Readers have been asking us for years to help them find a suitable retrieve toy for blind dogs. We think this is it. This electronic mechanism records a 10-second message, which is played back when the center button is depressed. The mechanism provides a much longer message than those typically found in dog toys and can be placed inside a tennis ball or a plush toy. Wouldn’t it be nice for your blind dog to find his favorite toy with the help of your voice recorded inside!

To order: select “Talking Mechanism for Toys” from the drop-down menu located next to the books or DVD of your choice on our Ordering page. Cost: $11.95.

NOTE: For supervised play only. NOT for use in chew toys. We do not replace items damaged by dogs.

Our experience: We tested the mechanism inside a tennis ball (loose, no padding) and it stood up to repeated use by an Australian Shepherd. A Standard Dachshund also tested it inside a plush toy (with lots of padding). The dogs were not allowed to chew the toys. The message we recorded was an ongoing, “Puppy, puppy, puppy!”

For use in a tennis ball: After recording your message, make a cut in the ball slightly longer than the mechanism. Watch your fingers! Squeeze the ball and insert the mechanism. We did not fasten the opening in any way. We found that the ball retained its shape just fine, and the opening was necessary to press the “play” button.

For use in plush toy: After recording your message, wrap the mechanism in padding such as bubble wrap or quilter’s batting. Open the seam of a new toy or put to use one of the millions of ripped toys you have lying around. We do recommend sewing up the seam once the mechanism is inside.

We used a plush toy that actually had a Velcro opening and a padded pouch! (Do a web search for Dr. Noys Toys to find retailers.) Only the LARGE size has an opening wide enough to accept the mechanism. We removed the squeaker from the pouch and replaced it with the talking mechanism. Then we folded the edges of the pouch over the mechanism in an “S” shape for added protection (see photo) and replaced both inside the toy. The play button was easily activated by squeezing the toy.

**Note: Battery and operating instructions are included. Tennis ball and plush toys not included.