10 Fascinating Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Resist Chewing Sticks

From a young age, dogs are often seen playing with sticks, chasing them, chewing on them, and carrying them around.

But what is it about sticks that make them so irresistible for our canine friends?

Chewing is a natural and beneficial behavior for dogs of all ages and it is important for them to be able to engage in the behavior.

And with “nature’s dog toy” being so readily available and so durable, it’s no wonder sticks are such a popular choice for many dogs.

Let’s get stuck right in (see what I did there?) and explore the many reasons why dogs love sticks.

#1. Genetically Predisposed

Chewing on objects is a behavior that has been passed down through generations of our domestic dogs’ wild ancestors who needed to tear meat from bones in order to eat.

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to be attracted to sticks than others.

For example, retriever breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, were bred to retrieve game for their owners.

This means they have a natural instinct to pick up and carry objects in their mouths – including sticks.

Breed aside, some dogs may simply have a genetic predisposition to certain behaviors and actively seek out sticks and other objects to chew on, while others will have very little interest.

And if you don’t provide an appropriate outlet for the behavior, you may find your pup engaging in destructive behaviors, like nibbling at the leg of the dining table or munching on your shoes.

#2. Teething And Pain Relief

A teething puppy will chew on a variety of objects to relieve the pain and discomfort of sore gums and teething.

Adult dogs may also chew on sticks as a form of pain relief.

Chewing on sticks can help keep a dog’s teeth clean and healthy by reducing plaque and tartar.

The act of chewing also exercises and tones the jaw muscles, which is important for overall dental health.

#3. Chewing Makes Them Feel Good

Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs, and sticks provide a satisfying outlet.

Some dogs may particularly enjoy the texture of the wood, providing them with an enjoyable sensory experience.

According to Brooks and Yamamoto (2021), dogs like to chew on things more because they enjoy the sensation of chewing and it makes them feel good, rather than because they want to break the objects apart.

Which led them to ask…

Do Dogs Use Sticks As Tools?

When dogs chew on sticks (or other objects) they often hold them between their front paws to keep them steady. Brooks & Yamamoto (2021) suggest that using sticks like this qualifies as a form of tool use.

In other words, a dog uses an object that is not attached to her environment (the stick) to help her with something (like relieving tooth pain or cleaning her teeth).

You may also see her hold the stick in a way that allows her to reach specific teeth and apply pressure where she needs it.

#4. Taste And Scent

Some dogs are attracted to the taste and smell of sap or the texture of the wood, while others are drawn to the earthy scent of sticks – especially when they are damp or rotting.

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, much better than that of humans, so they can detect even the faintest odors.

#5. Play And Exercise

Dogs love to play, and big sticks make great toys.

They are easy to pick up and carry, which makes them perfect for games of tug-of-war with other dogs or the dog’s owner.

Fetching sticks is another fun game dogs and their owners can play together.

Video: Two Dogs Get Creative And Use Giant Stick As A Tug Toy

#6. Natural Outlet For Foraging Behavior

Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, and sticks are intriguing objects to investigate.

In the wild, dogs needed to be constantly searching for food and resources.

Many of our dogs today retain this foraging instinct, of which searching for sticks can be an integral part.

Foraging engages the “seeking” system in the dog’s brain, which is responsible for her motivation to seek out and explore new things in the environment (Panksepp, 2011). This system is closely linked to the reward center of the brain, which means that when a dog finds something new or interesting, her brain releases chemicals that make her feel good.

This can motivate her to continue exploring and seeking out new scents and experiences.

I always take treats out with me on our walks so if our dogs are tempted by anything I think may be unsafe or unsuitable for them, I scatter a bunch of treats on the ground and encourage them to “Find it!”

This gives them the perfect outlet to use their powerful sense of smell and engage in foraging behavior without getting frustrated because I’ve denied them access to something else in the environment that they want.

#7. Alleviates Stress, Anxiety, And Boredom

Chewing can be a stress-relief mechanism for dogs, helping them cope with anxiety.

The repetitive motion of chewing releases endorphins in the brain, which can help dogs relax and feel calmer.

It works in humans too. Chewing gum, anyone?

#8. Substitute For Bones

Brooks & Yamamoto (2021) suggest that dogs might also chew sticks as a substitute for bones.

Again, going back to their ancestors, wild dogs and wolves would regularly chew on bones as an essential part of their survival.

#9. Scent Marking

Dogs use scent marking to communicate with other dogs.

When a dog urinates on a stick, it leaves its scent behind, which other dogs can detect.

This helps dogs establish their territory and communicate with other dogs.

#10. Pica Or Upset Stomach

Some dogs may eat sticks because they have pica, which is a condition that causes them to eat non-food items.

You may find your dog eats grass for the same reason. This occurs in would dogs too and is thought to be completely natural.

While ingesting plant material like this can upset the digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea, it is generally thought to be harmless (as long as the plant material ingested is not poisonous for dogs or covered in herbicides or pesticides which may be harmful), rather than an indication of any nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions (Fetch by WebMD, 2022).

Potential Dangers Of Stick Chewing

It is important to note that sticks can be a potential hazard to dogs. Here are some of the main reasons why.

Splinters And Injuries

One of the most common dangers of stick chewing is the risk of splinters and injuries.

When a dog chews on a stick, it can break apart and split, causing sharp wood splinters to get stuck in the dog’s mouth.

These small shards of wood can also cause cuts or puncture wounds in the dog’s throat, gums, or soft tissues elsewhere in the mouth, which can become infected and lead to more serious health problems.

There’s also the chance of an injury to the dog’s teeth, potentially causing ongoing dental issues.

Sticks can also cause injuries to your furry friend’s eyes or other parts of her body if she accidentally runs into one while playing or chasing after it.

This can lead to painful injuries that require veterinary care and treatment.

Choking Hazard

Another potential danger of stick chewing is the risk of choking.

If a dog bites off a large piece of stick and tries to swallow it, it can get lodged in the dog’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke on or become obstructed by the foreign body.

This can be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Obstruction

Sticks can also cause an intestinal blockage if your dog swallows too many small pieces over time.

Again, this can lead to serious health problems, including surgery to remove the blockage.

If you notice any signs of injury, choking, or obstruction, seek veterinary care right away.

Training and Managing Stick-Loving Dogs

As stick chewing can be a dangerous habit for your dog, it’s important to supervise her if she’s playing with sticks.

Even better, provide her with safe alternatives to chew on or chase.

Teaching Appropriate Stick Behavior

If your dog loves sticks, it’s important to teach her appropriate behavior around them.

This means teaching her to drop the stick on cue and not to chew or swallow it.

You can use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage appropriate behavior.

Start by offering a treat in exchange for the stick and gradually increase the difficulty level by asking your dog to drop the stick from a greater distance.

Here’s renowned dog trainer Emily Larlham demonstrating how to train your dog to “Drop it.”

Providing Safe Stick Alternatives

To satisfy your dog’s innate desire to chew and play, you can also provide her with safe stick alternatives.

Consider toys made from durable materials, such as rubber or nylon, that can withstand her chewing.

You can also provide her with natural chews, such as antlers or bully sticks, that are safe for her to chew and digest.

Find out what she likes best and make sure she always has a selection of her favorites available.

If she likes to play fetch with sticks outdoors, take a ball on your walks, or some other toy she loves to carry or chase, and use that as an alternative.

Safe Chewing Alternatives:*

• Edibles: Chew bones, dental chews, pigs’ ears, bully sticks, Greenies, No Hides.
• Non-Edibles: KONG Stuff-A-Ball, Benebones, Nylabone puppy toys, KONG Dotz, tennis balls.
• Dissectible Things: Plush toys, rope toys.
• Puzzle Toys: Stuffed KONG, marrowbone, Omega Paw treat balls, Kong Wobbler, Buster Food Cube.

Make sure to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog anything a new dog chew or chew toy, as there may be a risk of choking or injury if the toy is not safe.

Tips For Playing The Game Of Fetch Safely And Responsibly 

“Chasing a ball [or stick] combines sharp acceleration, high speeds, rapid and uncontrolled deceleration that includes rotatory forces on fundamentally unstable joints,” says Canine Arthritis Management (CAM). “In addition, this activity is usually repeated over and over again.”

CAM recommends the following to play fetch safely:

• Never throw a ball for a dog who is injured or has arthritis.
• Only throw a ball once the dog is warmed up.
• Never throw balls indoors, particularly on slippery floors.
• Do not throw balls on wet surfaces or unstable surfaces such as gravel.
• Throw straight and low down.
• Do not throw downhill.
• Do not throw repeatedly.
• Do not throw for more than one dog at the same time.

Supervision And Limitations

While it’s important to provide your dog with safe stick alternatives and teach her the appropriate behaviors around sticks, it’s also important to supervise and limit her access to them.

For example, when playing with your pup outside, keep a close eye on her and make sure any interaction with sticks stays safe.

Keep interactions short and be prepared to provide alternatives to distract her with. And don’t forget your “Drop it” cue.

If you’re really concerned, you could use a basket muzzle to stop your pup from picking up sticks.

However, she may find this frustrating, so make sure she has plenty of other outlets to fulfill her need to forage, chase, and gather.

*Recommended by certified dog trainer Kelly Fahey of PupScouts of Hunterdon

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Resources

• Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions – Jaak Panksepp
• Animal Tool Behavior: The Use and Manufacture of Tools by Animals – by Robert W. Shumaker, Kristina R. Walkup, & Benjamin B. Beck 
• Ball Throwing for Dogs – Canine Arthritis Management
• Chewing behaviour in dogs – A survey-based exploratory study – Christine Arhant, Rebecca Winkelmann, & Josef Troxler
• Dog Stick Chewing: An Overlooked Instance of Tool Use? – James Brooks & Shinya Yamamoto
• Teach your dog to DROP [Video] – Dog Training by Kikopup
• Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? – Hilary Parker