One of the most common toy frustrations pet parents experience is plush toys being destroyed within minutes. While it’s easy to assume the toy wasn’t “tough enough,” the real issue is usually how the toy is being used.

Plush (fabric) dog toys are designed for interactive play, not chewing. Even the toughest fabric cannot hold up to sustained chewing from a dog whose jaws are built to crush bone. Teaching your dog the difference between play toys and chew toys is the key to longer-lasting toys and safer, happier playtime.

Why Plush Toys Fail When Used for Chewing

Plush toys excel at:

• Fetch
• Tug-of-war
• Shake and toss play
• Carrying and parading
• Play with humans or other dogs

They are not designed for:

• Lying down and gnawing
• Back-tooth chewing
• Picking at seams or stitching

When a dog settles into chewing mode, fabric simply isn’t the right tool for the job.

Step-by-Step: Teaching the Difference Between Plush and Chew Toys

1. Plush Toys Are for Together Time

Plush toys should be brought out only during interactive play. When you’re done playing, put the plush toy away. This sets a clear rule:

Plush toys appear when humans are involved.

This is especially important for puppies, but it works for adult dogs too.

2. Watch for “Chewing Mode” Signals

If your dog:

• Lies down with the plush toy
• Starts using back molars
• Fixates on seams or stitching
• Holds the toy tightly and gnaws

They’ve switched from play to chewing.

3. Remove the Plush — Redirect, Don’t Scold

Calmly remove the plush toy and immediately offer a proper chew toy. No correction or frustration is needed. You’re simply guiding your dog to the right outlet.

Consistency here is everything.

Helping Dogs Choose Chew Toys (So Plush Toys Survive)

Some dogs don’t automatically take to chew toys, especially puppies or dogs new to structured toy rules. You can make the “right” choice easier by making chew toys more rewarding than plush ones.

Use Flavor or Treat-Based Chews to Build the Habit

Flavored chew toys or treat-based chews help dogs quickly understand:

“This is what I’m supposed to chew.”

Once the habit is formed, many dogs will happily chew non-flavored options as well.

Add Familiar Scents to Non-Flavored Chew Toys

Many rubber chew toys naturally absorb scent. If a chew toy seems uninteresting at first:

• Store it with your dog’s kibble
• Place it near favorite treats
• Let it absorb familiar food smells

This makes the chew toy far more appealing and helps reinforce it as the correct chewing outlet.

Pair Chew Toys With Calm Moments

Offer chew toys during downtime—after walks, training, or play sessions—when your dog is already settling. This reinforces chewing as a calm, appropriate activity and reduces the urge to chew plush toys.

Teaching Through Repetition (This Is Normal!)

Most dogs don’t learn this distinction overnight. The process looks like this:

1. Plush toy comes out for play
2. Dog starts chewing
3. Plush is removed
4. Chew toy is offered
5. Repeat consistently

Over time, dogs learn:

• Plush toys = play with humans
• Chew toys = independent chewing
• The rules don’t change

Why This Training Matters

Teaching toy boundaries isn’t just about durability—it’s also about safety and clarity.

• Chewed fabric can become a choking hazard
• Loose threads can cause intestinal issues
• Clear rules reduce frustration for dogs and owners alike

The Takeaway

No plush toy is indestructible—and it doesn’t need to be.

When pet parents:

• Supervise plush play
• Put plush toys away after playtime
• Encourage chewing on proper chew toys
• Make chew toys more rewarding than plush

Dogs learn exactly how to enjoy both types of toys the right way.

If you ever need help choosing the best chew toys for your dog’s size, age, or chewing style, we’re always happy to help. Just chat, email or call with the details about your pup, like is breed, age, and weight.