Are Squeaky toys as well Stimulating For Your Dog?

Last updated on March 16, 2017 By Puppy Leaks 26 comments
I keep reading that squeaky toys can cause aggression, resource guarding, as well as predatory instincts in dogs. I’ve yet to see any type of of those behaviors with my dog, however they definitely produce very high levels of excitement. Is it just innocent fun or are squeaky toys as well stimulating for dogs?

x

Laika has A new preferred Toy, as well as It’s a Squeaker

I just recently found a incredibly inexpensive toy that Laika will not ruin – even though it’s not hard at all. It’s ended up being her new preferred fetch toy, as well as when I’m hectic she’s normally off by herself tossing it around.

Her new preferred toy? It’s just a inexpensive old plastic squeaky toy from the regional grocery store. It was one of those waiting in line ‘oh that looks interesting’ buys. as well as the very best part is it’s not a standard squeaky toy with a squeaker inside. It’s shaped like a long narrow tube as well as a hole at the end makes the noise.

She doesn’t get routine squeaky toys anymore. Those are thoroughly destroyed up until she gets that squeaker – as well as that’s as well much of a choking hazard.

She liked It So much I got Her More

She liked her new eco-friendly squeaky toy so much I made a decision to get her one more one, as well as then another. My when peaceful house is now full of high pitched squeaks.  as well as yes, I keep asking myself why I got her more, one was a lot more than enough…But a pet dog likes what a pet dog likes, as well as they definitely make her happy.

While they’ve been outstanding for the most part I am starting to concern that they may be as well stimulating.

When we play fetch with them her bottom lip quivers. She still sits as well as waits for her release, however her bottom lip shakes the whole time. Is that much enjoyment a great thing? It it just innocent fun? I desire I knew.

Wherever Laika goes her new toys are sure to follow.

Squeaky toys Do Stimulate Prey Drive

Whether we like it or not our dogs still have a great deal of predatory instincts, as well as squeaky toys stimulate that drive. What seems like an innocent squeak to us is emulating the noise of prey to our dogs – some adorable bit furry animal, no doubt.

I’ve checked out that some pet dog fitness instructors are against squeaky toys since they nurture a dog’s prey drive. as well as yes, I absolutely see that. however my concern is – is that always a poor thing? Is my pet dog a lot more likely to go off & kill bit animals now? Does it depend upon her impulse control?

Most of the fitness instructors that insurance claim squeaky toys cause aggression are the exact same ones that method dominance theory. Whether disagreeing keeping that one concept must discredit all their others is something I’m having a hard time with.

Perhaps any type of toy that brings out a dog’s prey drive has the prospective to cause unwanted behaviors, however shouldn’t that be made a decision on a pet dog by pet dog basis?

Are Squeaky toys as well Stimulating?

Lots of activities stimulate prey drive, does that indicate they’re all bad? Does it just depend upon where that drive is focused? A game of tug or a flirt pole encourages dogs to harness their natural drive – is the difference just in the predatory aspect?

We utilized to play with a flirt pole before Laika got arthritis, as well as I never observed any type of poor behaviors as a result. All that pent up energy she utilized to chase it seemed to be released when I’d let her catch it.

And I’m presuming squeaky toys work in a similar fashion, unlike laser guidelines where a pet dog never really gets to “catch” anything. Is any type of toy that makes a dogs lip quiver as well stimulating? Or is it just a indication of anticipation as well as excitement?

For now I’m going to let Laika keep those silly squeaky toys, even though my ears are telling me otherwise. It’s not daily that you discover a new preferred toy or three, as well as they’re definitely making Laika one delighted pup.

Do You provide Your Dogs Squeaky Toys?

Does your pet dog play with squeaky toys? Does he or she get obsessive or aggressive with them? Are you nuts like me as well as get 3 of the exact same toy in different colors?

Recommended Reading:

Dog or Aardvark?

Clingy Dogs: Is Your pet dog a Velcro Dog?

How to keep pet dog training fun By changing Up The Rewards