By Dr. Kaitlin Wurtz December 14, 2020
Introduction
If you've ever given your dog a squeaky toy, you've probably witnessed their excitement and joy as they play with it. But have you ever wondered why dogs are so fascinated by squeaky toys? In this article, HowPetCare will dig into the fascinating world of dogs and their love for squeaky toys. We'll explore the reasons behind their behavior and provide some tips on selecting the right toy for your furry friend.
Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys?
The answer lies in their ancestral instincts. Dogs are descendants of animals that relied on hunting for survival. The sound produced by squeaky toys mimics the sounds of injured or frightened prey, triggering deep-rooted hunting instincts in our pet dogs. Playing with these toys allows them to practice their hunting behaviors, such as searching, stalking, chasing, grabbing, and even killing (MacNulty, 2002). It satisfies their natural instinct to grab, kill, and dissect prey.
Additionally, the noise produced by squeaky toys provides instant gratification for dogs, motivating them to continue playing until they “silence” the prey (Bradshaw et al., 2015). It taps into their innate desire for a successful hunt.
Why Doesn't Every Dog Like Squeaky Toys?
Dogs, like humans, have individual preferences. Some dogs may prefer toys that are easy to rip apart or toys that encourage social play. The breed of the dog also plays a role in their toy preferences. For example, hunting breeds have a stronger prey drive and may enjoy toys that mimic prey behavior (Parker et al., 2017). On the other hand, herding dogs may be more interested in toys that allow them to engage in searching and stalking behaviors (Wells, 2004). It all comes down to their unique genetic makeup and individual personalities.
Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs?
While dogs enjoy toys that can be destroyed, it's important to consider safety. Toys that can be broken open or have stuffing and squeakers can pose a choking hazard or lead to intestinal blockages if ingested. Supervision is crucial when dogs are playing with these types of toys. Regularly inspecting toys for any signs of damage, such as tears or exposed stuffing, is essential. If any damage is found, the toy should be removed immediately and either repaired or replaced (Bradshaw et al., 2015).
Why Does My Dog Howl at Squeaky Toys?
Howling is one of the ways dogs communicate vocally. When it comes to squeaky toys, there could be several reasons why your dog howls. The high-pitched noise emitted by the toy may trigger their howling response. They may also want to alert others to the “prey” they've found, using howls as a way to guide them (Bidner, 2006).
Why Does My Dog Whine When the Toy Squeaks?
Whining is another form of vocal communication in dogs. When interacting with squeaky toys, dogs may whine due to excitement, frustration, maternal instincts, or a desire for attention. Whining can be their way of expressing their feelings and seeking engagement from their humans (Bradshaw et al., 2015).
How to Choose a Squeaky Toy for Your Dog
When selecting a squeaky toy for your dog, there are several factors to consider:
- Durability: Choose a toy that can withstand your dog's chewing habits. Ensure it won't pose a choking hazard or impaction risk.
- Safety: Some squeaky toys come without stuffing to reduce health risks. However, they still contain a squeaker that could be a choking hazard.
- Designed to be torn apart: Certain toys allow dogs to fulfill their desire to tear things apart without causing damage. Examples include toys with squeaky squirrels hidden in a larger toy tree trunk.
- Toys for social play: If your dog enjoys playing with other dogs or humans, consider toys that promote social play, such as pull toys or squeaky balls for fetch.
- Teeth cleaning: Some toys are designed to clean your dog's teeth while they have fun. These toys often have protruding “fingers” that scrape build-up off their teeth and promote gum health.
Keys to Take Away
- Dogs are attracted to squeaky toys because they tap into their hunting instincts.
- Toy preferences vary among individual dogs and different breeds.
- Safety is paramount when giving your dog squeaky toys.
- Dogs may howl or whine in response to squeaky toys.
- Consider durability, safety, and the specific needs and preferences of your dog when choosing a squeaky toy.
Remember, no one knows your dog better than you do. Keep their preferences, needs, and safety in mind when selecting toys to bring home. Happy playing!
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Works Cited:
- Bidner, J. (2006). Is My Dog a Wolf?: How Your Pet Compares to Its Wild Cousin. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc..
- Bradshaw, J. W., Pullen, A. J., & Rooney, N. J. (2015). Why do adult dogs ‘play'? Behavioural processes, 110, 82-87.
- MacNulty, D. R. (2002). The predatory sequence and the influence of injury risk on hunting behavior in the wolf (Doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota).
- Parker, H. G., Dreger, D. L., Rimbault, M., Davis, B. W., Mullen, A. B., Carpintero-Ramirez, G., & Ostrander, E. A. (2017). Genomic analyses reveal the influence of geographic origin, migration, and hybridization on modern dog breed development. Cell reports, 19(4), 697-708.
- Pullen, A. J., Merrill, R. J. N., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2010). Preferences for toy types and presentations in kennel housed dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 125(3-4), 151-156.
- Udell, M. A., Ewald, M., Dorey, N. R., & Wynne, C. D. (2014). Exploring breed differences in dogs (Canis familiaris): does exaggeration or inhibition of predatory response predict performance on human-guided tasks?. Animal Behaviour, 89, 99-105.
- Wells, D. L. (2004). The influence of toys on the behaviour and welfare of kennelled dogs. Animal Welfare, 13(3), 367-373.