This is an unsolicited review with no affiliate links. I have purchased two balls from this company and both Lewis and I think they are great.Thank you to a company that provides great products and customer service.
I am always on the lookout for sturdy, throwable tug toys for Louis. Maybe you saw an ad for this one or a friend shared it with you. Either way, Foam Dog Bowl It looked perfect.
The balls come in two sizes and an amazing variety of color combinations (12 ball colors and 4 strap colors that you can mix and match). The large size is 3.25 inches in diameter and the small size is 2.75 inches. I believe there are even smaller sizes in development. I chose a color combination that passed the “dog vision” test and that I thought would look good on Mr. Photogenic.
Unfortunately, I made a mistake with the sizing and the large size I ordered was too big for Lewis. I emailed customer service and received an email from an actual person (Thanks Greg!) right away with a return authorization number. After I sent the ball back, I received an email saying they would send me the smaller size (same price) rather than refunding me and asking me to buy it again. They did so even though it was my mistake. This saved me the shipping cost a second time. This made a huge difference for me as I was hesitant to go through the hassle of sending it back. I’m so glad I sent it back!
I also like their website. It’s professional but not too flashy or manipulative, and miraculously free of pop-ups and other annoyances. These features say to me, “We have a good product, and we’re confident in it. Check it out.”
ball
Lewis clearly loves the feel of this ball. The weight of the ball is just right and the strap is long so I had to be careful not to throw it too far (into the neighbor’s yard). It’s not exactly like the Jolly Ball, Lewis’ favorite, which is a hard ball for me to throw. This ball feels great to throw and is perfectly balanced. I’m late to the BioThane® party but I really love the strap!
The ball floats like a bobber for those who play with their dogs in or around water.
For a long time, I needed two of the same toss to get one to throw and retrieve, so I bought two. But with Fetching Boy, I only needed one. He sees value in fetching me things, and it makes me feel warm and happy. If you have a mixed breed dog, getting a dog that fetches things is the holy grail, and I love that my dog thinks I’m fun.
Product Comparison
I have several toys of this kind. I previously bought Zani KONG Squeakair balls on a rope. These are inexpensive but very light and have a nylon rope. After buying the Foam Dog Balls with BioThane® straps, I never want to touch them again. The KONG balls tear easily and get pulled off the rope. I have some heavier plastic balls on braided handles (like in this header photo). Lewis and I both like them, but one time I threw one and the tip hit Lewis in the eye and it obviously hurt. These are heavy and a fairly hard rubber or plastic. I have other balls on ropes and other toys, but the Foam Dog Balls are just right.
safety
The company, naturally, warns that this ball is not a chew toy. I knew that Louis and Clara would chew on this ball any second they got the chance, so I’m putting this ball in a box that says “For human play only.” I appreciate this company’s transparency. I was recently fooled by another company that advertised their toys as for “people who love to chew” and then quickly destroyed them.
Lewis’ Review
Here’s Lewis’ reaction. These clips are from his first session with the foam ball.
Criticism
My goal is always to give a true assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the articles I write, but I have very little to criticize here.
One little thing I did think of, but it’s a matter of preference: the packaging is sleek and premium, with each toy in its own sturdy plastic zip-lock bag (also BioThane®?). I spend a lot on these bags; the zip-lock bags are too nice to throw away, but I don’t need individual plastic pouches for my dog toys. Maybe it’s perfect for some people, though. I use them for other things. And I have to admit, it was fun opening the brightly colored envelope to pull out this sleek bag. The balls are $16-20 a pop (with occasional discounts), which is a good price for the quality.
summary
This is a well designed toy that both team members on the team can enjoy – for me it’s a fun toy to handle and throw, and Lewis basically just keeps it in his mouth the whole time, taking little breaks to chase after it.
Thumbs and paws up!
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Copyright 2024 Eileen Anderson
