How to Stop your Pet from Destroying its Toys
A new toy lasts maybe five minutes. The stuffing is everywhere, the squeaker is gone, and your pet is already eyeing the next victim. It’s frustrating, expensive, and even a little concerning when every toy becomes shredded fluff in record time. But it’s not just about destruction. It’s often about unmet needs, boredom, or too much energy with nowhere to go.
When I first adopted my dog, I thought toy destruction was just part of the deal. I’d buy a plush toy, watch it explode, and repeat the cycle. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a quirk — it was communication. Once I started paying attention to the types of toys she destroyed, when it happened, and what her day looked like, the pattern became clear. She wasn’t being bad. She was under-stimulated and trying to tell me something.
Understanding why your pet destroys toys is the first step toward stopping the cycle. Whether it’s a lack of mental stimulation, the wrong kind of toy, or too much energy without an outlet, there are simple ways to shift the dynamic. When you meet your pet’s real needs, their behavior changes naturally.
You don’t have to keep throwing money at toys that don’t last. With a better understanding of your pet’s behavior and a few smart changes, you can make playtime more satisfying, more fun, and far less destructive — for both of you.
Choose Tougher Toys
First things first: not all toys are created equal. If your pet is really intent on destruction, then the flimsy soft toys you find at the supermarket aren’t going to cut it, unfortunately. You’ll need to look on pet store websites like Scratch and Newton for toys labelled ‘indestructible’, or made from tough materials like reinforced rubber, heavy-duty rope, or even certain kinds of nylon.
Even then, it’s important to note that ‘Indestructible’ usually just means ‘will take a bit longer to destroy.’ Nothing is truly immune, once a determined set of teeth gets involved.
Rotate Toys Instead of Leaving Them All Out
It’s tempting to give your pet free access to a huge basket of toys, but it can actually make them bored quicker. If a toy’s always there, it becomes less exciting – and when pets get bored, they might start testing what happens if they rip those toys apart.
Try rotating a few toys at a time. Hide the rest away, then swap them out every few days. The ‘newness’ factor can help to keep them interested in playing with the toy, rather than destroying it.
Supervise Play Sessions (at Least to Start)
It’s not realistic to watch your pet every second of the day. But for new toys, or for toys you suspect might not last long, it’s worth keeping an eye out while they play.
If they start gnawing too aggressively or trying to tear something apart, redirect them to something sturdier, like a chew toy designed to take serious punishment. A little gentle training in the early stages can help them figure out what’s fair game, and what’s not.
Offer Alternatives for Chewing
Sometimes, toy destruction isn’t just boredom – it’s a need to chew. Puppies, especially, are going to chew no matter what, and older dogs sometimes do it to relieve stress.
Make sure you’re offering proper chew toys or treats they’re supposed to gnaw on. If their need to chew is being met elsewhere, they’ll often be less aggressive with their regular toys.
Employ the Rotation System
Even with the toughest toys, the best rotation system, and all the supervision in the world, sometimes pets are just going to be pets. Chewing and ripping up soft toys – it’s just part of how they explore and enjoy their world.
Instead of fighting it completely, aim for balance. Choose safer toys, guide their energy where it makes sense, and expect a little collateral damage now and again. It’s all part of the chaos – and the charm – of having an animal in your life.
Make Playtime Last
Your pet’s toys don’t have to be short-lived casualties of play. When you understand what’s really behind the destruction, you can choose toys that match their energy, instincts, and needs. The right toy, combined with the right outlet, can shift your pet’s behavior in lasting ways.
Whether it’s rotating toys to keep things fresh, offering enrichment activities, or simply spending more time engaged together, small changes can make a big difference. Destructive play is often just misdirected energy, and you have the tools to help redirect it.
A happy, mentally stimulated pet is less likely to destroy what’s given to them. By tuning into their play style and needs, you’re not only saving toys — you’re building a stronger bond and creating more joyful, less stressful moments for both of you.
