Dogs are naturally naughty and playful, and they possess a lot of energy, especially when they are younger.
Moreover, they have a great sense of smell and they love exploring everything and anything, including the many pet toys you bring home for them to play with.
As a dog owner myself, I also buy toys for my dog to keep him busy, and give him something to do while I’m away for work.
Unfortunately, most of the games that dogs play involve chewing, gnawing and biting. This means that you are more likely to find the precious toys that you bought the other day dismantled into pieces.
So Why Does Your Dog Destroy Toys?
Well, here are a few reasons why your dog is destroying toys.
Boredom
Dogs get bored too, especially if left at home alone with no one to play with. Without adequate playtime, your dog is likely to get into mischief.
They may gnaw on your furniture, shoes, and clothes or destroy their toys in frustration.
Prey Drive
Even though dogs have been domesticated since time immemorial, they still possess their natural hunting instincts.
With that said, the high-pitched sounds that come from various toys is likely to spark the urge to hunt and kill, hence they will end up destroying the toy.
Supremacy
Dogs are instinctively territorial animals and they will not relent on any opportunity to protect their space.
Bringing a squeaker toy or any toy that poses a challenge will trigger the dog into action. In most cases, the dog will not stop until it destroys the toy to reach the squeaker.
Aggressive Chewers
Some dog breeds are simply aggressive chewers. This means that any toy that you buy will likely end up in pieces.
Considering this, you should opt for durable toys made using tough but safe materials such as rubber or latex.
Poor Quality Toys
If you buy poor quality toys, they will certainly get destroyed regardless of whether your dog is an aggressive chewer or not.
Poor quality toys will obviously not withstand the bites and gnaws of a frustrated dog.
Inappropriate Toys
It is possible that you could be buying a quality toy, but it is just the wrong type for the job. Different dog breed prefer different toys.
Some prefer toys that make noise while others like silent toys. With this in mind, you should find out what your dog likes before buying any toys.
How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Toys?
Taming a dog’s habit of destroying toys is not easy, but it is possible. In essence, you need to teach your pet how to play with toys safely when the dog is still young. Here are a few tips on how to stop your dog from dismantling toys.
Understand Your Dog
Puppies have a tendency of chewing items particularly when teething. On the other hand, adult dogs may chew and destroy toys when they are bored or want attention.
With this in mind, you should take your time to find out the reasons behind this behavior in order to establish the best course of action.
Train Your Dog
It is your responsibility to train your dog on how to play with toys, especially when they are still young. Adult dogs might require professional training given that they take longer to learn.
Supervise Playtime
You may also supervise playtime until the dog learns the house rules. Caution them when they do something wrong and offer a treat as a reward when they show progress, until they learn it is wrong to destroy toys.
Bond and Play with Your Dog
One of the reasons dogs destroy toys is due to separation anxiety and boredom. Considering this, you should spare some of your time to bond and play with your dog. During this period, you can teach your dog appropriate behaviors.
Avoid Chasing Your Dog
If your dog grabs a toy and runs, do not chase after him or her. Dogs love it when they are being chased by humans. Instead, call your dog and offer him a treat.
Buy the Right Type of Toys
As mentioned before, different dogs love different toys. Take time to discern the type of toy that your dog loves before buying one. If you buy the right toys, your dog will not destroy them.
What Should I Do if My Dog Eats His Toys?
If the above tips do not work, then your dog’s tendency to destroy toys could just be a sign to a bigger underlying problem.
It could be that your dog is suffering from depression or lacking certain minerals. It could also be that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety.
Whatever the reason, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for further advice.
Best Indestructible Toys for Aggressive Chewers
If you want to tame your dog’s tendency to destroy items for good, then consider buying indestructible toys.
Here are just but a few high quality toys designed for aggressive chewers that you should consider for your dog.
1. Monster K9 Ultra Durable Chew Toy
First up the list is the Monster K9 Ultra Durable Chew Toy. This toy has undergone stern tests to ensure that it is virtually indestructible.
It features a shock absorbing design and it is made using the toughest materials to ensure that it does not puncture.
Even though the toy’s material is tough and indestructible, it is 100% safe for your pet. It does not consist of harmful chemicals that may affect your dog’s health.
Monster K9 also offers a lifetime replacement guarantee that proves that this toy is safe and indeed unbreakable.
Pros
- Great for various games e.g. fetch, tug of war
- Does not contain chemicals
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
Cons
- Not recommended for small pets
2. Monster K9 Indestructible Dog Ball
Next in line is the Monster K9 Indestructible Dog Ball. Now, most dogs love playing with balls thus it is not surprising that this particular toy is one of our favorites.
The ball features a heavy-duty, shock absorbing design that is not only strong but also puncture-resistant.
Moreover, this toy is aggressive chewer approved thanks to its industrial strength rubber material. You can buy it for your German shepherd, Mastiff, Pit-bull or Doberman dog breed without worrying about its durability.
The best part is that the ball is easy to throw and carry around. It measures 7cm in diameter, which is the perfect size for playing fetch and regular ball games.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Made using non-toxic materials
- 100% safe
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only suitable for large dogs
3. Indestructible Pet Chew Toy Bone
Dogs love chewing, biting and playing with bones. For this reason, you should consider buying the indestructible pet chew toy bone for your aggressive dog.
The toy is made from chewable nylon instead of rubber, making it safe for your dog. Moreover, the bone has a meaty, tasty, bacon flavor that will stimulate your dog’s taste buds during every play session.
What’s more is that the bone is extremely safe on your dog’s teeth and gums. In effect, you do not have to worry about the toy harming your pet.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Made using food grade nylon
- Bacon flavor
- 100% safe on your dog’s teeth
Cons
- Not indestructible as you have to replace it every 6 months
4. Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Rope toys are also an ideal option for all types of dog breeds, including aggressive chewers. Moreover, they can be used for a variety of games ranging from tug of war to shaking.
This dog rope toy is plastic free and they are made using materials that are harmless to your pet. Moreover, the toy is designed to help decrease fretfulness in pets and prevent your dog from gnawing on your furniture, shoes and personal belongings
This dog rope toy by Pacific Pups Products was designed to support the rescue of dogs from high kills shelters. With every purchase, you will save a dog from cruel living conditions.
Pros
- Extremely durably
- Made from pet-safe materials
- Available in different designs and colors
- Every purchase supports the rescue of dogs from high kill shelters
Cons
- The rope toy is not indestructible
5. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
The Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone is another dog chew toy worth checking out. It comes with a dog-friendly design that will allow your pet get a good grip of the bone.
Furthermore, the bone is made using real food ingredients that includes bacon, for an inviting flavor and aroma.
In fact, your dog won’t be able to tell the difference between the bone and real bacon! However, this does not mean that the bone is edible. It will only keep your dog busy without harming his teeth.
The only concern is that you have to replace the bone every few months after reasonable wear.
Pros
- Made using real food ingredients
- Highly resilient
- Made in the USA
- Supports dog welfare programs
Cons
- Wears out after a few months
Conclusion
Your dogs requires sufficient playtime for exercise and mental stimulation. However, to achieve these objectives, you need to buy the appropriate toys failure of which your dog will destroy every play item you bring home for them.
Fortunately, our list highlights the best indestructible toys for aggressive chewers. Pick one or two for your dog to cut down on your toy purchases and ensure that your canine friend is happy all the time.