What’s Up With My Dog’s Destructive Behavior?

What’s Up With My Dog’s Destructive Behavior?

You’ve been through the cycle – scoured every dog store, bought all the toys you could find, certified as tear-proof, and smugly hand them to your dog while looking forward to some quiet time as you pour your coffee.

To your dismay, your super chewer attacks the poor toy and disproves its manufacturers’ claim in less than five minutes. Now, you’re thinking how that’s possible. Is there something about your dog that you should be concerned about? Here’s what one New York-based chief veterinarian has to say about this.

First of all, your dog’s destructive tendencies do not mean he’s sick. This behavior is common among dogs and is connected to their wolf lineage, where hunting in the wild for prey, is innate. This behavior may be triggered by the toys’ jerky movements or sounds. Some dogs learn this destructive behavior from other canines while others tend to switch it on when they’re bored.

As you’ve already discovered, there are toys made especially for your hunter but while these are stronger than most, they aren’t 100% destruction-proof. It is advised that you stay away from toys that are too rigid. Try pressing your finger on the toy to find out if it has the right hardness. If it does not create a dent, it’s too hard. Also, once your dog has ripped the toy apart, which is the whole point of a hunt, ensure that the fragments are disposed immediately to avoid ingestion.

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