Busy Dogs!

     A big part of what makes our furry companions so lovable is their playfulness!  However, at times their energy can seem inexhaustible!  A recurring question I have encountered as a professional trainer is "What dog toy can I get that will last longer?"  This question is usually accompanied by a list of destroyed  items and hyperactivity.
   
     The sad truth is that NO TOY IS INDESTRUCTIBLE!  Now, I will attempt to soften that blow.  There are active steps owners can take to teach their dogs how to enjoy the toys and not be destructive.  The first step is understanding that ALL toys are designed to be interactive to a certain extent.  They are designed to be used with a human at least watching over.  Some toys make it obvious how to interact: ropes are tug toys, balls are to be fetched, etc.  Other toys are designed to be challenging for the dog: puzzles that require them to move or manipulate the structure to earn rewards.  None of the toys I have seen are designed to withstand a dog just laying down and chewing on them.

     Dogs chew not because they want to annoy you, but because it feels good.  It releases endorphins (feel good chemicals) in the body.  It is a natural behavior that burns energy and helps to relax the dog.  The next step is to provide your dog with items that they are allowed to chew.

     At my house, I use raw knuckle bones and shanks (NOT the basted ones with the gooey flavor painted on them).  Some of my students also use these bones, or for lighter chewers nylon, flavored bones, or heavy duty rubber chews.  Choosing objects such as old shoes, old socks, or discarded baby toys are not good choices for several reasons.  There are small, sharp or indigestible pieces on some shoes or baby toys, and socks (and other fabrics) ingested sometimes must be surgically removed to save the life of the animal.  From a behavioral perspective, the dog is gaining the idea that it is okay to chew on a human's shoes, socks and toys.  Even when choosing correct items for chewing, the owner needs to be aware of how quickly the objects are getting worn down, and take them away from the dog when small enough to present a choking hazard.

     In short, it is unrealistic to expect a dog to understand the first time a toy is placed in front of them that some are for chewing, and some are for playing.  Every dog learns a bit differently.  If you have a question on this topic relating to your own dog, please feel free to contact me!