The Chew Style Guide: Matching the Toy to the Jaw
Every dog has a unique way of interacting with their toys, and identifying this "chew style" is the first step in selecting gear that will actually last. Some dogs are nibblers who use their front incisors to pick at seams, while others are "crushers" who use their powerful rear molars to apply maximum pressure to the center of a toy. Our Interactive Toy Range is designed to accommodate these different behaviours, but the key to longevity is matching the specific toy shape to the dog's preferred method of destruction. A dog that likes to "gut" plush toys will need a different challenge than a dog that wants to compress a rubber ball.
For the high drive "shredders," we recommend toys with smooth, rounded surfaces that offer very few "start points" for their teeth to catch on. When a dog cannot find a seam or a protruding edge, they are much less likely to be able to tear the material. As we explore in the durability standard, this is why many of our Tuff Toys feature ergonomic, streamlined designs. If you have a crusher, focusing on toys with a hollow core allows the material to flex and absorb the pressure, which is far more durable than a solid, brittle object.
Understanding your dog’s style also allows you to use toys as a proactive tool for dental health. A nibbler can be redirected toward toys with a textured surface that