Give a dog a regular and squeaky ball, and you’ll instantly know the dog’s preference. Likewise, if you visit the toy aisle of any pet store, you’re likely to see row after row of toys with built-in squeakers. There is no doubt that these toys are popular with our pets. But why are they so popular? What is it about squeaky toys that dogs love so much?
The most common theory as to why dogs love these items is their pre-domestication instincts. When a dog is hunting in the wild and catches prey, the squeaking noise emitted signals injury or distress. The instincts of a wild dog and a domesticated dog are very similar. The squeaking sound from the toy resembles the squeaking sound of a successfully trapped animal. All dogs are natural predators and love the thrill of the hunt.
Should Squeaky Toys Be Avoided?
Many dog trainers discourage the use of squeaky toys because they believe that they encourage aggressive behavior and actions. However, other trainers say that dogs love squeaky toys because it gives them a response to the action of chewing. Bite the toy, and hear a squeak. Bite the toy, and hear a squeak. The thought is that it’s interactive and provides the dog with mental stimulation in addition to the action of chewing.
If either of these thoughts concerns you, please do not hesitate to keep squeaking toys away from your dog. Any responsible dog owner who has done their research should understand the concern. If squeaky toys do not bother you, then the sky is the limit when choosing a new toy for your pup. On the other hand, many dogs do fine with their squeakers and exhibit zero signs of aggression or hostility.
A Squeaky Toy For Everybody
One of the most popular squeaky toys on Amazon is the KONG Air Dog Squeakair Birthday Ball. You receive 3 balls in a single pack. They look like colorful tennis balls, but a common squeaker inside will keep your dog entertained for hours. We’ve personally given these toys to our dogs and can attest that they’re a fan favorite. The squeaker is hidden deep inside the ball and is incredibly difficult to remove. This is great because it keeps the dog’s teeth/gums safe and ensures that the toy won’t break after one or two chews. It’s also ranked #1 on Amazon in the Dog Squeak Toys section.
If you’re interested in an actual toy, as opposed to a ball, the Kyjen Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle is a great choice. It’s a plush toy tree stump with three included squeaking squirrels. The squirrels are hidden inside the stump, and it’s your dog’s job to find a way to get them out. It’s a problem-solving toy in multiple sizes for your Jack Russell Terrier or your Chocolate Lab.
Final Thoughts on Toys
The bottom line can be summed up in one sentence – choose the toy that makes your dog happy and you feel comfortable with. A toy that entertains one dog for hours may bore another dog to tears. It’s up to you to select the toys that your dog brings into your house and plays with. Make sure to buy items that you’re comfortable with and that your dog enjoys.