain toy,,it’s way more….good exercise for the brain..just only playing, walking aso is not enough for a dog…
Maria
Nov 28, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Nina Ottosson dog toys
Elise Halprin
Nov 28, 2012 at 9:43 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys are the Best!
Debbie Bell
Nov 28, 2012 at 9:08 am
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzle. These are AMAZING!
Paula Fuller
Nov 28, 2012 at 7:45 am
Nina Ottosson dog toys are the best! I vote for hers!
Jan Isaksen
Nov 28, 2012 at 3:55 am
2. Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Nina Helander
Nov 28, 2012 at 3:54 am
2. Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Kara L
Nov 28, 2012 at 2:31 am
PRIDEBITES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Caroline Kleiner
Nov 28, 2012 at 1:03 am
PrideBites of course!!!
Cindy Phelps
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Dede McElroy
Nov 27, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Love the Nina Ottosson toys! Keep my girls occupied and happy!
Tammy Johnson
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Definitely the Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles. My dog gets so excited when I bring her puzzles out for her.
Francine Beckman
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Pridebites Dog Toys are the best!
Diana Wild
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:14 pm
I vote for Nina Ottosson interactive puzzles. Her puzzles are such fun for a active and inquisitive dog looking for something fun and staifying!
Diana Wild
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:15 pm
*satisfying
Amanda
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Planet Dog Glow For Good ball – this is our pups FAVORITE!
Melissa isaacs
Nov 27, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Nina ottosson puzzles are the best
jane
Nov 27, 2012 at 7:09 pm
My vote goes to the Nina Ottosson wooden puzzle, just got one for a Christmas gift for my puppies!
Lori
Nov 27, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Nina Ottosson’s Wooden Puzzles because my dog loves his.
Nina van Oorsouw
Nov 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Wendy Endelman
Nov 27, 2012 at 6:29 pm
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys are awesome!
Katie Thomes
Nov 27, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Planet Dog Orbees get our vote! My dogs are heavy chewers and the Orbees are the only balls that last!
bparker52
Nov 27, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Pridebites!
Matthew R
Nov 27, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Pridebites Interactive Dog Toys all the way!!!!!!!! They have my vote!!
Nina Ottosson
Nov 27, 2012 at 3:48 pm
I am very proud of my interactive Dog treat Puzzle games, they really challange the dogs mind and prevent boredome and behavior problems. My dogs love them and I vote for my games. All the best from Sweden. / Nina Ottosson
shik
Nov 27, 2012 at 3:14 pm
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys are the best!! dogs go crazy for them!
Helane Knecht
Nov 27, 2012 at 3:03 pm
definitely PrideBites!!!!
itzik elbaz
Nov 27, 2012 at 2:20 pm
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys !!
~~~~~~~R-O-C-K-S~~~~~~~ !!!
Lauren Hoffman
Nov 27, 2012 at 2:15 pm
PRIDE BITES ALL THE WAY!!
Dvir
Nov 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm
PrideBites is my vote!!! Awesome toy my dog loves it!!
Alex
Nov 27, 2012 at 2:06 pm
PrideBites yea
Helane
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:44 pm
PrideBites is my vote!!
Ellen
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:18 pm
PrideBites are the best. My dog loves hers.
Teresa
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm
PRIDEBITES!!
Steven
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:09 pm
PrideBites!
Kevin
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:59 pm
The PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy gets my vote!!!!!
Lindsey Garrison
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm
PrideBites for sure! They last forever, and they are super colorful and cute!
Johnna
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles
Jon Sadow
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:52 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy!
Laura
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:51 am
Nina Ottosson Wooden Dog Puzzles!!
Kate Williams
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:37 am
Nina Ottoson toys for definite. My guys love them and it really gets them thinking & so tires them out much more than just playing with a ball. Great!
Tomten
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:35 am
Nina Ottonsson’s Dog puzzles without a doubt. They are the best interactive games, and the best game for dogs by far!
Nichole
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:33 am
I vote for Nina Ottosson interactive puzzles. Her puzzles are a lifesaver to a constantly inquisitive dog looking for something fun.
Rachel Powell
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:26 am
Pridebites for the WIN!!!! The best toys and the guys who run the company are awesome!
Ryan Andrews
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:13 am
PRIDEBITES Interactive Dog Toy hands down! These guys are the best in the business, and have a very bright future moving forward!
Linda Ludwick
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:07 am
PrideBites are the BEST dog gift ever!
Linda Ludwick
Nov 27, 2012 at 11:06 am
PrideBites are the BEST!
Abby
Nov 27, 2012 at 10:23 am
PrideBites Rock!
Margie Cohen
Nov 27, 2012 at 10:16 am
PrideBites are wonderful dog toys
Lisa Wodecki
Nov 27, 2012 at 10:13 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy!!!
Karen Palans
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:52 am
Pride Bites!
Linda T
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:41 am
PrideBites are the best!!
Laura Barnes
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:38 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys
Debbie G
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:35 am
PrideBites!!!!
Kristine
Nov 27, 2012 at 9:19 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys, my dog loves the Michigan “M”. Go Blue!
Kat OSullivan
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:51 am
PrideBites! They stand up to hard chewers like a Cane Corso. Ours love them!!!
MM
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:17 am
PrideBites! 🙂
Richard and Gale Lourie
Nov 27, 2012 at 8:16 am
Our vote goes to PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys. We have bought several toys for our dog friends.
Sharon Seigel
Nov 27, 2012 at 6:38 am
PrideBites, what more could a dog want?!
Mandy W
Nov 27, 2012 at 4:46 am
PrideBites is awesome!!! They get my vote!
Lindsey Granlund
Nov 27, 2012 at 4:20 am
PrideBites!!
Stuart
Nov 27, 2012 at 2:29 am
Pridebites. It’s the favorite of my lab Buckley
Leona Slaton
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:38 am
Pridebites
Clay Buck
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:36 am
We absolutely love PrideBites so they get our vote for sure!
Adam Rosenbaum
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:17 am
PrideBites. Enough said. Championship
Amanda Dreyfuss
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:14 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy!!!!
Elissa Sanders
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:07 am
We’ve got Goldie The Fish! Winky loves it!
Elissa Sanders
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:08 am
Pride Bites is THE BEST!
Russell Cavin
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:52 am
PRIDEBITES FOR PRESIDENT! My dog Kevin won’t chew on anything else.
Blaire
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:50 am
Pride Bites for sure!
janet blevins gruenwald
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:42 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys
Erik Gruenwald
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:41 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy
Kara Michelle
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:40 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy Hands Down!
Sean Knecht
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:40 am
PrideBites Dog Toys!!
Daniel Lampe
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:31 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy
Loni Peterson
Nov 27, 2012 at 12:30 am
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toy 100%!
Sam Lampe
Nov 26, 2012 at 11:52 pm
PrideBites Dog Toys
Kylie Brewer
Nov 26, 2012 at 11:48 pm
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys
Karen Lampe
Nov 26, 2012 at 11:48 pm
PrideBites Interactive Dog Toys!
Karen king
Nov 26, 2012 at 9:08 pm
PrideBites interactive dog toy