Super fun squeaky latex rubber dog toys!
(Keef Whiteman- BA Psychology & English, student Canine Behaviourist Advisor at FOTD)
We love squeaky rubber dog toys. In fact, they’re a popular choice among pet owners due to their durability and versatility and come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. These toys can be used for interactive playtime with your furry friend or as a way to keep them occupied when you’re away from home. Few things get a dog’s attention like a high-pitched squeaky toy. This makes these noisy toys wonderful rewards and powerful training tools.
Why do they love them so much??
It’s deeply ingrained into their DNA, dogs prefer toys that can be torn apart, smell like something they can eat, or that make noise.
Why do they love them so much??
It’s deeply ingrained into their DNA, dogs prefer toys that can be torn apart, smell like something they can eat, or that make noise.
- It's primal and instinctive - the toy’s noises sound like prey.
- Dogs love these squeaky toys because they trigger both visual and audible cues that resemble small animals.
Benefits - Durability: They’re tough and can withstand rough play which makes them perfect for aggressive chewers and they won’t have to be replaced as often as other toys.
- Safe Material: These toys are made from non-toxic materials, ensuring your dog’s safety during playtime.
- Squeaky Fun: The internal squeaker in latex toys keeps dogs interested and engaged. The squeak mimics the sound of prey keeping your dog engaged.
- Versatility: Latex rubber toys are suitable for various types of play, including fetch, toss, and catch and have a great texture that dogs enjoy chewing on.
- Connecting with your dog: They’re great for bonding with your dog, both indoors and outdoors.
Safety - Choose a squeaky toy that fits the size of your dog. A toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard, while a toy that’s too large can be difficult for your dog to play with.
- Supervise your dog—especially if they’re known to engage in destructive behaviour. Dogs that are prone to excessive chewing, or are heavy chewers, may also be at risk of swallowing pieces of the toy, which can cause intestinal blockages or other health issues.
- Dogs with a strong prey drive may become fixated on the toy’s squeaker and become overly excited, which can lead to destructive behaviour or injury so be sure to keep an eye on them while they play.
- Dogs with a history of aggression or resource-guarding may become overly protective of their toy-prey, possibly leading to conflict with other dogs or humans. In situations such as this consider the following options:
- give them a safe space to enjoy their toy without any people or other dogs around (check in every few minutes to ensure that they are fine).
- consider using a flirt pole with the lure having no squeaker which will allow them to burn off steam and still express their prey drive but in a different way (again, ensure no other dogs or people are in the space besides yourself).
- bring in a Canine Behaviourist to work on the resource-guarding.
Different strokes for different folks and it’s the same with dogs
These toys come in a range of different styles, sizes and colours. What’s best for your pooch will depend on what works for their size, age, chewing habits, and prey drive. These toys are a wonderful addition to your arsenal and will strengthen your bond, stimulate your dogs mind and offer a release of inherent drives making your dog more calm and less destructive generally.
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