Out of all the toys you’ve bought your pooch over the years, they gravitate to their squeaky toys time and time again. Tug-of-war rope? Nah. Plush toy? No, thanks. Rubber ball? Only if there’s a squeaker inside! So, why do dogs like squeaky toys so much?
Why do dogs like squeaky toys?
There’s no single answer to the question, “Why do dogs like squeaky toys?” As it turns out, there are a few different theories!
Squeaky toys tap into their instinct to hunt
Even though modern-day doggos are far different to their ancestors, they’ve retained their hunting instincts. Ever seen your dog going to town on an innocent plush rabbit? It’s highly likely they think it’s a real rabbit that they’ve caught themselves. Bless!
Squeaky toys tap into this very same instinct: the high-pitched noise emitted by these toys somewhat mimics the sound of terrified prey.
You may also find that your dog can’t help but try and tear their squeaky toy to shreds. This is in an effort to find – and destroy – the source of the squeak. To them, doing so means they’ve successfully slaughtered their prey.
They make our pooches feel good
Squeaky toys could very well be giving our puppers an ego boost. Every time they chomp on their toy and it makes a squeaking sound, it’s a sign that they’ve given it their best, most effective bite.
Over time, that sound becomes a reward for your dog. It activates the reward centres in their brain, which triggers the release of dopamine – a hormone that makes them feel good. They’re then more likely to want to chew on it again and again and again and…
They might associate them with fun times
If your dog has ever started playing with a squeaky toy and you’ve subsequently picked it up to join in the fun, they’ve likely learned that squeaking noises equal good times.
Positive reinforcement is hugely influential on a dog’s learned behaviour. Every time you pick up the toy, your doggo starts to associate it with a play session. Eventually, they learn that by making the toy squeak, you’re more inclined to want to play with them.
They’re nice and chewy
Dogs love to chew. Be it on a fresh bone or your favourite pair of kicks, for dogs there are few things better than gnawing. Many squeaky toys double as excellent chew toys for dogs, because they’re often made with rubber or other tender materials. Or, they’re soft plush toys that dogs can easily sink their teeth into.
Bonus? Chew toys with squeakers are also great for your doggo’s oral health! They promote saliva production, and can reduce plaque build-up and prevent pet dental disease.
While not always the case, why do dogs like squeaky toys and then grow to be disinterested in them?
Much like how our interests change over time, so too do those of our puppers. When your dog is young, they might be drawn to fun squeaky toys, plush toys that they can snuggle with to cope with separation anxiety, and chew toys for the teething stage.
As they get older, many dogs prefer toys made with tougher materials or things they can chase around the park. And when they’re getting really old, they may circle back to soft toys because that’s all their senior teeth can handle.
Some dogs develop a life-long love of squeaky toys that carries through to old age. But, you still might want to switch up their toy selection depending on their life stage. In fact, some of the best dog toys are those that have been specifically tailored to a doggo’s age.
What should I do if my dog is scared of squeaky toys?
Some dogs can’t get enough of squeaky toys, but others aren’t so taken by them. The loud noise might scare them, or perhaps they’re simply not interested.
The good news is, if you’ve already bought a bunch of new squeaky toys, you can try and motivate your dog to play with them. See if you can engage them in a game of tug-of-war. Or, throw the toy and encourage your pooch to go and fetch it. Eventually, if they warm up to the toy enough, they might become accustomed to the sound.
There are also lots of different types of squeaky dog toys on the market. Some emit loud, shrill noises, while others are quieter and softer. Your pupper might prefer the latter. And if not? Well, luckily there are lots of other types of dog toys you can choose from!
Important things to know about squeaky dog toys
When you give your doggo a squeaky toy, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Gauge your pooch’s playing and chewing style
Is your dog a gentle biter with little interest in destroying their toys? Or are they more likely to demolish every single toy in their collection? If your dog sits in the first camp, they should be okay with plush toys that squeak. If they sit in the second camp, you’re better off choosing squeaky toys made with harder rubber. Online dog toy and treat subscriptions like Waggly Club take the hassle out of finding the right toys for your doggo. Whether they’re a puppy, active dog or power chewer, you can have an endless supply of toys & all-natural treats shipped direct to your door!
Supervision is key
Even if you’re confident you’ve found the toughest squeaky toy on the market, supervision is a must. If your dog manages to rip the toy to shreds and find the squeaker, it could end up where it shouldn’t: in their throat or digestive system.
To minimise the chance of choking or another nasty incident, keep a close eye on your dog whenever they’re playing with a squeaky toy.
Make sure the toys are in good nick
Regularly inspecting your doggo’s toys will ensure you can swiftly remove those that have seen better days. If they’re visibly damaged, bits are coming off, or stuffing is coming out, get rid of them and replace them with fresh toys.
Train your dog to give up the toy if needed
Your pupper might get a little overzealous with their chewing, which puts them at greater risk of swallowing the tiny little squeaker. However, you may find it tricky trying to pry the toy out of your dog’s mouth. For them, this is a game, and why would they want to give up their freshly caught prey?
Instead, train your doggo with easy dog tricks like “drop it”. They’ll then hopefully be more inclined to let the toy go. If they don’t obey, you can try and entice them with a tasty treat to see if they’ll do a swap – something that, to your dog, is way more appealing than a half-ravaged squeaky toy!
