Toys and Tips for the Destructive Dog

Being a lifetime dog lover and working for my local dog rescue group for many years, I’ve had my share of personal property mistaken for dog toys.

What causes this type of behavior and what can you do about it? There are a number of reasons dogs hone in on your stuff and many things you can do to put an end to it.

Although training and excercise are essential, you must make sure you have the right dog toys, chews and acceptable activities available.

Too much energy is the root of many “behavior” problems. Simply taking your dog for a walk every morning will help him release that energy. A quick game of fetch or a morning jog can certainly do the trick for many breeds, leaving them ready for a nap when you are off to work.

A friend of mine was suffering from destructo-dog and losing shoes, hats and clothing to her energetic pitbull mix. When I visited their home, I was hard pressed to find a dog toy.

The dog begins sampling other items like stray socks or something out of the wastebasket to occupy her free time.

The best solution for boredom based destruction is to have a good selection and variety of toys for your dog.

Many dogs will have favorite toys that can keep them occupied for hours.

Great toys like Kyjen dog puzzles actually challenge the dog by mentally exercising him. These type of toys can have a much longer shelf life because it becomes less about “killing” the toy to remove the squeaker and more about removing each toy from the house, or completing a task to receive the reward.

A smart dog needs smart toys. Simple as that.

Some dogs are just not meant to have a stuffed squeaky toy. $7.99 is gone in 60 seconds or less as your dog races to get every last bit of white fluffy stuffing pulled out of the limp plush.

Kong Squeez toys are probably one of the most indestructible toys on the market. They are very appealing to my dog and provide long periods of chewing and squeaking before she can finally get the squeak out of these heavy duty rubber toys. Even without the squeaker, they are still fun to chew and almost impossible to chew apart!

See the full selection of Jax and Bones Rope Toys

Made in the USA "Dura Doggie" toys are also a hit with the aggressive chewer. Their Beba toy is squeaky and strong. It is made of FDA approved rubber and is also a treat dispenser. My dog is still not able to get the squeak out!

Buy the "Dura Doggie" - Beba Toy

I learned with some of my beloved babies that certain textures simply appealed to them. The corner of my wood coffee table proved to be intensely satisfying to my lab mix. After offering a sampling of choices, I found that cow’s hooves (yes, I know – really gross!) were a suitable replacement. When I would catch her near that delicious piece of furniture, I’d quickly offer a hoof. Soon furniture gnawing became a thing of the past.

The bottom line is that we own many items that look, smell and feel like toys to dogs. Let’s face it, leather is part of a dead animal. If your dog has ever come across a dead animal, you know what a life changing experience this is for them and your boots are just as stimulating.

Spend some time training your dog with the approved toys and some of these off limit items. Each time they choose the toy over your purse, they are patted and praised. One lick of the purse gets a quick “no!” Put in a little time as the professor and your dog will get a passing grade.

All dogs are different and what is a must have toy for one dog, may never get the seal of approval from another. The key is to get involved with active play and pay attention to what interests your dog and what does not.

If your pup is starting to search for your new boots, take a look at her toy selection and see if it’s time for an upgrade.

With all the knowledge you have gathered, surely you can find something that will be much cheaper and more rewarding than replacing your coffee table or running shoes.

Also, if you set yourself up properly for a new dog you can avoid the destruction and disappointment completely and raise a discerning and clever companion who will almost always choose the right toy over your personal property.