Why the Playology Barrel Tug Was a Waste of Money for My Power-Chewing Pitbull

Real Talk: Not All Chew Toys Are Built for Tough Dogs

When I first picked up the Playology Barrel Tug, I had high expectations that it would be one of those Playology toys for aggressive chewers that actually lived up to the hype. Priced at $22.99, I was looking for a high Playology price vs value return, but unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver for a power chewer Pitbull like Blue. Despite its heavy-duty appearance, the toy only lasted a total of three days—and that was only because I strictly monitored his sessions and took it away to preserve it.

In my signature 4-point toy inspection, the Playology Barrel Tug durability earned a low 2.0 rating; it simply couldn't withstand the jaw strength of a determined dog, even though Blue wasn't even trying his hardest. On the plus side, the interaction and entertainment scores were a solid 4.2, as Blue absolutely loved the scent and the soft texture was gentle on his gums and teeth. However, if you are searching for the most durable tug toys for Pitbulls, this specific model may not be the best investment. I put these Playology dog toys to the test so you don't have to waste your money on products that can’t handle a real aggressive chewer’s bite.

Know Your Dog’s Personality Before Buying Chew Toys

Here’s the deal: you gotta know your dog. Is your pup gentle with toys or do they go full beast mode like Blue? My dog is goofy, playful, and loves making a mess. Stuffed animals? Nope. Soft plush toys? Forget it. He’s more the “let’s play fetch with this ball” or “I’ll chew on this tree branch” type.

So when you’re shopping for chew toys, ask yourself:

• Is my dog a heavy chewer?

• Do they destroy toys quickly?

• Do they enjoy interactive play or solo chewing?

The answers matter. Because if you buy the wrong toy, you’re not just wasting money—you’re risking your dog’s safety. Always supervise your dog with new toys. Dogs will try to bite off small pieces and taste them. That’s why no toy should be left with them unattended.

Brain-Stimulating Toys Are Worth Every Penny

If you want your dog to stay engaged and out of trouble, invest in brain training toys. These are toys that challenge your dog to think, solve, and play. Some of my favorites include:

• Kong Goodie Bone – stuff it with treats and let your dog figure it out.

• Playology Crunch Branch – durable and interactive, with treat slots for mental stimulation.

These toys do more than entertain—they stimulate your dog’s mind. And a smart dog is a happy dog. Plus, it gives you a chance to bond with them during playtime. Because let’s be honest: a bored dog either sleeps all day or gets into something they shouldn’t.Play With Your Dog—Don’t Just Hand Them a Toy

Here’s some advice from experience: don’t just toss your dog a toy and walk away. Play with them. Engage. Make it a shared experience. If you’re bored, they’re bored. And boredom leads to destruction.

Set aside time every day to play with your dog. Whether it’s fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle toys, make it fun for both of you. That’s how you build trust, burn energy, and keep your dog mentally sharp.

Final Thoughts: Skip the Playology Barrel Tug, Try This Instead

The Playology Barrel Tug didn’t work for Blue. It fell apart too fast and didn’t hold up to his chewing style. If you’ve got a power chewer, skip it. Instead, look for toys that are:

• Made from ultra-durable rubber or nylon

• Designed for treat stuffing and brain stimulation

• Tested and recommended by veterinarians

Speaking of which—always vet your toy choices with a licensed veterinarian. I’m here to share honest experiences, but I want everything I recommend to be safe and backed by professionals.

👉 Next up on the blog: I’ll be reviewing the Extreme Kong Ribban—a beast of a toy that you can stuff with treats and watch your dog go to town. It’s built for tough chewers and smart pups. Look for that blog here once it’s live.