Dogs across the world have been chasing sticks and curiously munching on them for centuries. But why do dogs like sticks? From safety to sensory stimulation, there are a number of reasons why your pup may be drawn to sticks. Below, we’ll dive into the details of why do dogs like sticks and how to safely handle stick play.
Why Do Dogs Like Playing With Sticks?
Stick play is a natural instinct for most dogs and can be traced back for centuries. This instinct lives in a dog’s amygdala, which is their flight-or-flight response center, which is triggered when a dog perceives something as prey. When a dog perceives a stick — or a similar object — as prey, they have an instinctive urge to chase and retrieve it. This can make sticks incredibly enticing to some dogs.
In addition to its being linked to a dog’s hunter instinct, playing with sticks can provide them with a sensory stimulation. The texture, shape, and size of a stick can provide many dogs with an exciting and gratifying experience. For high-energy breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog, playing with sticks is a great way to expend excess energy.
Finally, stick play serves as an important bonding experience for both you and your dog. When you join in the stick game, you are both sharing an enjoyable activity and creating a stronger relationship. For some adventurous breeds, such as the Afghan Hound, going for a stick retrieval is a great way to satisfy both a dog and their owner’s need for an exciting outdoor adventure.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew On Sticks?
While the act of dog’s chasing and carrying sticks can be perfectly safe, allowing your pup to chew on sticks could be dangerous. A dog’s mouth is full of sharp teeth that can easily tear into the stick, splitting it and leaving small, splintery pieces. These pieces can irritate your pup’s mouth and even cause choking.
Sharp, splinter pieces aren’t the only concern when it comes to allowing your dog to chew on a stick. Dogs that chew on sticks can swallow large chunks, which can create a blockage in their digestive tract. This blockage will require medical attention in order to clear it and there is potential for it to be fatal.
It is important to note that sticks picked up in the dog park or outside your home may have been treated with chemicals or insecticides. These chemicals can create a variety of negative reactions when ingested and can vary from mild to severe.
How Do I Stop My Dog from Eating Sticks?
The best way to discourage your pup from chewing on sticks is to offer alternative activities and toys. Chew toys and puzzle-solving toys that dispense treats can help redirect their stick-related urges in a safe and enjoyable way.
If you’re in a situation where you are unable to provide alternative toys and activities, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pup. While playing in the yard, garden, or park, distract your pup with treats and commands. Rewarding good behavior will help reinforce the idea that sticks aren’t something that should be chewed on or eaten.
If your pup continues to pick up sticks, you may need to consider putting a leash on them and supervising all play times. Keeping some treats on hand for rewards is especially important if it’s a stick-focused play date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while chasing sticks can be a great bonding activity and exciting sensory experience for dogs, chewing on them can be incredibly dangerous due to sharp splinters, large blockages, and chemical treatment. Safely managing this activity requires offering alternative activities and toys, keeping a close eye on your pup during playtimes, being quick to provide treats as rewards, and even putting a leash on them if necessary.
Do you have a pup that loves to play with sticks? Let us know in the comments below!
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