CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOY

Choose a toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size, play style, and chewing habits.

A toy or removable component should not be small enough for your dog to swallow. Dogs who play roughly or tend to chew and destroy plush toys may require closer supervision and shorter play sessions.

Our plush nosework toys are designed for sniffing, searching, pulling, and treat discovery. They are not intended to be used as unattended chew toys.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE PLAY

Keep your dog within your line of sight whenever a toy is in use.

Supervision allows you to guide the activity, adjust the difficulty, and remove the toy immediately if a seam opens or a component becomes loose or damaged.

INSPECT BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY PLAY SESSION

Check the entire toy before and after use.

Look for:

• Open or weakened seams
• Torn or heavily worn fabric
• Loose threads or straps
• Exposed stuffing
• Loose squeakers or crinkle material
• Damaged or detached components
• Loose or damaged hook-and-loop fasteners
• Pieces that have become small enough to swallow

Stop using the toy immediately if you notice damage. Remove and replace any toy that can no longer be used safely.

INTRODUCE NOSEWORK GRADUALLY

Start with an easy activity so your dog can understand how the toy works.

Place larger treats near the surface or leave part of each treat visible. Keep removable components separated and leave pockets or folds open during the first few sessions.

Once your dog understands the game, gradually increase the challenge by:

• Using smaller treats
• Placing treats deeper inside pockets or fabric folds
• Adding removable components
• Closing wraps or soft hook-and-loop fasteners
• Combining multiple treat-hiding areas

If your dog becomes frustrated or begins chewing the toy instead of searching, simplify the activity and guide them back to an easier level.

Always follow the difficulty and play instructions provided on the individual product page.

USE APPROPRIATE TREATS

Choose treats that fit comfortably inside the toy’s pockets, folds, or fabric strands.

Do not force treats into an opening if they are too large, sharp, sticky, or difficult to remove. Remove any leftover food after play and consider the treats used during nosework as part of your dog’s daily food intake.

Dogs with dietary restrictions or health concerns should use treats recommended by their veterinarian.

WATCH REMOVABLE COMPONENTS

Some the furryfolks toys include removable pieces that create additional layers of play.

Keep track of every component during the activity. Do not allow your dog to swallow, continuously chew, or carry away a removable piece without supervision.

Remove any component that becomes damaged or too small for your dog to use safely.

SQUEAKERS AND CRINKLE TEXTURES

Squeakers and crinkle materials add sensory variety, but some dogs can become highly focused on removing them.

If your dog repeatedly bites one area to reach a sound-making component, stop the session and inspect the toy. Discontinue use if the squeaker, crinkle material, or stuffing becomes exposed.

Introduce sound-making toys gradually to dogs that are sensitive to noise.

CLEANING AND CARE

Always follow the care instructions listed on the individual product page.

Unless otherwise noted:

• Machine wash cold with mild detergent
• Tumble dry low or air-dry
• Do not use fabric softeners
• Do not bleach
• Do not iron
• Do not dry-clean

Remove leftover treats before washing. Allow the toy and all removable components to dry completely before the next play session.

AFTER PLAY

After each play session:

1. Remove any remaining treats.
2. Inspect the toy for damage.
3. Clean it when needed.
4. Allow it to dry completely before the next use.

Removing leftover treats and checking the toy after play helps keep treat-hiding areas clean and ready for the next activity.

WHEN TO REPLACE A TOY

No toy is entirely indestructible.

Replace a toy when its original shape or construction has changed enough that loose fabric, filling, fasteners, sound-making materials, or removable components could be pulled off or swallowed.

If you believe your dog has swallowed part of a toy or shows signs of distress, contact a veterinarian promptly.