Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Sounds like you have a Super Chewer.
You're not alone. Per Sniffspot's proprietary research into dog chewing behavior, 47% of dog guardians report having a dog that is an aggressive chewer. And only 56% of dog parents with tough chewers have been satisfied with their dogs chew toys while 44% have not found them up to snuff.
We have you covered!
Here’s a roundup of some of the best dog toy products for aggressive chewers. One of these tough, durable chew recommendations is sure to not only make your pup happy—but also actually stand up to their strong teeth. Win-win because providing appropriate chewing outlets can help prevent household destruction!
Dogs evolved in an open world. They could act naturally without unfair repercussions. Ancient canines had space to run, interesting scents to sniff, food to scavenge for, and opportunities to move their bodies freely.
In today’s human society, though, these things are at a premium for our domestic dog companions. While it’s important our pets can fit into our modern lives, it’s also important we meet their needs!
Enter canine enrichment: A movement to provide them with the kinds of experiences they evolved for. Proper mental and physical stimulation can be an important way to prevent unwanted behaviors and improve our pets’ overall quality of life.
One type of this mental and physical stimulation? Chewing! Natural behaviors like sniffing and chewing can help our dogs relieve anxiety and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Chewing is also a way to shake off stress after the fact—plus it can give your dog an appropriate outlet when they’re feeling antsy and you’re unable to interact with them. Heavy super chewers in particular benefit from being able to engage in this instinct.
There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about what dog chews are and aren’t safe for your pet. We wish there was a simple, straightforward answer—but the truth is that it depends on your individual dog.
Some canines are able to chew just about anything with no problems. Others are only able to have the softest possible toys to avoid cracking teeth, pulling off big chunks, or experiencing digestive problems.
According to Sniffspot's survey, 87% of dog guardians with aggressive chewers have bought toys specifically designed for aggressive chewers.
When you give your dog a toy, bone, antler, or other chew that’s too hard for their chewing style, you run the risk of them cracking a tooth. These fractures can range from minor to severe and might even require complete extraction (which is a costly process for you and a painful, stressful one for your pup who's used to having all their teeth).
Super chewers might be more prone to tooth fractures because they exert so much force when chomping on their pet products. This is something to keep in mind while looking at toys for dogs!
Some dogs seem to naturally know not to swallow anything that isn’t food. They’ll spit out stuffing or rubber chew toy remnants without issue. Unfortunately, though, most dogs don’t fit into this category—vets across the country deal with thousands of foreign body removal surgeries each year. Consuming part of a toy or chew could result in minor digestive discomfort while the object passes or more serious complications like a full obstruction.
First things first: Read customer reviews from fellow dog parents!
This word-of-mouth input can be invaluable in determining whether a certain pet product will be a hit with your own pup or not. Prioritize the most recent customer reviews when scrolling through to get the most updated information.
The right size chew will depend on your individual dog. In general, you want your dog's toys to be small enough that they can pick them up and enjoy playing with them but large enough that they aren’t able to swallow them (either by accident or on purpose).
Powerful, tough chewers can break larger toys into smaller parts, which is why it's important to consider the material as well. Opt for heavy duty options when in doubt.
More on that next!
If you’re going to give your dog an edible chew—something like a bully stick or treat designed to be completely consumed—look for natural, single-ingredient options as much as possible. Avoid rawhides or heavily processed chews with lots of additives. As a bonus, these natural chews can often help clean your dog's teeth alongside your regular brushing routine!
If you’re looking for an inedible chew toy, a range of materials work for different dogs. Still look for natural varieties and aim for durable, sturdy materials that won’t fracture or break easily. (Avoid simple plastic objects or soft, flimsy fabric that sharp teeth can easily puncture. Soft rubber is out, too.)
Durable rubber (like thermoplastic rubber), dense nylon, thick rope, and similar options can be good ideas depending on your pup. Many pets especially appreciate a textured surface that makes chewing more interesting.
Some chew toy material floats in water while many others will sink quickly. It's up to you how much this matters for your individual dog. (Most pups probably won't do much chewing while near a pool or pond, after all.)
Squeakers can be a bonus or a challenge for some dogs. Many pets find the high-pitched squeaks incredibly fun! Other pups become extra fixated on toys that have squeakers inside, which makes them more likely to rip the product apart.
The shape of your dog’s chews and toys can affect not only their interest and excitement about them, but also their risks of swallowing them whole or breaking pieces off.
Age often correlates with dental health and teeth strength. (Know there’s always variability within individuals, though.)
Teething puppies require ample things to chew on, but it’s important to provide softer options that won’t cause pain or be too difficult for them to maneuver. Young adult dogs can generally handle the hardest, most durable chews. Elderly dogs often need softer options.
Some dogs are gentle nibblers. Others go hard on their chews and toys, tearing off pieces and destroying things quickly. (If you’re reading this article, you’re probably here because you have the latter type of companion.)
Nibblers can be trusted with a wider variety of chew toy sizes and materials, since it’s unlikely they’ll break pieces off (or press hard enough to fracture a tooth.)
Some dogs have very sensitive stomachs or chronic digestive conditions. It’s extra important to limit the materials they chew on—both for edible treats and inedible toys—since the potential fallout from them ingesting something they shouldn’t is higher.
That’s not to say we should be relaxed about allowing otherwise healthy dogs to consume anything they want! Simply that some dogs require even more caution. (We know. Being a responsible dog parent is a lot of work.)
Many trainers recommend having designated toys that you store out of your dog’s reach and only take out when you’re going to play an exciting game together. This has a few benefits, like:
Many owners do like giving their dogs the option to play with chews or toys when interactive games aren’t possible, though—like during the work day or while making dinner. One solution here is to divide toys up into two categories based on your pup’s interest level, chewing style, and product durability. One group will always be available for your dog to channel arousal into and chew on their own. The other will be kept away and only brought out for play time with you.
What’s more: Rotating your dog’s toy selection can keep them from getting bored! You might also consider changing out the toys that are available every couple of weeks to keep things interesting.
No toy is completely indestructible. That said, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular products based on online reviews from fellow dog owners with aggressive chewers. Take a look below!
Note that when we say “chew on their own” we mean not directly interacting with you in a game of tug, fetch, or other structured play—but that you absolutely should still supervise! Even durable rubber toys. designed for aggressive chewers, can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Only leave your dog unattended with a toy or chew if you’re fully confident they won’t have problems with it. For example, some owners provide kongs or other thermoplastic rubber enrichment toys stuffed with treats like peanut butter in their dogs' crates before leaving the house, without issue. Others keep crates completely empty because of their pets’ tendencies to rip or devour anything they’re confined with (even if it purports to be made of indestructible rubber or nylon).
The best advice we have: Get to know your own dog and make careful risk assessments.
When in doubt? Consult with your trusted veterinarian or a professional trainer who can help you make decisions about your pup’s wellbeing!
There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality content to our community. We have our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.
This is the trainer that reviewed this article:
Lindy Langum
Founder - K9 Fun Club
Staff Trainer - Summit Assistance Dogs
Certified in Canine Studies (CSS), NW School of Canine Studies
Sniffspot Research 2023, n = 4,092
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.