Is It Normal For Dogs To Destroy Their Toys?At What Age Do Dogs Stop Destroying Toys?

Have you ever wondered why dogs destroy toys? He's just doing what a dog is born to do, but you can help him overcome this behavior.

Puppies and dogs chew things all their lives. For young dogs, chewing is a way to relieve teething pain. Older dogs do this to keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. Chewing is also a great way to help dogs cope with mild anxiety or depression.

But when puppies and adult dogs engage in what experts call "destructive chewing," something else usually happens.

Why Dogs Destroy Their Toys

Almost every dog loves toys, no matter their size or breed! But it's not normal for them to keep destroying them. Since destructive chewing is not without its dangers, it's worth exploring what might cause this behavior.

Do you often come home with "toy disasters"? A dog who only destroys toys when left alone may experience separation anxiety.

If your pet is on a calorie-restricted diet, he may chew and destroy his toys in an attempt to find more nutrients.

Bored dogs that don't get physical and mental stimulation often look for ways to entertain themselves, including destroying their toys.

Finally, believe it or not, pet parents often encourage spoiling toys! how? Many people find their new puppy's aggression towards toys endearing, so they unknowingly prolong the behavior and their pets start seeing it as a play.

How to get your dog to stop destroying his toys

Getting your pet to stop destroying stuffed items is vital to his health and well-being. For example, if your dog eats fillings or accidentally swallows squeaky ingredients, he may choke on them. They can also cause intestinal blockages that require surgery.

Here are some tips recommended by experts for managing or reducing disruptive chewing in dogs.

If you're dealing with puppy teething, the behavior may continue for about six months or so. Instead of giving him stuffed toys that he can tear apart, try giving your pet chew toys you can freeze, which can help numb the teething pain.

If your old dog is ruining his toys, swap the stuffed versions for educational toys filled with healthy treats. You can even incorporate some of your pet's daily food rations into the toy.

When you see your dog tearing one of his toys, gently take it out of his mouth and give him something he can chew on. Don't forget to compliment him when you give him new items. But don't give him "human stuff" like discarded cushions and old shoes. It just confuses him about what to chew on.

You may also want to temporarily "dog-proof" your house by putting away valuables until you're sure your pet's destructive chewing behavior is limited to appropriate items. Make it easy for your dog to succeed!

less disruptive playtime

Dogs need to learn what to chew and what not to chew, but they need to be taught in a gentle, humane way. So, what are the things you shouldn't do to stop your pet from destroying his toys? Hitting, scolding, or punishing the dog afterwards can backfire because he can't connect the punishment to what he did before. Wearing a muzzle or box for destructive chewing is also not recommended.

Keep in mind that as they age, many dogs spend less time playing with toys, protecting them like treasured heirlooms. If you choose puppy toys wisely, correct and distract your pet when he starts destructive chewing, and give him the mental and physical stimulation he needs, your pet is likely to forget about past toy-destroying behaviors.