Why Do Dogs Find Sticks and Twigs So Appealing?

Many dogs have a curious attraction to twigs and sticks during walks, turning this into a natural scavenger hunt. While historically, owners encouraged stick play by throwing suitable sticks for dogs to retrieve, this practice is now far less common due to safety concerns and the availability of safer, specially designed dog toys.

Chewing sticks carries risks including splinters, mouth wounds, choking hazards, internal injuries, and exposure to rot or spores. For these reasons, responsible pet owners today tend to discourage stick chewing to protect their dogs' health while acknowledging their dogs’ natural interests.

Why Dogs Like Sticks: The Behavioural Perspective

Dogs primarily explore their world with their mouths rather than their hands, making mouthing and chewing key ways they investigate. This instinct is particularly heightened in retrieving breeds like the Golden Retriever puppies, known for their "soft mouth" and fine jaw control, making stick carrying especially appealing but also needing careful supervision.

Chewing itself is a natural and healthy activity that helps maintain dental hygiene. When dogs aren't provided with appropriate chewing options, sticks may substitute out of convenience or instinct, despite safety concerns.

Sensory Appeal of Sticks and Twigs

• Texture Variety: Sticks offer a wide range of textures, from fresh green twigs to dry, crumbly pieces, which can be stimulating and intriguing for dogs.
• Environmental and Animal Scents: Carrying the scents of trees, earth, and possibly other animals – including other dogs – sticks offer dogs a rich, sensory experience that home toys rarely provide.
• Decay and Natural Changes: The natural decomposition of sticks adds unique smells and interest, involving fungi or insects that pique a dog's curiosity.

Potential Risks of Stick Chewing

Despite their appeal, sticks can splinter and cause puncture wounds inside the dog's mouth, throat, or digestive tract or lead to choking. Consuming stick fragments can cause internal damage or blockages which may require veterinary intervention.

Behavioural problems such as pica—eating non-food objects—may sometimes be linked to stick chewing and should be addressed with professional advice to rule out nutritional deficiencies or anxiety.

Responsible Pet Ownership: Safe Alternatives and Supervision

UK experts in 2025 advocate providing dogs with safe chew toys designed specifically to satisfy chewing urges without risk. Owners should:

• Supervise outdoors to prevent access to harmful sticks and objects.
• Avoid encouraging or praising stick play to not reinforce unsafe habits.
• Manage underlying causes such as boredom or anxiety through exercise and enrichment.
• Seek veterinary advice if problematic chewing behaviours develop or injuries occur.

Summary

Dogs’ attraction to sticks and twigs comes from deep-seated instincts to explore with their mouths and enjoy varied textures and scents in their environment. While this behaviour is natural and understandable, stick chewing poses significant health risks, making safe chew toys and vigilant supervision vital. Responsible owners can balance allowing their pet’s natural inclinations with ensuring their wellbeing, aligning with modern UK pet care standards for 2025.