Humans tend to view many animal behaviors as destructive behaviors. However, to an animal, these are natural behaviors they need to engage in. I want to start a thread where you can ask about a common animal behavior (any species) often labeled as destructive. I will give you the reason for the behavior, that fits the majority.
I can’t answer about specific pets or unique behaviors. I would need to connect with your animal to do that. However, I can answer about common behaviors that most animals exhibit. The majority answer may or may not apply to your specific pet, but it is my hope that it will apply to the majority of those reading that have animals displaying the behavior.
We have domesticated our animals. But we have NOT domesticated many of their natural behavioral instincts and it is very important to remember that if you want a happy and healthy pet. They have adapted so well to domestication and living in a human world, but they still have instincts and behaviors from their ancestors and always will. They will still have their own species needs and behaviors.
Here’s an example: Shredding (dogs)
Dogs will shred toys, often pulling out a squeaker, or at the least the fluff.
Dogs will shred pillows and rip up blankets.
Dogs may even rip up a couch cushion.
Why do dogs do this? The majority of dogs do this because it mimics their hunting and eating behavior. As a pack they will bite, pull, tear the meat off their prey. This is how they eat. Ripping it apart piece by piece. This behavior causes calmness, satisfaction, and accomplishment.
It also engages their nose as they move things around to decide which piece to tear out next. It engages their brain again, like a puzzle, which piece to pull out next. And it exercises their jaw (like chewing). Dogs must maintain a strong jaw (the jaw has muscles) for survival.
And that is why dogs love to shred.
It is your job as a guardian to provide them with acceptable items to shred so they can satisfy this instinct. There are even toys that you can restful over and over and over! And if you really want to help your dog feed “wild”, take those restuffable toys and add pieces of for or treats in there for them to find! Then they really will be eating!
