Dog Trainer's Official Product Review: Kong Wubba
The Kong product line has an bunch of great dog toys for you to choose from and the Kong Wubba is certainly one of them! The Kong Classic and the Kong Wobbler, which you can read our review for, are probably the most popular and are all about your pup keeping themselves busy with the toy. The Kong Wubba is a little bit different as you can take a major roll in playing with your pup with this toy!
What is a Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is basically two balls covered in a cloth material with "tails" of material coming out of the balls. A squeaker is located inside the ball of the Wubba, which should keep your pup coming back for more. There are different material and styles of Wubba used and we will go through each of them today.
What is a Kong Wubba Made From
There are a bunch of different variations of the Wubba products from Kong. Here is a rundown on the most common Wubba's out there.
The Wubba Classic Line has a durable and tough exterior material made up of what the company calls balastic nylon. From my experience many people would say it has the consistency of a fire hose. The balls are made up of rubber similar but slightly stronger than the strength of a tennis ball. The classic comes in three different colors and a variety of sizes.
- Covered in soft, durable fleece for snuggling
- Great for interactive games of tug and fetch
- No Squeaker
- Available in three colors: Blue, Purple and Pink
- Full-Bodied fun built for longer lasting play sessions
- Varied textures entice for active play
- Squeaker for added fun
- Dogs Need to Play
The Wubba Friend is a variation of the Wubba Snugga that has cute animal shapes. It is made in the plush material and we have seen at least three different animals to choose from. Interestingly enough this one does have a squeaker unlike the standard Wubba Snugga. It is available in a variety of sizes.
- Covered in durable, reinforced nylon
- Perfect for interactive games of tug and fetch
- Squeak for added enjoyment
- Not meant to be used for chew sessions
- Available in three sizes: Small, Large, X-Large
- Single toy/ Assorted
How to Use a Kong Wubba
- Playing Fetch with the Wubba
- Tug Of War
- Hide and Find
Fetch with a Kong Wubba
Our favorite game to play with the Kong Wubba is fetch. Holding the Kong by the tails gives you the ability to launch the toy extra far when throwing. This is similar to the idea of throwing a ball with a chuck it. You get more leverage for a longer flight. The two balls held together makes for bounces that keep your pup guessing which direction it will bounce. Finally the exterior material of the balastic lines gives you a fetch toy more durable than a standard ball.
I would avoid the plush lines of the Wubba Snugga and the plush Wubba Friends for fetch, even though the toys state they can be used for fetch. I'd only do it inside with dogs that aren't rough players.
Tug of War with a Kong Wubba
First Decide if you Should you play Tug of War with your dog, here is another great read about playing tug from the Preventive Vet. Once you've decided that a game of tug is a good idea, the Wubba is a great toy for it. If you hold the toy by the ball portion it gives your pup the tails, which are plenty strong enough for them to hold and pull on. The strong material makes the toy just as durable as rope tug toys.
I would avoid the plush lines of the Wubba Snugga and the plush Wubba Friends for Tug, even though the toys state they can be used for Tug of war. I'd only do it inside with dogs that aren't rough players.
Hiding the Kong Wubba for your Pup to Find
The Kong Wubba is also a durable toy option for find and seek with a toy. You can start out easy and teach your dog the name of the toy, by saying when you are playing with it. Then, place the toy in the middle of the room and ask your pup to find it. Once they are able to go and get it for you, you know that they understand exactly what toy you are talking about. Next, hide the toy around the room. Your dog will use their amazing sense of smell to help them find the toy, even if it is out of sight. This game is great for all versions of the Wubba.
Kong Wubba Vs Kong Classic
Unlike the Kong Classic you don't stuff treats into the Kong Classic. This means that you will be playing with your pup to get them interested in the Kong Wubba. Unless of course your pup loves squeakers, then they are going to take to the Kong Wubba right away and might even toss it up to themselves to hear that pleasant squeak. The Kong Classic is great for giving your dog something to do so that you can get some time to do work or make dinner.
Kong Wubba Vs Kong Wobbler
Just like the difference between the Classic and the Wubba, you stuff the Kong Wobbler full of your pups food and it acts more like a slow feeder for your dog. The Wubba is far more of an interactive toy where you play with your pup. The Wobbler is made out of hard plastic and is heavy, while the Wubba is light and easy to throw and grip. Both are great toys; they simply serve a different purpose.
Is a Kong Wubba Good for My Dog
There are so many variations of Wubba on the market, there is almost one for every dog. The plush options are great for dogs that like to snuggle and don't destroy their toys. They have plush versions without squeakers for people who like their quiet. The ballistic material versions are great for dogs that play a little rougher and enjoy games like fetch and tug.
How Long will my Kong Wubba Last
The Wubba is not something that we would co indestructible. The most important thing to know is that the Wubba is not a chew toy. Many clients that have strong chewers will put their Wubba up when not using it, so their pup doesn't chew it up. This goes for all versions of the wubba. When only used for fetch and tug of war the Wubba will often hold up well for multiple years. I personally had one that lasted for 5 years before the first tail ripped off and that was with an active boxer-mix playing with it. If you have a power chewer and you want a toy to leave out all the time I would consider the Goughnut dog toy.
What Size Wubba is Best for My Dog
I would generally suggest a large Wubba for most medium, large, and giant dogs. The extra large is okay for giant dogs, but I have played with a Great Dane using the large and it never seemed to small. For dogs considered small, I would recommend utilizing the small Wubba as the large will be too heavy and bulky for them to carry around.
Final Thoughts on the Kong Wubba
The Wubba is a great toy for just about any dog because there are so many versions of the toy. Kong is a great company to buy from and know that you are getting a good product. To read reviews and purchase the Kong Wubba check it out over on Amazon.
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