There’s nothing cuter than a puppy acting like a big dog and biting on everything around your home, even your new pair of shoes. However, it’s a whole other story once they are older and can cause major damage to pillows, furniture, clothing, and even your purse. So today we’ll be telling you about different toy options for dogs that like to shred.
Though dogs shredding and tearing apart things and items around the house is normal dog behavior, it can become a problem if not taught correctly. On the other hand, you can always count to give your dog special types of toys so they can have all the fun they want. These are the type of toys designed for the rough and tumble dog who craves to destroy things.
The right toys will make sure to keep your furry fella busy and entertained at all times, especially those when you can’t play with them. There is a wide variety of toys for dogs that like to shred so do not worry, you aren’t the only owner of an overly enthusiastic pooch. To make a great decision, you also need to keep different factors in mind when choosing the right toys for Fido. Find below our picks for the best toys for dogs that like to shred.
Best Toys for Dogs that Like to Shred FAQs
Why does my dog like to shred toys?
- Boredom. Your dog has learned not to rip up furniture, rugs, and shoes, but every so often, when he’s had too much time on his own, he needs to vent his pent-up energy on something. Enter, dog plush toys. Perhaps the toy has lived happily in his toy box for months, then one day you find evidence of evisceration throughout the house. When that happens, consider how much attention you’ve been giving your dog during that time period.
- It’s All About the Prey Drive. When presented with a toy that makes a high-pitched squeaky noise, many dogs will revert to a stylized version of the shake and kill pattern of their wild ancestors. This prey-cry trigger can cause dogs to rip apart their toys in an effort to get to the sound and “kill” the squeak.
- It’s the Wrong Toy for the Job. A plush toy or thin latex toy can’t stand up to a determined (and bored) dog, and won’t provide the kind of constructive activity your dog needs when you’re not around. Hard rubber, treat-dispensing toys, are a better fit for unsupervised playtime and can withstand the punishment your dog doles out.
- We Teach Dogs Shredding Toys is Cute. Our positive attention encourages our dogs to continue pulling apart toys until it’s a hard habit to break. It’s possible to curb a young dog’s desire to rip up his goodies by playing with him while he has the toy, and taking it away when he starts to get overzealous about it. A strong “drop” cue can help make relinquishing the toy easier.
- It’s Fun and it Feels Good. Dogs enjoy having a job, and if we don’t provide them with appropriate work, they will happily find a career on their own. Tearing through a toy is a fun job that has a very clear start, middle, and endpoint.
Should I let my dog shred cardboard?
Probably not. That said, cardboard is not toxic, but it’s also not particularly digestible. If your dog has eaten a large quantity of cardboard, there’s a small chance it could end up with intestinal obstruction.
Should I let my dog shred paper?
While shredding may seem like a messy but harmless canine pastime, it is anything but; dogs who swallow paper can develop digestive problems. Swallowing a large amount of paper can cause intestinal blockage. For your dog’s health, and your sanity, it’s important to put a stop to this behavior.
Are shredding boxes good for dogs?
A destruction box could be the paw-fect way to keep your dog’s brain busy and active on a rainy day, or just as some additional enrichment to their daily routine. It’s also super cheap and simple to make too.
How to make your dog a destruction box?
What you need:
- Empty cardboard box
- Newspaper/old magazine
- Empty egg container
- Tasty bite-size treats
Steps:
- Grab an empty box, making sure that it’s not too small for your dog
- Get some newspaper or an old magazine and shred enough paper to fill at least half the box
- Scrunch up the remaining paper into rolls and mix it in with the shredded paper to fill the box to the brim
- Pop some treats in your empty egg container and bury this in the paper, somewhere in the middle of the box
- Scatter some treats in the rest of the box
- Close the box and let your dog into the room to investigate and dig out the treats
What toy material is best for dogs that like to shred?
- Rubber. The vast majority of dog toys created specifically with aggressive chewers in mind are made of rubber. Rubber is durable and virtually indestructible, so this material should be your first pick in a dog toy.
- Thick rope material. Rope toys are another popular dog toy for tough chewers. Rope toys are durable, easy to clean (just throw them in the wash), and relatively safe.
What toy materials should you avoid for dogs that like to shred?
- Plush or fleece toys. Plush and fleece toys are usually absolutely adorable. Unfortunately, indestructible plush dog toys simply don’t exist.
- Latex or vinyl toys. Again, these toys are often cute and fun, but they just aren’t durable enough for tough dogs.
- Squeaker toys. Squeakers aren’t really “materials,” but you’ll still want to avoid them if you have a power-chewing pooch. Squeaker toys are tons of fun for dogs, but the risks are just too high for tough chewers.
What to keep in mind when choosing the best toys for dogs that like to shred?
- Size: A dog toy ought to be appropriate for your pup’s current size. Balls, for example, ought to be large enough but not too small to carry. If you buy a small toy, your pet will likely swallow it. Also, small toys can get trapped in your puppy’s throat or mouth, which can lead to health complications or even sudden death.
- Cleaning: Dog toys that are simple to clean are highly recommended. Hygiene is critical to both your family members and your dog. Textile manufactured toys are simple to clean, but you need to machine-wash them regularly.
- Comfort: Smooth plush toys are helpful for various motives, but they are not suitable for all pups. Dogs tend to be comfortable with a toy, depending on their behavior. Small but appropriately sized balls suit their comfortability for pups who love chasing things and moving around.
- Your dog’s energy level: No dog has limitless energy reserves. Let your pup’s wild side run wild for a while. If your dog isn’t the quietest, invest in appropriate toys to keep them occupied. If your dog consumes a lot of energy during his daily activities, then a brutal latex pup toy is the most ideal to buy.
- Level of engagement: A good dog toy should offer optimum interactive playtime for your dog. Your pup requires “active time,” and interactive play is essential. Consider toys that involve active movement while playing, such as fetch games, as they help release stress for your dog.
What is canine enrichment and how can it help with shredders?
- Enrichment activities are activities that allow dogs to partake in natural behaviors, such as: sniffing, foraging, playing, licking, chasing, chewing, and shredding. Essentially, Canine Enrichment is spotlighting species-appropriate behaviors and allocating these needs to positive outlets.
- By providing positive outlets, you alleviate the need for your dog to seek out their own shredding enrichment by providing them with something safe and fun.
Best Toys for Dogs that Like to Shred
Pack Nylabone Durable Dinosaur Toy
These dental chews are designed to reduce the incidence of periodontal disease in dogs by massaging gums and scraping and cleaning teeth of food particles and tartar.
The result is a healthier mouth and fresher breath. Dinosaur shape. Does not have a flavor, but dogs enjoyed these for the odd shape and texture.
It will be one of the few toys your dog won’t demolish.
Features:
- Durable
- Synthetic Rubber
West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy
Keep your friendly Fido busy and entertained with this dog chew toy from West Paw that features hidden treats or kibble he must discover during play.
If you have a dog or playful pup who loves to gnaw and chew at home, safeguard your furniture by giving him this brightly-colored dog or puppy chew toy that will occupy pets for hours.
Prolong play with this mentally stimulating dog chew toy that can be filled with kibble or treats. Once the treats are gone, use this floatable dog chew toy for fetch, toss and catch.
Features:
- Durable
- Interactive
- Recyclable
EASTBLUE Dog Rope Toy
This rope toy is made of tight, multicolored nature washable cotton ropes, perfect for tugging, chewing, and shaking. This toy will bring your dogs hours and hours of entertainment and exercise.
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, this is the best choice. The toys are nearly indestructible, it is stronger and more durable than the same type of rope toys.
This rope toy will help your pet to forget boredom, it’s extra thick and durable, aggressive chewers can get their teeth cleaned and won’t chew your shoes or furniture when they have these toys! It is also great for teething puppies.
Features:
- Safe
- Sturdy Material
- Helps Reduce Anxiety
Dog Puzzle Toys Ball
Green and Cyan with a light mint scent. Help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
These tough durable dog balls are made of Non-Toxic rubber material: more durable, healthy, and puncture-resistant compared with PVC and TPR.
Presenting a special design for dog puzzle toy balls, which can be stuffed with pet snacks. Your pets will accept this toy easily and get more surprises while playing. A great toy for boredom.
Features:
- Nontoxic
- Durable
- Rubber
Goughnuts Durable Dog Pull Toy
The GoughNuts Tug Dog Pull Toy was designed to address the simple but serious issue of SAFETY, with extremely durable rubber and room for your hands to stay safe from your dog’s jaws
It can’t be claimed that it’s an indestructible pull toy for dogs, but it’s darn close. This toy is designed for interactive and supervised play with aggressive chewers. For unsupervised power chewing and even tougher toys, check out Goughnuts rings and sticks.
The Tug is 9 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and has a 1.4-inch cross-section. Generally for Dogs 30-70 pounds. We also make a larger toy (Maxx Size) for dogs 70-120 pounds.
Features:
- Durable
- Easy to Clean
- Sturdy
