It can feel great to give your dog a new toy that they take a great deal of joy and interest in. That focused play can be a lot of fun to watch as a dog owner. But some dogs seem especially gifted at the art of destruction and can destroy the right toy in a manner of minutes. When this happens on a repeated basis, it can become an expensive problem for the owner.
But there are a few things that pet owners can do to help ensure that dog toys aren’t an endless money pit. Below are a few steps that can be taken to make dog toys last longer.
Be Selective in Your Toy Shopping
Let’s face it, not all dog toys are created equal. Even some that say “indestructible” on the packaging can be proven wrong by a motivated pet. Plush or stuffed toys may be a bad option for a dog that is a proven chewer. These are the toys that you’ve likely already learned the hard way when you left the room and found the insides strewn across the floor when you returned.
Plastic toys can also typically be destroyed quickly by a motivated chewer. It helps to be realistic when you’re shopping for toys. No one knows their animal quite like you do. If they’re motivated, how long would it take them to destroy this?
If you’re buying online, it might help to read the reviews and do a little bit of research on the toy, or the type of toy before you make the purchase.
Limit Access to Certain Toys
If your dog has a track record of destruction, it may help to limit their access to certain toys. If you think your dog may destroy a specific toy, it may help to only let them play with it supervised. It may be possible to train them through gentle reinforcement how to play in a less destructive manner.
Another option may be to rotate toys out on a somewhat regular basis. That can keep them excited about their toys and give them less of an option to destroy what is in front of them.
Maintain Interactivity
Dogs benefit greatly from a higher level of human interaction. With that feeling of connectedness, they are less likely to be as destructive. After just a few minutes of play they are more content, and so are the owners. They may be more likely to fall asleep and skip any sort of destructive behaviors for the time being.
Conclusion: Trial and Error is Best
Making your dog toys last longer is not an easy process. But it’s an important one, so that you are not constantly sinking money into new dog toys. The important thing is to learn from mistakes and make an effort to understand your dog. Toys that can be easily chewed through and have ended up shredded on your living room floor in the past should be out. Make sure not to make the same mistakes twice.
Experiment with different materials and try to find something that will last longer, and that your animal will still maintain a heightened level of interest. Last, make sure that you work to provide a heightened level of interconnectedness with your dog. Sometimes that added attention may be enough to keep them from displaying these common destructive behaviors.
