When you imagine your dog at their happiest, a few images probably come to mind: Your dog prancing on a much-needed walk. Your dog running free in the grass. Or your dog playing with a squeaky toy. [Insert loud and endless dog squeaky toy sound on repeat for hours.]
Squeaky toys are forever associated with canines because pretty much all dogs are obsessed with them. If you’ve ever seen a pooch pounce on a squeaky toy with glee, you know that these playthings are more than just fun. Squeaky toys are important to dogs, but why?
Why do dogs love squeaky toys?
Even though it’s really cute when a dog is going to town on a squeaky dog toy, the explanation behind why they love this activity so much is slightly … less cute. “The high-pitched squeak stimulates their natural prey drive and appeals to their hunting instincts,” explains Paula Simons DVM veterinarian in Stamford, Connecticut. “When they hear the squeak, it simulates an animal in distress, causing them to want to chew and shake the toy. Playing with the toy is them acting on their natural instincts.”
It makes sense, even if it is slightly upsetting to think about.
Another reason dogs love squeaky toys? “High-pitched noises are also considered more attractive to dogs than low-guttural noises,” Simons adds. “Low, deep sounds can often be regarded as threatening, whereas high-pitched noises stimulate excitement and curiosity.”
Plus, Simons says, because chewing on the toy releases a sound, this activity creates a “positive feedback loop.” “Each chew equals a squeak, reinforcing the dog’s behavior to want to continue playing with the toy,” she says.
If you make a fuss when your dog plays with their squeaky toy, that’s another reason they love it, according to Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian in Austin, Texas.
“Some dogs simply enjoy the texture and feel of the toy in their mouth, as well as the attention they receive from their owners when they play with it,” says Savageau. “All of these factors combine to make squeaky toys a popular choice for many dogs.”
Are squeaky toys good for dogs?
“Squeaky toys are fantastic for our canine buddies for many reasons,” says veterinarian Sabrina Kong of Tracy, California. “First off, they’re a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained, which is always important. Plus, playing with these toys usually means lots of running, biting and tossing around, which helps them stay physically active.”
Squeaky toys can even serve as a training tool if you want to reward good behavior, she adds, and can also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog during playtime.
Are some dogs more likely to play with squeaky toys than others?
Some breeds are definitely more likely to play with squeaky toys than others, says Savageau.
“For example, breeds that were originally bred for hunting, such as retrievers and hounds, tend to have a stronger prey drive and may be more attracted to toys that mimic the sounds of prey,” she says. “Other breeds, such as terriers and herding dogs, may also enjoy playing with squeaky toys as they have a lot of energy to burn and need a way to keep themselves entertained. However,” she adds, “it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is an individual, and breed tendencies are not a hard and fast rule.”
Why are dogs so protective of their squeaky toys?
If you’ve ever tried to get a squeaky toy away from your dog, you might have been met with some serious resistance (and maybe even a growl). Basically, dogs can become very attached to their toys, says Savageau, especially ones that make noise and stimulate that built-in prey drive.
“Additionally, when dogs have a toy that they particularly enjoy, they may view it as a valuable resource and feel the need to protect it from potential threats, including other dogs or even humans,” Savageau says. “Dogs may also become possessive over their toys as a result of their natural territorial tendencies” This behavior is normal, she adds, but it’s important to monitor their behavior. If they become too aggressive or possessive, they can be a danger to themselves or others.
Can squeaky toys ever be bad for dogs?
As much as they love them, Kong says there are unfortunately situations when squeaky toys aren’t the best option for dogs.
“For instance, if your dog chews the toy into pieces and swallows them, it could be a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal issues,” she says. “Also, some dogs can get a bit too into the prey-like sound, and it could make them more aggressive. Using squeaky toys too much can also overstimulate or stress out your dog, leading to unwanted behaviors.”
How do you find the right squeaky toy for your dog?
With so many squeaky toys on the market, it can be hard to know which is the right one for your pup.
“First, make sure you’re picking a toy that’s the right size for your dog, so it’s not a choking hazard and can hold up to their play,” says Kong. “You’ll also want to choose a toy made of durable, non-toxic materials for safety and longevity. Don’t forget to consider your dog’s sensitivity to sound and their unique play style, too!”
Finally, Kong says to always remember to watch your dog while they play with their new toy and step in as needed, “especially if they start tearing it apart or getting aggressive.”
Now you and your furry friend are ready to play … and you know exactly why they’re having such a great time.
