Difference Between Chew Resistant and Chew Proof Dog Products

If you’ve done some dog shopping online, then I know you’ve come across dog products that are advertised as chew-resistant or chew-proof. These can be very tricky to understand at times, especially if you’re looking for an indestructible dog product.

Chew-resistant and chew-proof are completely different. If you’re a dog owner, I highly recommend you become acquainted with the two terms because there isn’t anything that is 100% chew-proof and safe when it comes to dogs.

OK, lets get started.

Chew-Resistant Dog Products

Chew-resistant dog products can range from just about anything these days. From chew-resistant dog beds, to dog toys, and all the way to dog crates.

Chew-resistant may sound appealing to dog owners who have problems with their dog destroying just about everything into manageable pieces. But, chew-resistant doesn’t guarantee the dog product against serious dog damage. In fact, chew-resistant just gives the dog product more of a durable quality–if a dog decides to chew or tear a chew-resistant dog product apart, it will, to a degree, be harder to destroy than an ordinary one.

Chew-resistant dog products give dog owners more time to, hopefully, catch the nuisance behavior before the product is completely chewed and destroyed.

So, what qualifies a dog product as chew-resistant?

Well, in short, lots of things. The more knowledgeable you are about how things are made and what a quality dog product looks like, the more you’ll know how durable a dog product can really be. Of course, you’ll also have to take into account the breed of dog you own. Dogs are individuals obviously, so breed can sometimes be ignored. For example, one of my Pit Bulls is a soft chewer, the other is half Hyena, I think.

Chew-resistant dog products have higher wear and tear qualities for dogs who are a little rougher or just more dog than ordinary dogs.

Chew-Proof Dog Products

Chew proof dog products are featured in a vast product range, just like chew-resistant.

Dog products advertised as chew-proof are appealing to dog owners, especially if they own a dog with the habit of destroying things – or not because they know a dog will be a dog.

It’s the easy way out of things (think ‘easy button’ commercial). They aren’t necessarily the best dog products. Chew-proof dog products have 2 huge cons that greatly outweigh the good, unfortunately.

2 huge cons of owning Chew-proof dog products

1. Many dog owners will substitute chew-proof for adult supervision.

Always know, there is no better alternative for adult supervision. Even if that means your dogs bed or toy is guaranteed to be 100% chew-proof. Dogs will be dogs, and stuff always happens. Instead, use chew-proof dog products to train bad habits out of your dog. Dogs can and should learn to control themselves, don’t resort to chew-proofing everything just because your dog is a menace to the household. Take the time to teach your dog good habits instead of getting into the bad habit of tossing them an indestructible bone.

1. Chew-proof dog products are so tough and strong they can and will wear down dog teeth and or fracture them.

If something is advertised as chew-proof for dogs, then you must already guess it’s pretty strong. Too strong in fact. Some dog products like dog toys can wear down or fracture dogs teeth.

What they’re really for

The idea with a chew-proof dog bed or dog toy is the dog will come to a frustrating conclusion that their bed or toy isn’t destroyable.

Dogs can become compulsive with their chewing, almost to the point where they won’t stop until whatever it is their chewing is completely destroyed. Even if the dog doesn’t win immediately, they’ll resume as soon as they restore enough energy to continue.

Very few dogs come to the understanding that their new chew-proof product isn’t going to let them destroy it. That’s why it’s important to train your dog before physical damage is transferred over to the dog. Chew-proof dog products can and will be destroyed by the toughest of chewers. Period.

Many manufacturers have a limited time or sometimes, rare, life-time warranty on chew-proof products. This is nice, considering there’s a hefty price tag on these particular products. Keep in mind, if you’re having to call a company to report a chew-proof dog product as not being 100% chew-proof, they can, in some cases, just refund you and tell you your dog is just too tough for their product. Some dogs can be crafty with their jaws. Breed doesn’t matter.

So which is better?

It really comes down to the dog owner.

What are your intentions?

If it’s a dog bed or toy your dog is destroying, are you trying to treat the root of the problem (train dog to stop chewing) or looking for a quick fix (your dogs chewing will continue, but it wont destroy the product).

To the point

Chew-resistant dog products are great because they’ll tolerate some beating. These products will wear down naturally, causing no harm to your dog. They’ll need replacing eventually.

Chew-proof dog products are indestructible. They’re great training aids to correct the issue or solve the issue immediately. These products will not wear down and can harm your dog if they try too hard in destroying them. They won’t need replacing, but can be destroyed by the toughest of chewers.