Why Do Dogs Destroy Toys?

There are five common reasons dogs decide to destroy that new plushie.  

Ripping into a toy might just be your dog’s idea of a good time.  

“In most cases, it’s entertainment,” says Wayne Hunthausen, DVM, director of Westwood Animal Hospital’s Animal Behavior Consultations in Westwood, Kansas.  

Dogs can also blame it on their ancestors.  

The squeakers in dog toys mimic the sound of prey, so all that pouncing, shaking, tearing, and removing the fluff-filled insides is mimicking attacking prey, says AnaClara Muñoz, DVM, a veterinarian with Village Square Woodside Veterinary Hospital in Redwood City, California.  

This instinct is particularly strong for hunting breeds, such as: 

• Retrievers (like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers) 
• Beagles 
• Terriers (like Jack Russell Terriers) 
• Spaniels (like Cocker Spaniels) 

If the toy destruction occurs only when you leave the house or are separated from your dog, the root cause of the behavior may be driven by separation anxiety.  

Dogs left home alone for many hours could also be chewing from boredom. 

Some dogs are just heartier chewers than others. The next time you pick a toy for them, think durable chew toys instead of a super soft plushie.  

Puppies are cute when do they just about anything, even if it’s roughhousing and destroying their toys.    

But if you’re reacting to their behavior with attention or praise, they’re likely to keep doing it—for more attention and praise.  

You can gently take the toy away, and if they display good behavior, reward their good manners with a treat. Another option is politely not responding if they’re not on their best behavior.  

No, you shouldn’t let your dog destroy their toys. But if your dog’s prey drive is high, it can be tough to convince them that there are better things to do than shredding and eating Mr. Squirrel.  

You’ll need to supervise playtime to make sure your dog stays safe, since just a little chewing can quickly turn dangerous. If your dog swallows part of the toy—whether it’s rubber, fabric, or a plastic squeaker—it can cause a partial or complete intestinal blockage.   

A blockage is a medical emergency that may require surgery. Head to the ER veterinarian ASAP if you suspect a blockage.  

A blockage from eating objects that are not food is common and in severe cases life-threatening. 

Common symptoms of intestinal blockage include: 

• Lethargy 
• Decreased appetite 
• Vomiting or retching 
• Excessive drooling  
• Abdominal pain 
• Hunched back 
• Whimpering or whining 
• Decreased volume or no stool being produced  

If you suspect your dog has a blockage, take your dog to the emergency vet. 

If your dog regularly destroys their toys, it’s time to stop the destructive chewing behavior. 

However, you should never use negative reinforcement, such as yelling. It causes your dog more anxiety, which increases the negative behavior. 

Instead, follow these steps from our two veterinarians to stop your dog from destructive chewing: 

Keep a careful eye on your pup.  

When you’re away from home, set up an indoor camera to watch your dog. If they start chewing aggressively and destroying not only toys, but also other items in the house, this may be a sign of anxiety.  

Make a loud or unusual noise to break up the behavior.  

It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a noise that doesn’t scare them but redirects their focus off the toy and onto you, like a whistle or clicker.  

If you need to take the toy away because your dog is in danger of swallowing a large piece or if it’s an off-limits stuffed animal, offer a high-value treat (something ranked a 10 out of 10 on their scale of favorite snacks) and remove the toy.  

Replacing something high value (the toy) with something else high value (the treat) prevents resource-guarding of the toy, which often leads to aggression. 

Experiment with more durable dog toys— from soft and crinkly to tougher chews—and different types of chew toys made from different materials, like rubber toys and ropes. 

Spending time with your dog is a win-win: It increases your bond and tires them out, which leads to less destructive chewing.  

Try these activities: 

• Tug-of-war 
• Fetch (try the Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Toy) 

• Assign a job, like teaching them basic manners cues with a clicker, or find a dog sport they enjoy, treibball 
• Pick a fun puzzle toy to stimulate their mind 

• Get them a lick mat to keep them engaged  

When it comes to dog toys for aggressive chewers, you have lots of options to entertain your pup.  

While some dogs won’t be able to resist shredding plushies, there are some toys that are meant to be more durable than others.    

Some plushies even have a hard center meant to challenge chewers.  

Rubber chews are often ideal dog toys for aggressive chewers.  

Rope toys are fun for dogs who love to tug.  

A chew-safe ball gives your dog a satisfying activity for when fetch is over.  

Give your treat-loving dog a fun puzzle to get their goodies.  

A chewy toy and fresh breath? Perfection.  

No, no toy is 100% indestructible. Any toy can be destroyed by the right dog, but there are some toys that are more durable for powerful chewers.  

Dogs may destroy squeaky toys for several reasons. Squeakers mimic prey, and this may fuel your dog’s natural instinct to chase and conquer prey.  

It depends, but the toughest dog toys are often made of natural rubber or hard nylon. These types of toys often last longer than softer materials.