My Dog Destroys Every Toy: How to Choose a Chew for an Aggressive Chewer
Some dogs play with toys.
Other dogs seem determined to defeat them.
If a new toy routinely lasts minutes instead of weeks, you probably already know the terms: aggressive chewer, heavy chewer, extreme chewer or power chewer.
But finding a better chew for a powerful dog involves more than simply buying the hardest toy on the shelf.
What Makes a Dog a Power Chewer?
Power chewing isn't necessarily bad behavior.
Chewing is natural dog behavior. Individual dogs simply vary dramatically in how intensely they do it.
Your dog may be a strong chewer if they:
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Rapidly wear down conventional toys
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Focus intensely on chewing for long periods
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Apply substantial jaw pressure
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Destroy softer toys quickly
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Frequently seek objects to chew
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Prefer chewing over other types of play
Breed, age, individual personality and previous habits can all influence chewing behavior.
Stop Looking for “Indestructible”
No responsible chew company should promise that a dog toy is truly indestructible.
Dogs are remarkably good at proving otherwise.
Instead, think about finding an appropriate balance between durability and the needs of your dog's teeth and chewing style.
Extremely hard objects aren't automatically the best answer simply because they last longer.
Start With Size
Choose a chew that is appropriate for your dog's weight and large enough that your dog cannot swallow the entire product.
BetterBone currently offers:
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Mini for dogs under 15 pounds
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Small for dogs under 30 pounds
- Medium for dogs under 60 pounds
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Large for dogs over 60 pounds
For particularly powerful dogs, sizing up may sometimes be appropriate when the larger product can be comfortably and safely handled.
Then Match the Density
This is where knowing your dog matters.
BetterBone offers three densities rather than one universal hardness.
Light is intended for gentle chewers, puppies and seniors.
Moderate is designed for most everyday adult chewers.
Hard is designed specifically for strong, aggressive and power chewers.
If your dog quickly wears through a Moderate BetterBone, Hard may be a better match.
If you're unsure, start by observing how your dog interacts with the product rather than assuming the hardest option is automatically necessary.
Learn Your Dog's Wear Pattern
Your dog's chew tells you useful information.
Ask:
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How quickly is the surface changing?
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Is the product gradually wearing or breaking into larger pieces?
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Does the dog focus on one particular area?
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Is the chew becoming too small?
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Has your dog's chewing style changed over time?
BetterBone is designed to wear by creating small flakes during normal chewing.
Inspect any chew regularly and remove it if large pieces break away, it becomes heavily damaged or it becomes small enough to swallow.
Powerful Chewers Still Need Variety
A dog that loves chewing may also benefit from other forms of enrichment.
Rotate activities such as:
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Walks and sniffing
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Training
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Food puzzles
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Interactive play
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Fetch
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Appropriate chewing time
Giving a dog multiple appropriate outlets can help channel all that determination into better activities than dismantling your shoes or furniture.
Your Dog Isn't “Bad” at Toys
If your dog destroys toys, it doesn't mean they're doing something wrong.
They may simply be telling you something about the kind of chewer they are.
Instead of trying to defeat their instincts, work with them.
Choose an appropriate size. Match the density to their chewing intensity. Supervise use. Inspect frequently.
And accept that even the toughest dog toy has a retirement date.
Have a serious power chewer? Use BetterBone's Chews-ing Guide to explore Hard density and find the appropriate size for your dog.
