How to Stop Your Dog From Ripping Up Their Toys

There are a lot of expenses associated with owning a dog – the toy bill is one of them. But, how do you stop your dog from ripping up their toys? If Fido’s destructive habits have been hurting your pockets lately, it’s time to start taking preventative measures.

Training

This might be a weird suggestion but bear with us. When we say “training,” we mean you should teach your dog how to play with its toys properly. If you’ve ever taken care of a human baby, you know you have to teach them that throwing their cars across the living room isn’t the correct way to play. You have to take the time to teach your dog the same thing. Play an engaging game of fetch or tug o’ war so that they learn the purpose of each toy, this way, they don’t misuse them. 

Proper Monitoring

Observe their behaviors when they play alone, praising or scolding them along the way in response to how they treat their belongings. This suggestion goes hand-in-hand with training and primarily revolves around taking the toy away when you notice them getting too rough. Think of it as teaching them right from wrong.

Adapt to their Habits

You might also try adapting to their behaviors – within reason! This means researching and investing in certain toys based on need. For example, if your dog is a heavy chewer, invest in a toy designed to withstand that. Likewise, try giving them different toys based on the time of day. Whip out the soft and cuddly toys if the house is winding down for bedtime. Then, when their energy rises with the sun, offer them something that can withstand their excitement.

Overall, have patience. Your dog is a dog and requires a lot of attention and direction to break a habit like this. Give it to them, and your pockets will thank you in the long run. Alternatively, try one of our training programs! We offer different courses based on your needs and would love to work with you to find the right fit.