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There’s no better feeling than treating your pup to a new toy, don’t you think? Seeing the excitement on their face is one of those wonderful simple joys of being a pet parent.Dog toys, such as chew toys, squeaker toys, dog puzzles and boredom busters for dogs, form such an important part of our fur baby’s lives – providing them with the mental and physical stimulation they need to feel happy and content.While watching your pup during playtime, have you ever wondered why it is that dogs like squeaky toys so much? Despite making a loud, high-pitched and ever so slightly irritating squeak, the joy dogs find in chomping down on squeakers is enough to melt your heart…and test your ear drums!But is there any science behind this widespread canine phenomenon? Let’s find out! First things first. If your pup is borderline obsessed with squeaker toys, don’t worry – they are certainly not alone!In fact, most dogs enjoy playing with toys that make a loud noise when chewed. While there are some breeds that have a higher affinity for playing with squeaky toys, generally speaking, the majority of all dogs get satisfaction from this type of play. Like us, dogs enjoy both social play and solitary play. ‘Solitary play’ includes time dogs spend with toys. As for the squeak, there are a number of theories that help to explain why dogs just can’t get enough of that sweet squeaky sound…Reasons why dogs enjoy playing with squeaky toys: 1. PREY DRIVEThe most popular theory is linked to the idea that dogs are descended from wolves and have somewhat retained their natural instincts to hunt prey. To a large extent, squeaky dog toys provide a way for dogs to fulfil this inclination, with squeaks mimicking sounds made by small animals. 2. REINFORCED BEHAVIOURIf there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that dogs love to find ways to get our attention! Pups will often drop their squeaker right in front of their human owners in a bid to initiate play.From throwing squeaky tennis balls, to initiating a game of tug of war, by engaging with our dog’s play we increase their interest in the toy itself. And, it’s unsurprising that dogs that are introduced to this type of interaction from a young age are more likely to find joy and satisfaction in this. 3. SOUNDS & RESPONSESThis theory considers the fact that squeaky toys are the only type of toy that react to a dog’s efforts to engage in play. Research indicates that certain sounds and sensations also help to trigger parts of the brain that are able to release feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine. It is believed that when dogs chew down on squeakers, the auditory sounds released help to provide a gratifying sense of happiness that makes them want to squeak again and again! Are squeaky toys bad for dogs? As a whole, no, squeaky toys are not ‘bad’ for dogs! Though most canines share a common love of squeakers, it’s important to remember that every dog is different and you should monitor how your dog responds to these toys during playtime.Over time, you will be able to better understand your dog’s chewing habits. Keep an eye out for any increasing signs of aggression, as toys have the potential to lead to destructive behaviour. Ensure your pup is safe when playing:There is a huge range of squeaky dog toys out there for your pup to enjoy. However, it’s vital to choose toys that are safe and non-toxic for pets. Whenever purchasing a new toy, be sure to buy from a reputable seller that provides information on materials, as well as which breeds / dog sizes the toy is suitable for. Despite their abilities to bring high levels of satisfaction and keep dogs entertained for hours on end, these squeakers also have the potential to become choking hazards – so make sure you take the time to clean and inspect them for damage after each use. Over time, squeaker toys can get worn down, and you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get completely destroyed.

Bringing home a furry friend can be quite the stressful task. Check out some of the tips below that’ll make you pup parent of the year!1. Keep food items out of reach. Gone are the days that you can leave a half eaten pizza on the couch, a cooling pie on the windowsill or a freshly made sandwich on the countertop. You’re a dog lady now! (or dog man!) Due to their amazing sense of smell – and an uncanny ability to sense food from two towns over – given the opportunity to grab a snack on the go, a new puppy will eat anything that crosses their path. Not only does this ruin their balanced diet, many people foods can be extremely harmful to dogs. So before they come home ensure all food items are stored out of reach, including preparation utensils, plates, pet foods, mints and gums, and decorative food items. And by out of reach, I mean out of reach. Never underestimate a puppy’s ability to get to food. They are wily little muffins.2. Store poisonous items and household chemicals out of reach. This one seems like a no brainer, but is actually quite an extensive job. Start in your kitchen and laundry, moving onto your bathroom, bedrooms and garages ensuring all cleaning products, medications, pesticides, car kits, and beauty products are put away out of reach. Even the most seemingly harmless items, such as herbal supplements and hairspray cans can be toxic and dangerous.3. Keep electrical cords out of reach or safely secured. For years this used to be as easy as securing the television, toaster and iron cords and walking away. However with today’s technology, you need to ensure laptop cords, phone chargers and ethernet cords are also kept safely. If the cords are fixed, ensure they are secured where they cannot be reached. If the cords are transported throughout the house, get into the habit of packing them away whenever they are not in use. 4. Make your garden pet friendly. Puppies love to explore, and if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, your new pup has years of frolicking to enjoy. Before they come home, go through your garden ensuring any plants that may be poisonous to your new pup are removed or securely protected. For a full list of harmful plants visit here.5. Check your fencing. If you have a backyard, scour the perimeter of fencing, checking for gaps and places where your puppy could dig and get out. Also check the sturdiness and security of your gate. Close off staircases, balconies and any open high spaces to prevent falls and injury. If you’re not sure how to keep your pup contained, consider investing in a baby gate to limit their access.6. Keep toilet lids down and train everyone in your house to do the same. In this case, training is not just for the pup! But ensure all household members know the importance of keeping the lid down to prevent your puppy trying to drink from the toilet or falling in it. 7. Declutter. Puppies explore with their mouths, so for their safety AND YOUR SANITY ensure all small items, breakables and knick knacks are placed out of puppy’s reach. This includes your shoes (spoken from an owner who had over 5 pairs destroyed before learning her lesson); choke hazard items such as coins and pins, and sentimental pieces that can’t be replaced. Puppies don’t generally care if something was your family heirloom – in fact I could swear they find sentimental heirlooms and expensive shoes the tastiest of all.8. Keep dangling blind and curtain cords out of reach. Just like small children, puppies can be fascinated by hanging cords, which can quickly become dangerous hazards. Tuck them away.9. Cover your trash bins, laundry hampers, washing machines and dishwashers. All of these items carry significant scents that attract a puppy’s attention. By ensuring they are closed and/or covered your new puppy can’t break in to them causing mess or compromising their safety.10. Establish puppy safe zones. Your best tool in puppy proofing your home begins when you bring your puppy home. While you can protect them through the above preemptive tips, nothing beats training them from day one where they can and can’t go. Depending on your household, maybe it’s the busy kitchen that will be out of bounds, or maybe the garage is a no-go zone. With your guidance, they’ll quickly learn where the secure places are to be. Puppies enjoy having a safe haven. Whether you crate them or create a safe place with their bedding and dining zones, they will soon develop an affinity with their protective dens.