Dogs go barking mad for squeaky toys. But, have you ever wondered why?
Walk into any pet store and you’ll find a wide range of squeaky dog toys. Bring a new toy home to your pup and they are bound to go crazy for it as soon as they hear that high-pitched noise. For humans, the relentless squeaking can be annoying but the sound taps into your dog’s natural instincts.
Your dog isn’t trying to irritate you by constantly chewing on their favorite squeaky toy. They actually love the sound and the feel for a variety of reasons — all of which are directly related to their natural hunting and chewing instincts. Researchers think that dogs perceive toys in the same way that wolves perceive prey, particularly toys that smell like food and make a noise.
Today, companion dogs don’t need to hunt for their food because it’s literally offered to them on a plate (or dog bowl!) However, this doesn’t mean their instincts have disappeared. Toys are a great way for your dog to burn off excess energy and go back to their roots as hunters. Furthermore, they’re fun and keeps your dog’s attention away from naughty behavior — like turning your furniture into their next toy.
All dogs have a natural prey drive but it’s stronger in some breeds than others. Breeds that were originally bred to hunt, like Golden Retrievers, often enjoy their squeaky toys more than non-hunting breeds.
You’ve probably witnessed your puppy ripping into a new chew toy with excitement. But if they love them so much, why do they destroy them so quickly? Again, this is a trait that can be traced back to their natural origin as hunters. Your dog is basically dissecting their kill.
Plush squeaky toys are a great way to help your puppy through the teething process because biting down on something can relieve pain. They are also great for older dogs with sensitive teeth and gums. However, active chewers will need something more robust to prevent fluff from ending up all over your carpet. Look for indestructible toys, such as rubber kongs, to keep your dog busy for longer. But, do avoid any toys that are too solid (i.e., they don’t have any “give” to them) because they can fracture a dog’s teeth.
Watching your dog happily chew on their favorite toy is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s also tons of fun for them. Hearing a squeak when they bite into a toy releases the happy hormone, dopamine, in your dog’s brain. This gives instant gratification and encourages them to come back for more. Your dog may also associate toys with social play. So, they will often chew on their toys in the hope of getting more playtime with you.
Playing with squeaker toys is a favorite pastime for many dogs. It prevents boredom and provides a great way for pups to interact with children, other animals, and their owners. However, there are some potential dangers, especially if you have an overactive chewer.
The best way to offer your dog’s favorite toy is for short periods as a reward for good behavior. Then, you can put it away until next time. You should also make sure your dog understands the ‘drop it’ or ‘leave it’ command. If you’re finding this difficult, offer them something even more enticing, such as a Kong filled with tasty food or treats.
Dogs should be taught to ask for their toy by sitting or standing calmly. If they are not trained correctly, they can become possessive of their toys. This may cause aggressive behavior with people and other animals.
Here are some more pointers to ensure a safe, fun playtime for you and your dog:
👉 Lethargy and a decreased interest in play can be signs of a serious health condition. Speak to your vet if you are concerned.
There’s a huge variety of squeaky toys from which to choose. Small dogs can be given smaller squeaky balls or plush toys. However, big dogs may need more sturdy toys. Toys with rubber spikes over the surface are great for keeping their teeth clean. You should also look for BPA-free dog toys that are made from food-grade material. These are antibacterial and can withstand excessive chewing for longer.
Dogs know that their squeaky toys aren’t alive because they hear no heartbeat or breathing. However, a squeaky toy can remind them of the cry made by an injured prey animal. This triggers their natural predatory drives.
When a dog chomps down on a toy and hears that classic squeak, it triggers the release of dopamine in the brain (also known as the happy hormone). This provides instant gratification and encourages them to come back for more.
Squeaky toys are a great way to keep your dog active. Plus, they are great fun to play with! However, you must supervise all play sessions, especially if you have an avid chewer. Some toys, especially plush toys, can easily be ripped apart and the stuffing can cause obstruction if too much is ingested. Squeaky toys also have a small squeaker mechanism inside which can be dangerous if swallowed.
Some dogs can be fearful of sudden loud noises. So, squeakers can potentially cause anxiety in certain individuals, especially if they have had a negative experience in the past. If this is the case, try alternative toys such as tennis balls or tug toys.
