Activities For Dogs Who Like To Destroy Toys

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Introduction

Most dogs love toys. Don't we all? Toys are so much fun! Your dog can toss them around, hide them in secret places, carry a toy around the house and snuggle up with a toy at the end of the day. However, if you have a dog that likes to destroy toys, you know that sometimes it's not all fun and games. Your dog may pull the stuffing out of a toy and leave piles of fluff all over the house. Or maybe they chew plastic toys apart into small, sharp, dangerous plastic pieces. What can you do with a dog who destroys toys? These activities will help you get started!

Play and Put Away

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Toys
Hiding Spot
Treats
Activity description

While it is a nice idea that your dog has multiple toys at their disposal, maybe that isn't the best idea for a pup who likes to destroy toys. Taking a toy away from a dog once they are done playing will surely increase the lifespan of the toy and prevent you from constantly having to buy new toys. Also, by taking the toy away, you make it even more special in a dogs eyes - it is a prize, something they have to earn now. So what is the best way to play and put away a toy without your dog getting upset? Let's take a look! 

Step
1
Plan a hiding spot
Figure out what toy is your dog's favorite or which toy you want to protect from being destroyed. Store the toy some place safe where your pup cannot get it. Up high on a fridge or safe inside a closed cabinet are both good places that you may want to consider.
Step
2
Play!
Play with your dog and the toy frequently and actively. Just because you are taking the toy away doesn't mean that it doesn't belong to your dog. You still want your pup to enjoy the toy and have fun after all! Play catch, tug and chase with your dog and the toy.
Step
3
Hide until later
Once you are done playing, tell your dog that you are all done and put the toy away in its hiding spot. They toy will stay safe and your dog will be happy that they got to play. Everyone wins! Next time your pup is in a playful mood, simply take the toy out again!

Get Out and Go!

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Activity description

Dogs who have a tendency to destroy toys may just have a lot of pent up energy. Maybe your pup isn't getting enough exercise during the day and would really benefit from an extra walk or run. When a dog has no way to release all of their extra energy, they may turn to destruction. After all, chewing apart every toy they own will help relieve some boredom. So help your dog by facilitating high energy activities that doesn't involve ripping apart all of their toys. There are so many things you and your pup can do outside that it is hard to pick just one!

Step
1
Walk or hike
Grab your dog's leash and head outside for a long walk or even a hike up a mountain. Walking a far distance not only gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs and sniff around the neighborhood but it will tire them out as well. A tired dog won't have the energy to destroy toys!
Step
2
Dog park visit
Find a fun dog park in your area where your dog will be able to play with friendly pups rather than toys. Dog parks are the perfect place for your dog to run free and play. Also, there are probably sticks near the dog park which your dog can play with and then destroy if they'd like!
Step
3
Go fetch
There is nothing quite like a game of catch with your dog. It is classic, it is fun and it definitely gets out some of your dog's energy. Throw a ball, Frisbee or stick to your pup and teach them to catch and retrieve. Playing in a nondestructive manner will be great for your dog.

Mental Stimulation

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Activity description

Some dogs will destroy toys because they are not mentally stimulated enough. Your dog could be bored and need something new in their life. Ripping apart a toy seems like something new and different, right? Well, prevent doggy boredom by trying one of these activities that will arouse your pup's brain and make them focus on something other than tearing the stuffing out of that toy. Once you try one of these activities to mentally stimulate your dog, remember to continue to try new things as well (try this whole list!) - keep that boredom at bay! Your pup (and the toys) will thank you.

Step
1
Puzzle toy
Invest in a puzzle for your dog. There are many variations of dog puzzles where you hide treats inside the toy or the toy just makes the treats hard to get. Show your dog how the puzzle works and then let them try it out! Hopefully they will play along and use the toy correctly rather than chew it up!
Step
2
Hide and find
Hide your dog's favorite toy in your house and make your dog search for it. If their toys aren't in the same location as they always are, it will make your dog think, use their nose and really search for what they want. Any challenge or change is great for your dog.
Step
3
New tricks
Teach your dog a few new tricks. Maybe they already know sit and stay but what about roll over? Does your dog know how to spin around on their two back legs? What about playing red light, green like with commands? There are so many tricks you can teach your dog that will stimulate their mind and keep them very busy.

More Fun Ideas...

Relax

Sometimes dogs will destroy toys because they are stressed (have you ever wanted to rip things up when you are feeling stressed?). Put on some soothing music, create a calm environment and try to relax your dog.

New Toys

If your dog destroys toys constantly, maybe you should look for a new type of toy that is a little tougher and well made. Many toys out there claim to be 'indestructible' so give them a try!

Conclusion

Dogs destroy toys for all different reasons but the bottom line is that you don't want them to do this anymore. So give your dog a few alternative activities and they are sure to thrive. Maybe your pup will still rip up a toy every now and then but curbing this behavior takes time. Get involved in your dog's play time, help them get some energy out and teach them how to relax in a positive, nondestructive way. Keep those toys safe!