{"id":22546,"date":"2022-11-08T07:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T14:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=22546"},"modified":"2022-11-08T09:55:25","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T16:55:25","slug":"why-do-dogs-destroy-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/dogs\/why-do-dogs-destroy-toys","title":{"rendered":"Stuffing Explosion: Why Do Dogs Destroy Toys?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My sister\u2019s black lab mix tore through her new stuffed toy faster than I could order the stuffed lamb with the black bow around its neck. We grabbed the plastic squeakers before the pup could swallow those in her delight. What is it about dog toys? Why do plush toys send even mild-mannered dogs on a search-and-destroy mission?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet parents everywhere watch their dogs pounce and wriggle in delight at a new toy. Chew toys and rawhides are made for chewing, but why does your dog relish ripping apart a plush toy like they are racing against the clock to win a lifetime supply of more toys and their favorite treats? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Loves Destroying Toys <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are several reasons why dogs enjoy toy destruction. However, the reasons will vary from dog to dog. Some dog breeds are strong and bound to give any toy a workout; others are small, fluffy dogs like a Shih Tzu who is apt to gnaw on a chew toy but will take weeks or months to pierce it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the most common reasons for destroying dog toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dog Toys Trigger the Prey Instinct <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019ve ever seen your dog pick up a squeaky toy in their mouth and shake it like it was its job, then you\u2019ve seen the \u201cshake and kill\u201d instinct in action. This instinct shows that even gentle lap dogs can carry a shadow of that wolf DNA, sometimes triggered by squeaky toys. The high-pitched squeak wakes your dog\u2019s dormant prey drive and compels him to shake, chomp, and dismantle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the wild, the shaking serves as a way to disorient and immobilize prey. If your dog is a hunting breed like a Labrador retriever or beagle, you won\u2019t be surprised they just can\u2019t help themselves when destroying every plush toy that crosses their path. It truly is instinctual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

2. So Bored <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every dog, large or small, needs a way to release pent-up energy. Some dog breeds are naturally high-energy (working breeds<\/a> come to mind) and thrive on hours of exercise. Such dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation daily. Otherwise, they\u2019ll be bored and bored dogs often entertain themselves by destroying your furniture and gnawing on door frames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With supervised playtime, puzzle toys can engage the minds of otherwise bored dogs, so they\u2019re engaged. Puzzle toys encourage problem-solving, dexterity, and, yes, tasty rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog has a bigger problem like separation anxiety, <\/a>you\u2019ll probably benefit from working with a dog behaviorist or dog trainer on ways to curb the anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Lickin’ Layers Dog Puzzle Game, Multi<\/h3>\n\t\t\t

Lickin’ Layers is a Level 2 dog puzzle game from Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound. Dogs have to navigate the three layers of food compartments by spinning each one to reveal the treats. Dog puzzle games help pups use their natural instincts and behaviors to help their brains develop through mental stimulation, and ones like Lickin’ Layers provide the enrichment they crave! With over 100 treat compartments,…<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Dog Worker Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Green<\/h3>\n\t\t\t

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Worker puzzle dog toy is a challenging level 3 puzzle game that will keep your dog busy for hours as they use their instincts to hunt for hidden treats. This advanced interactive dog puzzle game has 3 steps that your dog will need to learn in order to get to the tasty rewards: swivel the flippers, scoot the blocks, and spin the center wheel. Hidden compartments are…<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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