Most people see dog toys as optional extras. Something cute to scatter across the living room, or something the dog will definitely destroy within 48 hours.
But to your dog?
Toys are so much more.
Toys are where dogs practise instincts.
Toys are where they release stress.
Toys are where they express frustration, curiosity, confidence and joy.
Toys are where they learn how to be dogs.
And when owners learn to use toys properly, not just buy them, the difference in behaviour is enormous.
Pickles’ Aside: Toys are life. Some humans don’t get it.
Why Toys Are Essential for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
Dogs don’t have many safe outlets for their natural behaviours. In the wild, they would stalk, chase, chew, dissect, dig, shake and hunt. In your house, they are expected to be calm, gentle and respectful… which is the dog equivalent of asking a toddler to remain politely still for 12 hours.
Toys give dogs an appropriate way to act out all those instincts without:
- chewing your skirting boards
- destroying your shoes
- herding the children
- dismantling your sofa
- choosing absolutely the worst objects to “hunt”
Play is not a luxury.
Play is behavioural maintenance.
Pickles’ Aside: I could chew a sofa. I choose not to. That’s growth.
The Science Bit (Made Simple)
Play releases dopamine and serotonin, reduces stress hormones and teaches dogs how to regulate their emotions.
Dogs who play well tend to:
- settle easier
- sleep better
- learn faster
- show fewer bitey behaviours
- cope with frustration more calmly
- show more confidence in new environments
Play is basically therapy disguised as chaos.
The Different Instincts Dogs Need to Act Out
Every dog, regardless of breed, has instinct buckets that need filling. Toys help fill them safely.
Chase Instinct
For dogs who love movement, speed and stalking.
Great outlets:
- flirt poles
- rolling balls
- tug-and-run games
- long-range fetch (with breaks)
Chew Instinct
For stress relief, teething, and sheer joy.
Great outlets:
- natural chews
- rubber chews
- textured toys
- frozen treats
Shake/Dissect Instinct
Stuffies exist for one reason: safe destruction.
Great outlets:
- plush toys
- squeaky toys
- rope toys
- stuffing-free toys
Sniff/Hunt Instinct
For natural scavengers and scent-lovers.
Great outlets:
- snuffle mats
- scent games
- hide-and-seek toys
- scatter feeding
Pickles’ Aside: I shake toys aggressively so I don’t have to shake humans. You’re welcome.
Why Owner Involvement Matters (More Than People Think)
A toy on the floor is not the same as a game.
A toy is an object.
A game is an interaction.
Dogs are social mammals. They don’t just want toys. They want you involved.
Playing together builds:
- trust
- communication
- confidence
- connection
- better recall
- better self-control
- a dog who actually wants to listen to you
Pickles’ Aside: I’ll play alone, but it’s better when you cheer for me.
Games Owners Should Play (Even If You’re Not Sporty)
You don’t need to be athletic. Just present.
1. Gentle Tug
Rules matter:
- start on cue
- stop on cue
- play with rhythm, not chaos
Great for confidence, grip skills and impulse control.
2. Flirt Pole Chasing
Amazing for high-energy dogs.
Let them stalk, chase, catch and “kill” safely.
3. Hide the Toy
Let your dog sniff it out.
Their brain works harder than their body.
4. The Predictable Fetch
Throw short distances, let them rest between throws, and celebrate at every return.
5. Capture the Shake
Let your dog rag a toy, shake it, and practise controlled excitement.
6. The Trade Game
Swap a toy for food or another toy.
This teaches drop, impulse control, and stops guarding before it starts.
Owner insight:
“My dog’s behaviour improved more from ten minutes of tug than from a long walk. It resets them.”
Toy Rotation: The Secret to Keeping Your Dog Obsessed
Dogs get bored.
Really bored.
That’s why leaving all toys out all day turns them into background clutter.
Rotate toys weekly:
- 3–5 toys out
- the rest hidden
- swap them in and out
This keeps everything exciting and keeps your dog mentally stimulated without buying new toys every week.
Pickles’ Aside: When the old toy returns from retirement, I react like it’s Beyoncé.
How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog
Consider:
- their breed instincts
- their age
- their bite pressure
- their emotional needs
- their boredom level
- their favourite textures
For example:
- Terriers love squeaky stuff to shake
- Herders love fetch and tug
- Sighthounds love chase toys
- Retrievers love carrying
- Hounds love scent puzzles
- Companions love soft toys and gentle games
One dog’s treasure is another dog’s “meh”.
Without Toys, Behaviour Problems Grow
Dogs who don’t get enough instinct outlets often show:
- destructive chewing
- zoomies
- barking
- biting
- resource guarding
- frustration
- reactivity
- general chaos
Play doesn’t cure everything.
But lack of play makes everything worse.
Final Thoughts: Toys Aren’t Extras — They’re Essentials
Toys help dogs express who they are.
Games help dogs connect with who you are.
And a little daily play can transform your dog’s behaviour more effectively than an extra-long walk.
Pickles’ Aside: More toys, more joy. Science probably agrees.
If You Want Better Play, Start Here
Get our free Toy Tracker & Rotator to find out:
- which toys your dog actually loves
- how to rotate toys to keep them exciting
- which play types your dog naturally thrives on
- how to prevent boredom-related chaos
It’s the simplest behaviour fix most owners never try.