First thing to say about French Bulldogs and their toys is….. they will find a way to destroy them!
I’ve spent £100’s on trying to find the best toys for Pixie to play with, without her destroying them. I would go on a shopping spree to Pets at Home, get home, introduce her to her new toys, only to get back from throwing the packaging away and she would have already pulled her toys apart.
If you own a French Bulldogs (I’m guessing you do) you know that they have playful personalities while equally loving your cuddles. But they’re also notorious for being toy destroyers, leaving a trail of fluff and stuffing in their wake. There are several reasons why your Frenchie might destroy their toys. Once you have an idea of why your Frenchie is a toy destroyer, it may help you figure out which toys would be better suited.
1. Natural Chewers
Frenchies, like all dogs, have a natural instinct to chew. It helps keep their jaws strong, clean their teeth, and relieve boredom. Plush toys, with their soft textures and enticing squeaks, can be irresistible to a chewer’s instincts.
2. Teething Pups
Teething puppies, especially between 4 and 6 months old, have itchy gums that they need to soothe. Chewing on toys provides relief, but they might not be able to control the intensity, leading to shredded plushies or your sofa pillows.
3. Separation Anxiety
If your Frenchie gets anxious when you’re away, they might chew on toys as a way to cope with the stress. The familiar scent of your hand on the toy can be comforting, and the act of chewing can be a distraction.
4. Boredom Busters:
French Bulldogs destroy toys when they are bored! A bored Frenchie is a destructive Frenchie. If they don’t have enough physical and mental stimulation, they might turn to chewing toys as a way to entertain themselves.
5. Material Matters:
What took me a while to figure out is that not all toys are created equal. Cheaply made toys with flimsy seams or stuffing are easy targets for your determined chewer. Choosing durable toys made from tough materials like rubber or nylon can help extend their lifespan.
Tips for Taming the Toy destroyer
- Have a variety of chew toys: Offer your Frenchie a mix of tough rubber toys, frozen Kongs filled with treats, and puzzle toys that challenge their minds. This will keep them engaged and prevent them from focusing on one toy.
- Supervise playtime: Keep an eye on your Frenchie during playtime, especially when they’re young or prone to chewing. If they start getting destructive, redirect their attention to another toy or activity.
- Teething TLC: If your Frenchie is teething, provide them with chilled teething toys or frozen Kongs. The cold temperature can help numb their gums and provide relief.
- Exercise and enrichment: Make sure your Frenchie gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions will help tire them out and prevent boredom.
- Rotate toys: Don’t give your Frenchie all of their toys at once. Put some away and rotate them out every few days to keep things interesting.
- Choose wisely: Invest in high-quality, durable toys that can withstand your Frenchie’s chewing prowess. Look for toys made from tough materials like rubber or nylon, and avoid anything with flimsy seams or stuffing.
With a little patience and understanding, you can help your Frenchie curb their toy-destroying habit and find more constructive ways to express themselves. Remember, a happy and well-stimulated Frenchie is a less destructive Frenchie!
Further reading:
https://blog.petwellbeing.com/why-your-dog-insists-on-ripping-the-stuffing-out-of-everything
https://be.chewy.com/behavior-pet-facts-5-reasons-your-dog-destroys-his-toys/
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