Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys? The Top 4 Reasons

Squeaky toys are a favorite gift item to many dogs but have you ever wondered why your dog tends to like squeaky toys too much? What is unique about these toys that capture the attention of your dog completely making your dog chew, fight or fling with the toy for lengthy periods?

Sometimes your dog may not be willing to leave the squeaky toy at all. Well, may be only dogs know about the secret but research can help us unearth the secret behind the squeaky toys. So, why do dogs like squeaky toys? We try to provide you with the most comprehensive answer to this question. Read on to find out.

1. Your dog is attracted to the sound of prey

Scientific research point to the fact dogs are closely related to wolves. In fact, they belong to the same family. Scientists say that wolves are either evolutionary parents or siblings of dogs.The bottom line is that your dog is closely related to the wolves roaming in somewhere in Alaska or Sweden.

Although your lovely puppy may look nothing like it, it exhibits motivations, behaviors, and manners that are closely related to those of the wolves. Naturally, wolves are predators. You may watch them in movies eating a few berries or scavenging from dead carcasses, but they mostly kill to get their food.

In most cases, the animals that wolves hunt and kill produce squealing and squeaking sounds. Whenever a wolf hears the squeaking sounds, it knows that the prey is not yet ready for feasting on.

Your dog remains an instinctive hunter despite your effort of serving it with food in a bowl or can. The squeaky sound gets your dog revved up because it mimics the typical sound of a small prey.Under natural conditions, such sounds tend to attract dogs and trigger their prey drive.

The dogs usually respond to the sound by twitching their ears and using their noses to find the exact location of the prey. The dog will stalk, dig up, pounce on or chase the prey.

Dogs love playing with the squeaky toys because they create in them the wild instinct to catch and kill prey. This is why;some dogs won't be satisfied until the time the toy is destroyed.

2. Squeaky toys are entertaining

Your dog simply finds it more entertaining whenever they play with the squeaky toy. It is more of the cause-and-effect relationship that the dogs have with the toy which results in maximum enjoyment. Squeaky toys aren’t like the most chew toys that won’t respond to your dog’s chewing or thrashing.

The chew toys aren't engaging, and your dog doesn't find it enjoyable when the toy is just lying there. Although tennis balls may provide some push back effect, your dog will prefer a squeaky toy since it reacts to the dog’s chewing.

The toy produces the funny sound whenever the dog bites it down or when it releases some pressure. The sounds tend to stimulate your dog "mentally." It is like the toy, and the dog are engaged in an interesting conversation.

Your dog is more like your toddler who feels fascinated by simple toys that tend to respond to his/her reaction. Your dog is attracted to the feedback mechanism of the toy which triggers emotions.It is the way human beings tend to get hooked on engaging games which provide rewarding and stimulating sounds such as candy crush.

3. Squeaky Toys make good training devices for your dog

Apart from serving as wonderful chew-toys,dogs find squeaky toys as great tools for training. That is why the dog will always try to find out where you have hidden the toy whenever it feels like training itself. The Squeaky toys are not different from the tennis ball and other stuffed material that you use to train the dog.

In fact, your dog will prefer the squeaky toy because it arouses its inner instincts. The squeaky toys provide a powerful audio reinforcement, which your dog finds to be more entertaining. During training, nothing excites your dog more than a squeaky toy that is appropriate in size.

​One thing that you should always consider when selecting a squeaky toy for your dog is its safety. Always check out the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing the toy. A good squeaky toy needs to be durable enough to endure the vigorous training activities.

​4. Your dog is probably a descendant of the dog species that were selected to hunt vermin

​Not all dogs respond to squeaky sounds in the same way. While others love the sounds, other dogs don't like the squeaky sounds produced by the toy. It all depends on the species of your dog.

​Squeaks are more appealing to a variety of dogs that descended from a select group of their ancestors who were chosen to hunt vermin. A good example here is the Terriers. This variety of dogs is usually attracted to toys that resemble squeaks or mice because they represent a selective breed of dogs that were selected to hunt and kill mice and other small prey.

​Another variety of dogs such retrievers may find plush toy ducks that make quacking noises to be more attractive. One thing you should know is that, although all dogs have some innate instinct of hunting, not all dogs get hyped when they hear the squeaking sound from the squeaky toys.

​Conclusion

​One of the most interesting things that you probably enjoy is seeing your dog go nuts on a squeaky toy. It is one of the pleasures of your dog. Be observant when the dog is playing with the squeaky toy when it starts being obsessed with"killing" it or tearing it apart; take the toy away from the dog.

​Make sure that your dog doesn't swallow the toy; it isn't usual since it can easily land it on a vet's operating table. Fortunately, dogs don't go to that extent because to them, chewing the toy is just a way of having fun. Always keep safety in mind while purchasing a Squeaky toy for your dog.

​Get the right size with the right specifications. Always remember that the safety of your dog comes first.