The Plushie Toy Problem: What I Learned at the Texas Pet Sitters Conference About Puppies & Chewing
One of the most practical (and eye-opening!) conversations at the Texas Pet Sitters Conference this year centered around something almost every puppy parent experiences:
The plushie toy problem.
You know the scene.
You buy the adorable stuffed lamb.
Your puppy loves it.
Ten minutes later… stuffing explosion. Squeaker surgery. Fabric everywhere.
During sessions featuring canine behavior expert Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, we were reminded that this isn’t “bad behavior.”
It’s normal development. But it can quickly become dangerous if we don’t manage it properly.
Who Is Teoti Anderson?
Teoti Anderson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). She is Vice President of A Dog’s Best Friend in Florida and author of:
- Puppy Care & Training
- The Dog Behavior Problem Solver
Her approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and behavior science — focusing on teaching dogs what to do instead of punishing what we don’t like. And that philosophy applies directly to puppy chewing.
Why Puppies Destroy Plush Toys
At the conference, one of the biggest reminders was this:
👉 Puppies chew because they’re puppies.
Chewing:
- Relieves teething discomfort
- Burns excess energy
- Helps them explore their environment
- Provides soothing sensory feedback
Plush toys feel amazing to chew:
- Soft texture
- Easy to shred
- Highly rewarding “dissection” experience
But here’s the problem…
Why Plush Toys Can Be Dangerous
While they seem harmless, plush toys can become:
- Choking hazards (squeakers, fabric pieces)
- Intestinal blockage risks (stuffing ingestion)
- Reinforcement for destructive chewing patterns
If a puppy learns that ripping fabric is fun and rewarding, they may generalize that behavior to:
- Pillows
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Furniture
Teoti emphasized that prevention and redirection are far easier than correcting ingrained habits later.
The Real Issue: We Often Give the Wrong Toy for the Job
One powerful takeaway from the Texas Pet Sitters Conference was this:
Not all toys are created equal.
Many plush toys are designed for gentle adult dogs — not teething, high-drive puppies.
If a toy can be destroyed in under 15 minutes, it likely isn’t appropriate for unsupervised puppy chewing.
How to Solve the Plushie Toy Problem
Here’s the science-based approach inspired by Teoti’s teachings:
1. Manage First
Until your puppy learns appropriate chewing habits:
- Remove easily shredded plush toys
- Puppy-proof your environment
- Supervise playtime with any toy that could be torn apart
Management prevents rehearsal of dangerous behavior. Preventing access to items puppies can destroy helps avoid creating habits that are harder to break later.
Management prevents rehearsal of dangerous behavior.
2. Provide Appropriate Chew Alternatives
Instead of plush toys, offer:
- Durable rubber toys (like food-stuffable options)
- Puppy-specific teething toys
- Freezable chew toys for sore gums
- Supervised rope toys
If it holds up to puppy pressure, it’s a better option.
3. What to Do When a Puppy Steals Something
One important training note: teaching “Drop It” can be helpful in many training situations, but it should be used carefully when a puppy grabs something they shouldn’t have.
If a puppy steals a sock and we immediately trade a treat for it, the puppy may learn that stealing household items is a great way to earn rewards.
Instead, if a puppy grabs something inappropriate:
- Calmly say “No.”
- Remove the item from the puppy.
- Redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.
This helps puppies learn what not to chew while also guiding them toward better choices.
4. Understand Developmental Phases
Teething peaks around 4–6 months.
Chewing often spikes during this time.
This is temporary — if guided correctly.
Teoti reinforced that chewing is normal.
Destructive chewing is usually a management issue.
Plush Toys: Are They Ever OK?
Yes — with boundaries.
Plush toys can be:
- Comfort objects
- Tug toys (with supervision)
- Interactive play toys
They just shouldn’t be:
- Primary chew toys
- Left unsupervised with strong chewers
- Given to puppies who immediately shred and ingest
Know your individual dog.
Why This Matters for Pet Professionals
As a pet care professional attending the Texas Pet Sitters Conference, continuing education like this helps us:
- Recognize early destructive chewing patterns
- Guide puppy parents toward safer choices
- Prevent emergency vet visits due to foreign body ingestion
- Support proper developmental training
Education elevates care.
And in puppyhood, prevention truly is everything.
Final Takeaway
The plushie toy problem isn’t about having a “bad puppy.”
It’s about:
- Development
- Management
- Appropriate outlets
- Positive reinforcement
When we understand why puppies chew — and guide them safely — we set them up for lifelong success.
For more resources on positive training and puppy development, visit
https://teotianderson.com
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
