Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys?

Have you ever wondered why dogs love squeaky toys so much? Walk into any pet store and you will find all kinds of toys for your dog to play with, including plenty of squeaky toys. Most dogs like the sound of squeaky toys because it engages their natural instincts to hunt and chew. Here's what you need to know about dogs and squeaky toys.

Why Dogs Like Squeaky Toys

Your dog may enjoy their squeaky toy for a variety of reasons, but most dog behavior experts agree that the three main reasons dogs like squeaky toys are related to hunting instincts, chewing needs, and the sound of the squeak itself.

Hunting

A lot of squeaky toys are small, fuzzy, and shaped like something a dog may instinctively want to hunt. The squeaking sound they make can sound similar to the alarm sounds that some natural prey make. This is why hunting breeds might have a higher affinity for squeaky toys than non-hunting breeds. This also explains why some breeds, such as terriers (which were originally bred to be ratters), may love shredding their squeaky toys.

Of course, any breed or mixed-breed dog can enjoy playing with squeaky toys. But hunting instincts may illustrate why a Jack Russell loves to destroy their squeaky toys while a miniature schnauzer may be content to simply squeak it.

Sounds

Another reason your dog may enjoy squeaky toys is because of the squeak itself and its association with the toy. When your dog chomps on their favorite toy and immediately hears a squeak, they get immediate gratification. This is a form of positive reinforcement. Hearing the squeaking sound may trigger dopamine to be released from the reward center in your dog's brain. Your dog may continue to squeak their squeaky toy in order to feel that dopamine rush again.

Your dog may also learn that if they squeak their favorite squeaky toy around you, that might get you to play with them. If every time you hear your dog playing with their squeaky toy you join them in their play, your dog will quickly make a correlation between "squeak toy" and "mom/dad plays with me." Some folks may jokingly call this their dog training them, but if your dog is asking you to play with them, who are you to say no?

Chewing

Finally, your dog may enjoy their squeaky toy because they just love to chew things. This can be especially true for younger puppies. Similar to cats and scratching, different dogs have different preferences for chewing texture.

• Teething puppies may enjoy softer, rubber toys.
• Older dogs, especially smaller breed dogs that are prone to dental disease, may prefer soft, stuffed squeaky toys.
• Power chewers may do well with highly durable or "indestructible" toys.

Toys made of heavier rubber, plastic, or vinyl may last longer than plush squeaky toys, but they'll still need to be replaced at some point. It's also important to remember that your dog's preferences may change as they age.

How to Play With Squeaky Toys

Playing with your dog may seem like something that would just be intuitive, but there are tips and tricks to get your dog to play with you.

Get Your Dog Interested

Some folks may try to get their dog to play with a toy by prominently shaking it in front of their face. While some dogs may respond to this, remember that your dog probably likes their squeaky toy because it mimics prey. A squirrel isn't likely to run up to your dog and dance right in front of them. Instead, slowly move the toy along the floor just out of your dog's reach to stimulate your dog's prey drive.

Play Games

You can play fetch with a squeaky toy if your dog enjoys it. Some durable squeaky toys can even work for a game of tug-of-war. If you want, take some time to teach your dogs the names of the toys, then hide them around the house and ask your dog to "hunt" for them.

Safety Tips

Squeakers, stuffing, fabric, and rubber or plastic pieces can be dangerous if your dog were to swallow even a small part of them. Toy parts are typically indigestible and can become stuck, causing a gastrointestinal obstruction. Plus, sharp edges on damaged toys can injure your dog's mouth. Play it safe with these tips:

• Always supervise your dog with a new toy until you know how they play with it.
• Don't leave dogs alone with toys they may destroy or dismantle.
• Check toys regularly for any rips or tears that may break off or potentially be eaten.
• Plush toys that have holes in them should be thrown away, or you can sew the hole closed to prevent your dog from ingesting any stuffing material.
• Damaged plastic and rubber toys should be disposed of.
• Toys that are very hard plastic can get rough edges after being chewed up. Any toys with rough edges that could potentially injure your dog should be thrown out.
• When in doubt about a toy's safety, ask your veterinarian for advice.

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