How to Stop Your Puppy Destroying All Their Toys

All dogs enjoy chewing, especially puppies. Chewing satisfies many natural needs, calms stress, and soothes teething pain. However, some puppies can be very destructive, shredding even the toughest toys quickly, which can be frustrating and costly.

This guide offers 6 practical steps to help you manage and reduce destructive chewing, choose the best toys, and build positive habits for your puppy.

1. Choose Durable and Appropriate Toys

Select toys suited to your puppy’s breed, size, and chewing strength. Durable rubber or nylon toys, like cockapoo puppies often enjoy Kong toys which withstand tough chewing. Avoid toys with stuffing or squeakers if your puppy tends to rip them apart, as swallowing these parts can be unsafe.

2. Supervise and Manage Playtime

Always watch your puppy while they play. If you notice the start of destructive chewing, calmly interrupt to redirect them. Remove any damaged toys to prevent choking risks and stop reinforcing that destruction is acceptable.

3. Teach Appropriate Toy Play

Engage your puppy in interactive games such as fetch or tug with their toys. This helps them understand toys are for play, not destruction. Consistently praise gentle play to encourage good habits and gradually set boundaries around chewing.

4. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Boredom often leads to destructive chewing. Use puzzle toys or Kong toys stuffed with treats or frozen yoghurt to keep your puppy’s mind busy and satisfy their chewing needs productively. Regular exercise also helps reduce excess energy that may encourage destructive behaviour.

5. Rotate Toys and Offer Safe Destructibles

Rotate your puppy’s toys regularly to keep interest high and reduce boredom. Additionally, provide inexpensive safe destructible items like old shoes or empty plastic bottles (labels and lids removed) that your dog can safely chew and destroy without risk or cost concerns.

6. Monitor for Problem Chewing and Seek Veterinary Advice

Some destructive chewing may indicate teething pain or anxiety-related compulsive behaviours. If you suspect your puppy’s chewing is excessive or linked to distress, seek advice from your vet or a professional dog trainer to address underlying issues sensitively and effectively.

By combining the right toy choices, supervision, fun training, and mental enrichment, you can gently guide your puppy towards safer chewing and enjoy happier, less destructive playtime together.