It can be frustrating to see your pet destroy the toys you have specially bought with them in mind.
You may be tempted to stop giving them toys or embark on a search for indestructible models.
Your pet may be enjoying your pet so much that they end up dismembering them during playtime.
Only allow them to destroy toys under your supervision, particularly because they can choke on the smaller pieces or stuffing.
Why Your Dog is Destroying Toys?
Your dog will typically damage toys because of boredom, prey drive, or they are simply enjoying tearing down a new item.
Boredom
Most pet owners give their dogs toys to distract them from chewing on precious items like shoes and furniture.
The dog learns to play on their own with the items you have bought for them, and they may not even rely on you during playtime.
There is a chance, however, that your pet will get bored if they spend a lot of time on themselves.
If you have been neglecting your dog for a while, or you have not taken them outside to utilize their energy, they may channel their enthusiasm on destroying toys.
You are Giving Your Pet the Wrong Toys
It is never a good idea to buy cheap and poorly-made toys unless you want to keep buying them.
Soft plush and flimsy rubber toys, for example, do not stand a chance against powerful breeds. A bored dog is also determined when they are destroying items.
When buying toys, ensure they are rated for the breed and size of your dog. Bigger dogs require durable playthings, and it may mean buying more expensive but good quality toys.
You can choose from a variety of hard rubber toys and treat-dispensing models.
Bored dogs can be given interactive toys to provide both physical and mental stimulation. Dogs like to see results of their actions and will chew on an item for a while with a determination to make holes.
Even if you give them an assortment of hard and soft models, they will still prefer the easy-to-destroy soft ones.
It could be a Sign of Prey Drive
Dogs are naturally canine, and they still retain some instincts to subdue prey.
If you notice your pet destroying squeaky toys, they may have torn them apart in a bid to silence the sound, and “kill” the toy.
Once the squeaking sound is finished, the dog will lose interest in the toy.
You Have Reinforced the Behavior
Puppies often attempt to appear stronger than they really are. They may attempt to tear apart a toy or another item, and their owners will encourage them while thinking it is hilarious.
Along with instructions like “sit,” your dog will remember all the other behaviors you encouraged them to adopt, including tearing apart their toys.
To avoid this, take away an item once your puppy begins to become overzealous with it.
How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Toys?
Before trying to discourage your dog from playing with his toys, address the underlying concern. Your dog may be experiencing stress or anxiety, or they may be bored with their routine.
Even if you are offering them a lot of physical exercise, your dog may need mental stimulation. A pet will often direct their frustration to items that are around them or those that they interact with the most.
You can use training to teach your dog to play instead of destroying his toys. Invest in a durable toy, depending on how determined the pet is.
Ask them to perform a trick they are familiar with, such as “sit.” If they sit, you can reward them with the toy and supervise playtime. If they play with it appropriately, offer praise and treats.
As soon as the dog starts trying to rip the toy apart, interrupt him with deterrents like “eh eh!”
You can also clap your hands if they do not react to the vocal cue, although this method is not advised for easily frightened dogs.
Reward the pet if they stop destroying the toy and continue playing nicely.
Your dog may think that it is fun to destroy toys, which is why you should stay while they play.
Do not just give the dog the toy and then walk away. Make a toy fun in other ways, including playing fetch or tug.
Dogs are also known to especially like destroying treat-dispensing toys. Once the treats are done, the pet will often start chewing on the toy.
To start, you can add loose food to make it easy for them to get to the food. Once they are used to this, add wet, compacted, or frozen food.
You can also smear items like peanut butter on the outside. Remove the toy once the treats are finished.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats His Toys?
Dog emergencies are common, and you may be tempted to wait till the morning to consult the vet if your pet swallows their toy at night.
The faster you act, however, the quicker your dog can be alleviated from the symptoms of swallowing foreign objects.
If your dog swallows their toy, you have a two-hour window to have them examined with the possibility of safely extracting it.
Once this window passes, your dog may require surgical intervention. Do not wait around once you realize that they have swallowed foreign objects.
Consider the item’s size to determine if it will make it through the dog’s intestines.
If the item is not sharp, vomiting will likely be induced in the two-hour window before it gets to the intestines.
If the metal is sharp, it may damage the pet’s esophagus, which is why an X-Ray is needed to determine if it can travel back through the esophagus.
The method to remove the toy will depend on how fast you call the veterinarian or the local veterinary hospital.
Best “Indestructible” Toys for Aggressive Chewers
So, to be sure, that you dog will not destroy and swallow any toy, you might want to buy some “indestructible” toys for your pet. Below are five toys I recommend for aggressive chewers that will last a really long time:
1. Ultra-Durable Chew Toy – Monster K9
This toy is designed to be virtually indestructible, and it is crafted from the strongest industrial-strength rubber.
The toy is puncture-resistant and shock-absorbing, and it will not be damaged by the strongest of breeds.
The item will stand the test of time even if given to such aggressive chewers as German Shepherds, Mastiffs, and Pitbulls. You can be assured that it will tame the chewing habits of your pet.
With dimensions of 1.25 inches thick, and 6.5 inches in diameter, the toy is suited for a range of games, including fetch, tug-of-war, and chew.
2. Indestructible Dog Ball – Monster K9
This ball has been manufactured from the toughest industrial-strength natural rubber. Its puncture-resistant qualities have been tested against powerful chewers like German Shepherds.
It is 7 cm in diameter, making it ideal for medium-sized or large dogs. You can use it to engage your pet for a game of fetch, and it will be suitable if they like playing ball.
This toy is safe for a dog to chew. The rubber used is 100% non-toxic, and it will not harm your pet because it is “softer” than plastic and other hard toys.
3. Indestructible Chew Toy Bone – Oneisall
This bone-shaped model is appropriate for enthusiastic chewers. If you are dealing with a dog’s destructive chewing habits, this toy can help ease the situation.
The toy is manufactured from food-grade nylon instead of rubber, and the bacon flavor will appeal to your pet.
It will offer a good amount of stimulation for a stressed or bored dog. The toy will also keep the pet’s teeth healthy and in good shape.
The toy comes in three sizes to accommodate the size of different dogs.
4. Dog Rope Toys for Aggressive Chewers
These toys are perfect for playing chewing, shaking, and tug. Your dog will be entertained for hours as they last through aggressive playtimes.
They will also alleviate anxiety in your dog and keep them away from your precious belongings like shoes and furniture.
The ropes are made from the safest materials and adhesives to protect your pet. You will also be supporting the dogs at Pacific Pups Rescue in California by buying these toys.
5. Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy – Benebone
This bone features a dog-friendly design to enable your pet to keep chewing on it. It is made from 100% real food ingredients for a pleasant smell and flavor.
Benebone only uses 100% USA-sourced REAL BACON to appeal to dogs.
This toy is manufactured in New York with rigorous and safe production methods. The brand engages in community involvement and donations to advance the welfare of dogs.
You should, however, give the toy to a dog with strong teeth and replace them after significant wear.
Conclusion
Your dog can be destroying their toys because of boredom and prey drive, or you could be giving them the wrong toys.
You can discourage the behavior through training. Indestructible toys from brands like Benebone and Monster K9 can also be used on aggressive chewers.
Only let your dog destroy your dog under supervision, as it can be fatal if they swallow the toy or any parts of it.