In addition to that thrilling high-pitched sound, squeaky toys intrigue your furry friend and keep their mind busy. The mental benefits don't stop at boredom busting; interactive toys like these encourage dogs to solve problems, which can strengthen their mental abilities, according to Animal Wellness Magazine.

The simplest reason? A squeaky toy's noises sound like prey. “Dogs love squeaker toys because they trigger both visual and audible cues that resemble small animals,” explains Max Randall. “The sound of the toy mimics the high-pitched noise that prey animals make when caught by predators.”

Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Directing your dog's energy into play with toys can prevent or help resolve such problems as digging and chewing on furniture, shoes or shrubbery.

Toys are important to your dog's well-being. Toys help fight boredom when you have to leave your dog at home, and provide comfort when they're feeling nervous. Toys can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviors.

Researchers think that dogs perceive toys the same way that wolves perceive prey. So, for some dogs the high-pitched sound of a squeaker actually reminds them of a wounded, scared or injured prey animal that triggers (and satisfies) their innate animalistic desire to hunt, capture and kill.

Squeaky toys are fantastic for providing mental stimulation to your dog. They engage their natural instincts to hunt and play, capturing their attention and keeping them entertained. Squeaky toys also serve as a positive reinforcement tool, helping to encourage good behavior and prevent boredom.

5 Benefits of Stuffed Animal Toys for Kids

• EARLY SELF-DEVELOPMENT. For younger children, they will already start acquiring the benefits even before the playing begins.
• BOOSTS CREATIVITY. It's no secret that kids can see beyond the ordinary.
• THEY GROW INTO A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER.
• IMPROVES SOCIAL SKILLS.
• PROVIDES COMFORT.

The Toy Gives Them Comfort Similar to kids and their stuffed toys, some dogs like toys that feel comfortable to touch and are plush enough to snuggle with.

The squeaky toy noise is comparable to the sound of prey that's frightened or injured, which may ignite their innate wolf-like drive to keep attacking. When the dog squeaky toy stops squeaking, this tells the dog that he has successfully “killed” his prey and he can cease the attack.

A squeaky toy, squeak toy, squeaker toy, or squeeze toy, is a soft, hollow toy made from flexible materials such as rubber or vinyl, and usually equipped with a small device known as a squeaker.

The Toy Gives Them Comfort Similar to kids and their stuffed toys, some dogs like toys that feel comfortable to touch and are plush enough to snuggle with.

Stuffed animals foster creativity and aid their imaginations. When kids weave imaginary stories and place their toy buddies in different characters, they develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and story-telling abilities too. Stuffed animals are found to develop motivation to learn in children.

Toys, like play itself, serve multiple purposes in both humans and animals. They provide entertainment while fulfilling an educational role. Toys enhance cognitive behavior and stimulate creativity. They aid in the development of physical and mental skills which are necessary in later life.

Could it be the soft textures, the inborn instinct to catch certain prey, or the need to nurture that makes them carry their plushy around with them wherever they go? Many dogs like to play with stuffed animals; shaking, chewing, and loving them. Others like to retrieve them or chase them.