What’s Going On When Dogs Shake Their Toys

If you have a dog, you’ve probably seen them grab a toy and launch into a full-body shake. But why do they do it? Toy shaking provides physical exertion, mental engagement, and proprioceptive input, giving dogs feedback about their body. That kind of sensory input can be regulating, which is why many dogs shake toys during moments of excitement and to release stress. But there’s more to it than fun and physical exertion. Read on to learn what’s going on when dogs shake their toys.

Why do dogs shake their toys?

When dogs shake their toys, it’s not just for fun; they’re tapping into instinct. The rapid shake is an efficient, hardwired behavior tied to how canines would subdue prey in the wild. Dogs will often ‘practice’ these hunting behaviors during play. In addition to that wild drive, many dogs were also purposefully bred to hunt and dispatch small animals. In a home setting, toys become safe stand-ins for that instinct to shake things.

But there are a few other reasons why dogs shake their toys during play. When a dog shakes a toy vigorously, they’re firing off sensory receptors throughout their muscles and joints. Just as some people find calming relief with a weighted blanket or a deep stretch, the intense physical feedback from a shake can help soothe dogs in the same way. If a dog is overstimulated from too much adrenaline, that sensory input helps reset their heart rate and brings them back down to earth.

This behavior also reinforces the bond between you. When dogs play, whether it’s fetch or tug, with their pet parents, they’re practicing communication and building trust. In Play Together, Stay Together, Karen London, PhD, and Patricia McConnell write: “Play is powerful stuff. It influences so many things, including development, motivation, emotions, physiology, communication, and behavior.” Basically, that toy shake is just their way of processing the fun and their big feelings.

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Should you stop your dog from shaking their toys?

You should not try to stop your dog from shaking their toys. It’s a completely normal behavior. Dogs of all types shake their toys, regardless of size, sex, or breed mix. While some dogs (we’re looking at you terriers!) might show the behavior more intensely than others, the underlying instinct is shared.

“Terriers tend to be merciless on stuffed toys; shaking, killing, and even de-stuffing them with great relish. But trying to stop a terrier from shaking and killing their stuffed toys is the canine equivalent of trying to stop a child from ever raising their voice in excitement or happiness when they play with their toys,” writes Dawn Antoniak-Mitchell, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, in her book Terrier-centric Dog Training.

Rather than trying to stop your dog from shaking their toys, it’s often more effective to work with them. Shaking can be an effective tool for play-based training and enrichment. Tug games, toy-based recalls, and structured play sessions allow dogs to meet instinctual needs while still reinforcing the behaviors people want to see — such as coming when called, releasing on cue, or settling after excitement.

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When to connect with a pro

So, should you be concerned about toy-shaking behaviors? Most of the time, you don’t need to be. Dogs shaking around toys is completely normal when they’re loose, playful, and easily interrupted. It can become a red flag if your dog becomes rigid, guards the toy aggressively, cannot disengage even with distance or cues, or redirects that intensity onto people or other dogs. Those situations are less about the toy shaking and more about overarousal and resource guarding. In that case, connect with your vet, a certified trainer, or a behavioral consultant to help come up with a training plan.

References

Antoniak-Mitchell, Dawn. Terrier-centric Dog Training. United States, Dogwise Publishing, 2012.

“Predatory Behavior.” ISpeakDog, www.ispeakdog.org/predatory-behavior.html.

Schade, Victoria. Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship. United States, Turner Publishing Company, 2010.