Why Do Dogs Destroy Cuddly Toys?

Pet parents everywhere watch as their dogs pounce and squirm with joy at their new toys. Chew toys and rawhide are designed for chewing, but why do your dogs love to tear up stuffed animals like they're in a race against time to win a lifetime of more toys and their favorite treats?

Some breeds of dogs are strong and can give any toy a workout; others are fluffy little dogs, like the Shih Tzu, that can easily chew on a chew toy but take weeks or months to puncture it. .

Here are some of the most common reasons for ruined dog toys.

1. Dog toys trigger prey instinct

If you've ever seen your dog put a squeaky toy in his mouth and then shake it like it's his job, then you've seen the "shake and kill" instinct in action. This instinct suggests that even docile pugs may carry traces of wolf DNA, sometimes triggered by squeaky toys. The high-pitched squeak awakens the dog's dormant prey drives, forcing it to shake, chew, and break down.

In the wild, shaking is a way to confuse and immobilize prey. If your dog is a hunting breed like a Labrador Retriever or a Beagle, you won’t be surprised that they can’t help themselves when it comes to destroying every stuffed toy they come across in their path. It's really instinctive.

2. So boring

Every dog, no matter how big or small, needs a way to release pent-up energy. Some dog breeds are naturally energetic and require extended periods of exercise to thrive. Such dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation every day. Otherwise, they will get bored, and bored dogs often amuse themselves by destroying your furniture and chewing on door frames.

During supervised playtime, educational toys can capture the attention of an otherwise bored dog and keep them engaged. Educational toys encourage problem solving, increased dexterity, and of course, delicious rewards.

3. Unsuitable dog toys

You wouldn't give the same toy to a 50-pound pit bull and a 10-pound Chihuahua, would you? of course not. Compared to smaller Chihuahuas, Petey has a stronger jaw and larger paws, requiring a more durable rubber toy.

If you're looking for an interactive toy, your dog (of any size) will love playing tug of war with you with a rope toy. Most dogs appreciate a durable chew toy that is the right size for their jaws. Just like people, dogs have their own preferences, and you have to try a few toys to know which type your dog likes. In addition to the breed of the dog, the age of the dog also affects its preferences and destructive abilities.

4. Interesting

Dogs just want to have fun, and destroying toys is fun. It will be mentally stimulating for your dog as they love to look for weak spots in toys. For example, if you give your dog a stuffed toy with a squeak in it, and they methodically process the squeak and stuff the toy over the next fifteen minutes, your dog will be very happy! They'll lie among a pile of stuffing, fabric, and plastic, panting happily and looking content.

While this is fun for your dog, it's less fun for you. You'll want to monitor for damage to prevent choking hazards, such as squeaks getting into your puppy's throat. Plus, if you're like me, this seems wasteful and all the fillings and such are immediately thrown in the trash.

5. Your dog wants your attention

If your dog is rolling around at your feet and happily nibbling on a toy, he'll probably enjoy it if you play with it. We spend a lot of time working or taking care of other responsibilities, but your puppy is home all day and wants to play with you.

Shredding pillow tops is one way to get your attention. But if you make sure your dog gets enough play time and exercise to release pent-up energy, you'll both be happier. Your dog loves spending time with you.