Health

The Unexpected Reasons Your Dog Destroys Their Toys

Written by: Will Storie

May 15, 2017

This story originally appeared in BarkPost email, the new home of BarkPost’s original articles. If you want silly stories, fascinating dog facts, cute pup pics, and puplifting stories every week, sign up at BarkPost.com!

Is your dog a reckless little toy destroyer? Have you found that your pups shred their toys all the time without warning? You might be thinking, “Well I guess my dog is a rotten no-good troublemakin’ son of a gun.”

Guess again, Cowboy! As it turns out, it’s less about your dog being a Naughty Nancy. The reasons might be nicer than you expect…

— They straight-up love it!
Tearing up a toy reduces stress, ends boredom, and gives your dog a sense of accomplishment. Even if that accomplishment can be summed up as “left shreds of tiger-patterned fabric all over the living room.”

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— They’re smart as heck.
Sometimes an extra-smart, extra-energetic dog needs an extra something from their playtime. If your dog needs more exercise or more stimulation, they might start solving an equation: “TOY – FLUFF = AWESOME”

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— They love a chewing challenge.
Size isn’t everything! A Chihuahua can be just as tough a chewer as a big ol’ Bulldog. Sometimes toys get destroyed just because you’ve got your dog playing Easy Mode, and they’re ready to Level Up.

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— They’re hungry like the wolf.
Q) How is your dog’s destruction like a red wine stain?
A) It stays in the genes for thousands of years (Har, har.) Think of a nature show where a wolf is chowing down on their helpless prey… now think of the squeakiest, fluffiest, sweetest version of that. That’s your dog!

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Can humans destroy too??

Since dogs destroy their toys for fun, and to work out their extra mental and physical energy, I figured I’d give it a try too. I’m a pretty energetic dude! And if little Andi can rip up a toy…

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Then I’m pretty sure I can too! How hard can it be?

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To be honest, this took a lot longer than I hoped it would. But the results speak for themselves!

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Whoa, I think I have a future in the destruction biz! Watch out, folks! Don’t invite me into your home!

Thanks for reading! And sign up for BarkPost email to get our silly stories, fascinating dog facts, cute pup pics, and puplifting stories every week!

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Written by: Will Storie

May 15, 2017

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A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.