Toys are popular among dogs. They play with them by shaking, catching, rolling, chewing, and cuddling. Toys also stimulate a dog's intellect, prevent boredom, help them burn energy, and provide comfort when they're scared.
You may have a dog who enjoys shredding toys and other stuff that they shouldn't. This is frequent behaviour in puppies, especially while they are teething. However, you don't want your dog to develop this tendency as they become older.
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While most people try to totally prevent shredding, it is considered a natural K9 trait. As a result, this is not necessarily a behaviour that a dog can be "taught out" of. Instead, providing your dog with appropriate outlets and direction can help prevent undesired gnawing, ripping, and shredding while also allowing them to engage in these behaviours in a controlled and safe manner.
Why dogs love to shred things
For a variety of reasons, dogs like chewing and destroying items. Boredom and frustration are the most typical reasons. Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs. Chewing releases endorphins into the brain, which calms them and gives them a wonderful feeling.
If you have a shredder in your home, you may want to investigate why your dog is doing this. Here are some pointers to help you understand why your dog is shredding:
Shredding Variations
It's necessary to keep in mind that not all shredding activities are made equal; different dogs shred for various reasons, and it's up to you to figure out why.
Shredding for a Retail Store
Something we as owners can provide in a safe, regulated environment with appropriate cues to help our dogs overcome their natural desire to shred. Usually presented as a toy or puzzle for entertainment.
Boredom in the Form of Shredding
When your dog tears up anything they've found in your house for "no apparent reason" out of nowhere. This is usually your dog saying, "I'm bored!" One of the first indicators of boredom in dogs is destructive behaviour. More information can be found here.
Shredding as an Anxiety Symptom
As your dog shreds a blanket when you leave the house or nibbles the drywall at the door entry where they watched you depart for the day, this is an illustration of this. As COVID protocols are lifted and more individuals return to work, dogs' separation anxiety can manifest itself in destructive behaviour.
Frustration in the Form of Shredding
When it comes to enrichment, this is quite crucial. Frustration is common when a puzzle or game is too difficult or your dog doesn't comprehend it. As a result, your dog gravitates toward what it knows how to do instinctively: shredding and gnawing. For example, suppose you initially give your dog a Kong Wobbler and then leave the room. When you return, the entire top of the wobbler has been chewed. Your dog was frustrated because he couldn't get the last piece of treat out of the Wobbler. As a result, your dog attempted to gnaw through the toy.
Toys for Dogs that love to shred
7 Best Toys for Dogs that love to shred:-
