What is your dog’s favorite type of toy? For many, it’s anything that makes noise. One squeeze of a squeaky toy is enough to send most dogs’ tails wagging a mile a minute. If you’ve ever wondered why your canine companion goes crazy over squeaky toys, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this love affair. Plus, we’ve included our top toy picks below.
Instinctual Behavior
Like many canine behaviors, it’s rooted in their instincts. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and even though they’re domesticated, they still retain some of their wild instincts. The high-pitched squeal of a squeaky toy mimics the noise prey animals might make. This triggers a dog’s hunting instincts, causing them to bite and shake the toy as if they’re capturing prey.
It’s Stimulating
Your dog’s hearing abilities are way greater than yours. Dogs can hear sounds about 4 times better than humans. Additionally, a dog’s frequency range is much greater than ours. Frequencies—AKA high or low-pitched sounds—are doubled for Fido. A person can hear frequencies of 20 to 20,000 Hz, while your dog can hear frequencies of 40 to 60,000 Hz. With that said, the high-pitched sound of a squeaky toy can be very stimulating for our dogs. This auditory stimulation keeps dogs engaged and interested in the toy.
Positive Reinforcement
When a dog bites into a squeaky toy and hears that distinct sound, it can be a form of positive reinforcement. The squeak acts as an immediate reward for their action, encouraging them to keep playing with the toy. This feedback loop makes the toy more appealing and keeps dogs coming back for more.
They Get Your Attention
Dogs are social creatures. They thrive on getting your attention and engaging with you. With the loud noise they make, squeaky toys can be a great way for your dog to quickly capture your attention. Just think about it: If your pup chews and squeaks a toy right next to you, do you usually lean down to grab it and join the play session? Perhaps you throw it to start a game of fetch. Or maybe you lightly yank the toy to initiate a friendly game of tug-of-war. Either way, your dog notices and may use the squeak to initiate an interaction with you!
How to Choose the Right Squeaky Toys
When selecting a squeaky toy for your dog, it’s important to consider safety and durability. Here are some tips:
- Size: Always remember any small object Fido can fit in his mouth is a potential choking hazard. So, avoid small toys that completely fit into your pup’s mouth.
- Avoid Added Frills: Speaking of potential choking hazards, even if a toy is a great size for your fur kid, watch out for added strings, fringe, ribbons, plastic eyes, bells, etc. Many dogs love to chew and tug on these added frills, causing them to pop off. If your dog accidentally ingests any of these frills, he risks choking, intestinal blockages, and removal surgery.
- Material: Various studies and tests have found toxins in certain dog toys. Choose toys made in the USA of organic cotton or eco-friendly materials.
- Avoid Flimsy Rubber Toys: There are plenty of thin rubber balls and trendy-looking squeaky toys that strong chewers can easily rip through. Once torn, some large pieces may get lodged in the throat and cause choking, or get lodged in the intestines and cause a blockage.
- Durability: Speaking of flimsy toys, make sure your dog’s toy is durable enough to withstand their playstyle. Plus, only buy toys designed for dogs (not children). Human toys aren’t made to withstand all the chewing and pulling, making it easier for a dog to rip apart the seams and get to whatever is inside. Plus, kid’s toys may be stuffed with fillers that are dangerous to your dog, like beads, etc.
- Variety: Provide a mix of squeaky and non-squeaky toys to keep your dog entertained and engaged. Another great option is puzzle toys!
Some Top-Rated Sqeaky Toys Your Dog May Love
goDog Gators Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
goDog makes plush squeaky toys with chew guard technology. While no toy is indestructible, this one is more durable than many others on the market. This one also has a loud squeaker to get your pup engaged and ready to play! While I’m linking to the gator, goDog makes other styles. Shop here.
Best Pet Supplies Crinkle & Squeaky Duck
There’s a reason this toy has over 27,000 glowing reviews on Amazon. If your dog enjoys varying sounds and textures, this toy may be just the one to get their tail wagging. It doesn’t have any stuffing. Instead, the inside has crinkle fabric and a squeaker. Shop here.
Sqeaky Rubber Toy for Aggressive Chewers
This toy is made of a thick natural rubber that lets out a loud squeak sound as your dog plays. While no toy is completely indestructible, if you have an aggressive chewer on your hands, this one may last longer than some other options. Note: Always monitor your dog while playing with this toy (or any toy). Shop here.
The Squeaker Ballz by Outward Hound
We always keep a pack or two of these in the house! If your dog is ball-obsessed and also loves a good squeaky toy, they’ll go nuts for these. They come in several sizes. Yes, they even have options for the smallest of dogs! Shop here.
