Why does my dog rip the stuffing out of everything? A Complete Guide

Why does my dog want to destroy his toys anyway?

For your dog, the desire to destroy a stuffed animal can be as simple as instinct. If your dog has a high prey drive, they view the toy as their prey and destroy it, as they have been bred to do for hundreds of years. While this is usually the main reason a dog will rip his toys apart, other reasons are:

Boredom. Your dog doesn’t have anything else to do, so he grabs a toy and mindlessly shreds it.

It’s the wrong toy for your breed. If your dog is an active chewer, he needs a toy that’s durable enough to hold up to that. Giving your strong-jawed dog a toy that’s made for a dog with a smaller or weaker mouth means he will destroy it quickly and easily. “Mouthy” dogs such as Pitbulls or Goldendoodles need especially durable toys. The same goes for Labradoodles!

It’s a habit. From the time the dog is a puppy, he’s usually taught that destroying toys is cute. If the behavior isn’t stopped, it will continue as he gets older – and bigger.

It’s fun. The dog enjoys searching the toy for weak spots, like seams, and figuring out how to rip out the squeaker and destroy the rest. He views this demolition as a job well done.

Should I stop giving my dog any toys at all?

If your dog is always destroying toys, wouldn’t the simple answer be to stop giving them to him? While yes, that is an easy answer to the problem, the fact is your dog needs toys to remain happy, engaged, and entertained.

Toys should provide more than an opportunity for destruction. Otherwise, what’s the point of having them? If your dog destroys toys in minutes, this means:

Wasted money. Dog toys can be expensive. Depending on their size and quality, you can expect a price tag of anywhere between $5 and $30+ for a single toy. If this toy is shredded immediately, that’s money you are literally throwing away.

It’s frustrating. Not only is the wasted money a concern, but now you have something you need to clean up.

It can lead to the destruction of other things. If your dog is allowed to shred his toys, how will he know the difference when it comes to your couch cushions? Your shoes? Your throw pillows? Your child’s teddy bear?

What is a squeaky toy, and why do dogs like them?

Squeaky toys are a type of toy that makes a high-pitched noise when squeezed or bitten. They are popular among dogs because they are stimulating and fun to play with. Squeaky toys come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials, including rubber, plastic, and cloth. Some dogs become so obsessed with squeaky toys that they will carry them around with them everywhere they go. Check out the best huggable stuffed animals.

Is there a toy my dog can’t destroy?

My sister’s black lab mix tore through her new stuffed toy faster than I could order the stuffed lamb with the black bow around its neck. We grabbed the plastic squeakers before the pup could swallow those in her delight. What is it about dog toys? Why do plush toys send even mild-mannered dogs on a search-and-destroy mission?

Pet parents everywhere watch their dogs pounce and wriggle in delight at a new toy. Chew toys and rawhides are made for chewing, but why does your dog relish ripping apart a plush toy like they are racing against the clock to win a lifetime supply of more toys and their favorite treats?