Ain't misbehaving?

Dogs like to shred things. Some dogs like it more than others. No, I wouldn't say they're misbehaving (though if they are, remember it's always the owner's fault!). They're actually doing pretty well if they don't mangle your stuff. If you don't want them to chew up their expensive beds, just give them old blankets from Goodwill, or no beds at all until they grow out of the chewing stage. Dog toys are meant to be shredded.

In our family, it's ok to shred toys. I don't think I'd be happy with Ruby shredding beds, though, as they can be expensive. I don't think I'd be happy with her shredding anything but toys, actually. This is my personal boundary, and certainly different homes have different rules.

I think it's all about personal preference and if there is a dispute in the family it's probably a good idea to get everyone in agreement so as to keep things consistent for the dogs. I know Ruby does best with very clear expectations.

I wouldn't say they're being bad. They are very probably bored, though. Dogs will be dogs and shredding stuff is FUN, at least for my girl. She had to be trained to leave her bed alone. I'm more forgiving with toys since they give her an outlet for her shredding urge. But she only gets to do it when I'm in the room since I don't want any trips to the emergency vet because she's eaten some toy stuffing or swallowed a piece of something.

Grannix (bitter apple spray) & supervision worked to stop the bed chewing for us. If you don't want to bother training them to stop chewing the bed (they're not born knowing not to do that), I would just get rid of the beds. RE toys, I would give them stuffed kongs, busy buddies, tug a jugs, or other hard to destroy interactive food based toys to keep them occupied and save the stuffed/more delicate ones for when you're there to play with them.

I concur with the others; i don't think they are misbehaving. Puppies have a huge obsession to chew, so as long as it is their toys it is all good... consider buying tougher chew toys like ones made out of fire hose material or canvas. Also a kong frozen with PB and some kibble is a good choice to entertain them and chew on.
Willowy is correct, give them cheap blankets until they are pass their crazy chewing age.

No, I don't think they're misbehaving.

Get a teatowel, soak it in water, twist it up and freeze. Makes a great chew for tough chewers. So does the black Kong. Nylabones are good too.

Remember not to leave your puppies alone with stuffing.

I don't think they are misbehaving either. You can get them to understand what they can chew up and what you prefer for them to leave alone when they are a little older. Ilya likes to tear up his Wubbas in 10 minutes and I have gotten him to make his 3rd Wubba last 3 weeks. He loves those squeeky things and I like to think he has learned the fun is over when he destroys them.

Are they puppies? They could be "teething".

Can i ask what is wrong with the stuffing in toys? Obviously it's not good for them but is it toxic? Does it not pass through? I would like know please.

Cheers,
Jamie

JamieR said:

Are they puppies? They could be "teething".

Can i ask what is wrong with the stuffing in toys? Obviously it's not good for them but is it toxic? Does it not pass through? I would like know please.

Cheers,
Jamie

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If a dog ate the stuffing, it can get tangled up inside the stomach and cause a bloat, or get tangled up in the intestines. I've seen it a couple times when I worked as a surgical veterinary technician. I've seen underwear get swallowed, greenies, and just good old plain stuffing. No, it's not toxic, but it has the potential to cause stomach issues.

However, there are products out there for dogs that likes to tear apart their "stuffed toys"...No-stuffing toys. It's basically just fabric with squeakers inside. I'm not too sure if it will be safe for those who loves to really destroy the toys. My dog doesn't really rip them apart, she just like to chew on the squeakers and play with it. There's even giant ones for larger dogs.

StardustInVegas said:

However, there are products out there for dogs that likes to tear apart their "stuffed toys"...No-stuffing toys. It's basically just fabric with squeakers inside. I'm not too sure if it will be safe for those who loves to really destroy the toys. My dog doesn't really rip them apart, she just like to chew on the squeakers and play with it. There's even giant ones for larger dogs.

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FYI - I got some of these at Walgreen's for $3 the other day. I really like them. They're nice and long and have squeakers in the head and tail. Mayzie still tears them apart but at least there's not stuffing everywhere after she's done. And they're not crazy-expensive.

ColoradoSooner said:

FYI - I got some of these at Walgreen's for $3 the other day. I really like them. They're nice and long and have squeakers in the head and tail. Mayzie still tears them apart but at least there's not stuffing everywhere after she's done. And they're not crazy-expensive.

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They also have "Tuffy Pet Toys", that's like a donuts shape. Supposely, it doesn't get destroyed, but gives dogs the feel of a soft toy. I haven't tried this as my pup seems to prefer squeakers over anything else without it.