Why do dogs like to destroy their toys?

    • Bronze

    Why do dogs like to destroy their toys?

    I was wondering why do dogs like to destroy their dogs toys?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Because the SOUND and feel of ripping and tearing is, in itself, quite a reward.  Have you ever finally finished with a troublesome projects and voraciously torn up some papers?  Or taken great delight in throwing it in the trash?  Or broken a pencil in a fit of temper?

    It's like when a dog who LOVES to dig is confronted with a new hole -- the feel of the dirt giving way beneath their paws -- the feel of it flying past them -- it's energizing.  I'M MAKING PROGRESS!!!!

    The sound of tearing, the feel of fabric giving way to your teeth -- to them it's the "job" of the moment and ripping and tearing is rewarded by the feel of the fabric giving way, the sound of the "tear" the 'give' as it moves.

    They usually don't have a 'goal' in mind I don't think -- it's simply that those small signs of "progress" in that task are rewarding to them.

    Their minds are immediate -- they don't think about the ultimate loss of the toy or the fact that Mom will be unhappy ... it's the "now" -- the sheer joy of the sound of something tearing, the fact that the plastic or material GIVES as they bite it ...

    It's simply a challenge met and conquered at that exact moment. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    It's behavior that mimics the killing and tearing apart of a prey animal.  Domestic dogs don't have to hunt and kill prey but they retain those behaviors.  Plus, they like to watch us pick up all the stuffing.  :)

    • Gold Top Dog

    ^^True That^^ 

    • Gold Top Dog

     In my case Tootsie doesn't destroy her toys ever .Shes a very "soft" dog.

    • Gold Top Dog

    JackieG

    It's behavior that mimics the killing and tearing apart of a prey animal.  Domestic dogs don't have to hunt and kill prey but they retain those behaviors.  Plus, they like to watch us pick up all the stuffing.  :)

    I truly have a hard time trying to envision Billy standing on top of that caribou he brought down trying to figger out where the heck THAT squeaker is!!

    Tink on the other paw, walked away to lie down and chew her nylabone.  Cariboos is too messy!

    I'm sorry Jackie -- the visual was just too stunning to miss!! LOL