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Interactive play is officially essential for keeping dogs healthy and active, our study has revealed.
We surveyed 2,815 dog owners in January 2021 to discover more about the role of play in the lives of dogs across the country.
As well as a staggering 99.9% of those polled agreeing that interactive play keeps their dog active and happy, almost every single dog owner (99%) told us play has a positive impact on their own and their dog’s life.
Danny Rouse, Tug-E-Nuff’s director, said: ‘We’ve been shouting about the amazing benefits of interactive play for more than 10 years, so it’s fantastic to see that so many fellow dog owners are seeing the impact for themselves.’
The benefits of play are so powerful that, according to our poll, nine in 10 owners take the time to play with their dog at least once every day.
Interestingly, the biggest reward of regular playtime was revealed to be the positive impact it has on the relationship between dog and owner.
A whopping 80% of owners said one of the main reasons they play with their dog is because it boosts the bond they share.
Two-thirds of owners said the main reason they play is to provide stimulation for their pooch and half said the top reason for playing was because it helps with training.
‘After the difficulties of the last year, our relationships with our dogs mean more to us than ever before - and interactive play is a powerful way to honour that relationship and strengthen the bond between dog and owner,’ added Danny.
‘We hear stories every single day from customers about how Tug-E-Nuff toys have transformed their training and provided amazing enrichment opportunities for their dogs, so we are delighted to now have the data that backs it up.’
According to the study, play is also a vital tool when it comes to tackling the challenges dog owners face.
Recall is the nation’s number one training challenge with 50% of dog owners naming it as the training area they struggle with most.
One in five owners said a lack of confidence was their main challenge while 20% said their biggest struggle was with their dog’s obedience.
The good news is that seven in 10 owners said that playing with a Tug-E-Nuff toy has successfully helped them tackle their biggest training challenges.
Almost half of respondents credited their Tug-E-Nuff toys with transforming their dog’s recall. Meanwhile, eight in 10 told us playing tug with a Tug-E-Nuff toy had improved their bond and two thirds said their Tug-E-Nuff toy had boosted their dog’s motivation.
The survey also offered a fascinating insight into the average Tug-E-Nuff customer and their dog.
It emerged that Tug-E-Nuff customers own a massive range of 125 different breeds, from St Bernards and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs to Papillons and pugs.
Six in ten said they own between two and five Tug-E-Nuff toys and 15% of the 2,815 people surveyed are officially Tug-E-Nuff superfans, with more than five Tug-E-Nuff toys in their collection.
‘It is fascinating to see the huge variety in the breeds that enjoy playing with Tug-E-Nuff toys. Luckily, all our toys are designed to stand up to many hours of interactive play with any breed - from small breeds with strong jaws to the biggest and most enthusiastic tuggers,’ added Danny.
As part of the study, we took the opportunity to ask respondents for some honest feedback on the quality of Tug-E-Nuff toys and our customer service.
An incredible 99% of dog owners told us they would happily recommend Tug-E-Nuff toys to their friends.
More than eight in 10 of those respondents who owned a Tug-E-Nuff toy awarded five stars for quality - with 96% awarding four stars and above.
And when it comes to customer service, 86% of respondents said we deserved five stars (with 96% giving us four stars or more).
‘As well as designing and making durable, motivational training toys for dogs from our Devon workshop, we strive to go above and beyond for our customers - offering bespoke advice on the right training toy and our expertise on the best way to tackle a range of training troubles,’ added Danny.
‘As a family-run business with a dog-mad, dedicated team, to get such glowing feedback means the world’.
Browse and shop the Tug-E-Nuff range at tug-e-nuff.co.uk
