Some dogs treat a new toy like a treasured possession. Others see it as a challenge to be completed in under ten minutes.
If your dog falls into the second category, you’ll know the routine. You buy a toy that promises to be almost indestructible, only to find stuffing scattered across the living room and a squeaker abandoned under the sofa.
The good news is that there are toys designed to cope with enthusiastic chewers. The trick is understanding how your dog plays and choosing something that’s both durable and safe.
Why Do Some Dogs Destroy Their Toys?
Chewing is perfectly natural for dogs. It can help relieve boredom, provide mental stimulation and give them something enjoyable to focus on. Puppies also chew as part of teething.
Some dogs are simply more enthusiastic than others.
Breed, age, personality and activity levels can all influence chewing habits. Labradors, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and many terriers, for example, can be particularly determined when it comes to pulling toys apart.
Young dogs may also go through a phase where nothing seems to survive for very long.
It helps to understand your dog’s chewing style:
- Shredders: Love pulling toys apart, particularly anything containing stuffing or a squeaker.
- Gulpers: May try to swallow pieces they’ve chewed off, making toy selection especially important.
- Persistent chewers: Settle down with a toy and work away at the same spot until something gives.
Knowing which description fits your dog makes choosing suitable toys much easier.
Which Dog Toy Materials Last the Longest?
Not all toys are designed for enthusiastic chewers, regardless of what the packaging says.
Natural rubber
Good-quality rubber toys are often a sensible choice for dogs that chew enthusiastically. They’re usually flexible enough to have some give while being durable enough to withstand regular use.
Hollow rubber toys that can be filled with treats or food are particularly useful, as they give your dog something rewarding to work towards.
Durable nylon
Some dogs enjoy nylon chew toys, especially those that prefer sitting quietly and chewing rather than chasing or tugging.
However, extremely hard nylon can damage teeth, and worn toys may develop sharp edges. Choose carefully and check them regularly.
Thick rope toys
Rope toys can be great for games of tug and interactive play.
They’re less suitable for dogs that immediately pull them apart, as swallowed strands can cause serious digestive problems. Keep rope games supervised and remove damaged toys.
Soft and plush toys
Not every dog needs a heavy-duty rubber toy. Some enjoy carrying a soft toy around or settling down with it.
But if your dog removes the stuffing within minutes, plush toys are best reserved for supervised play or avoided altogether.
Be Careful With Very Hard Chews
A toy doesn’t have to be rock-hard to be durable.
Antlers, cooked bones and exceptionally hard chews can cause painful tooth fractures. As a general guide, if you can’t make any impression on a chew with your fingernail, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth.
If you’re unsure which toys are suitable, ask your vet for advice.
Getting the Size and Shape Right
Size matters just as much as material.
A toy that’s perfectly suitable for a small dog could become a choking hazard for a much larger one.
Choose toys that cannot fit entirely inside your dog’s mouth, and always follow the manufacturer’s size recommendations.
Shape is worth considering too.
Some dogs love irregular rubber toys that bounce in unexpected directions. Others prefer longer toys they can hold between their paws while chewing.
Be particularly cautious with toys that have holes or openings where a dog’s tongue or jaw could become trapped.
Make Tough Toys More Interesting
Durability is important, but there’s little point buying a toy that your dog completely ignores.
Sometimes the best approach is to make playtime more rewarding.
Try rotating toys rather than leaving everything available all the time. Bringing out a favourite toy after a few days can make it seem exciting again.
Food-filled rubber toys are another good option. Some can be stuffed with a small amount of your dog’s usual food or a dog-safe treat.
You can even freeze suitable food-filled toys to make the contents last longer.
Just remember to account for extra treats as part of your dog’s daily food allowance.
Interactive games are worth including too. A few minutes of tug, fetch or a simple search game can provide stimulation that chewing alone might not offer.
When Should You Replace a Dog Toy?
Even the toughest dog toy won’t last forever.
Regularly check toys for signs of damage, particularly if your dog is an enthusiastic chewer.
Look out for:
- Cracks or splits in rubber
- Loose or damaged squeakers
- Missing chunks of material
- Fraying rope or exposed threads
- Sharp edges or worn surfaces
If a toy is starting to fall apart, replace it rather than waiting for your dog to finish the job.
Swallowed pieces can cause choking or intestinal blockages, so it’s always better to be cautious. If you suspect your dog has swallowed part of a toy, contact your vet promptly.
Finding Dog Toys That Can Withstand Heavy Chewing
When shopping for durable toys, it’s worth looking beyond claims such as “tough” or “indestructible”.
Read reviews from owners with dogs of similar sizes and chewing habits, and check whether the toy is designed for chewing, retrieving or interactive play.
Different countries also have different products available. For example, Australian dog owners can explore this guide to tough dog toys for aggressive chewers, which covers a range of options for dogs that are particularly hard on their toys.
Wherever you’re shopping, prioritise suitability and safety over promises that a toy will last forever.
A Happier Dog and Fewer Destroyed Toys
If your dog destroys every toy you bring home, don’t assume they’re being naughty.
For many dogs, chewing is simply an enjoyable part of everyday life.
Choosing the right materials, getting the size right and providing different ways to play can make a real difference.
Start by observing how your dog uses their toys, introduce new ones under supervision and replace anything that becomes damaged.
And if your dog needs more stimulation or help managing destructive behaviour, you can explore local dog trainers on The Good Dog Guide for additional support.
With a little trial and error, you should be able to find toys that keep your dog entertained without having to clear up a pile of stuffing every afternoon.
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