Welcome Back to the Unleashed Blog! I’m Marsha Zay, CPDT-KA, FFCP and this week, I want to talk about a topic very near and dear to many dogs—sticks. If you’ve got a dog who loves to pick up a stick on every walk, you might have asked yourself: what’s the deal? Why do dogs seem to *love* sticks so much? Is it just a quirky habit, or is there something deeper going on here? Spoiler: it’s a little of both.

So let’s break down why sticks are such a big deal for dogs, and how you can navigate your dog’s love of sticks in a safe, productive way.

Dogs Are Born to Chew

First up, let’s talk about chewing. If you’ve ever lived with a puppy, you already know dogs are born to chew. Sticks, with their satisfying texture, hit all the right spots for them. Chewing is mentally enriching—it’s how dogs de-stress, pass the time, and engage with the world. And a stick just happens to be nature’s perfect chew toy.

Now, that doesn’t mean every stick is safe (more on that later), but if your dog grabs a stick and starts chomping away, they’re really just doing what comes naturally. For many dogs, it’s their version of “me time.”

The Prey Drive Is Real

Here’s the thing about sticks—they mimic prey. And dogs, no matter how well-fed or domesticated, have an innate prey drive. Sticks are the perfect size and shape for dogs to grab, carry, and shake around like they would if they were catching small prey. That’s why you’ll see dogs run around with a stick like they’ve just made the best catch of the day.

They’re tapping into that deeply wired behavior. And you know what? Let them. When dogs are allowed to safely express their natural instincts, it helps them stay mentally balanced and happy.

Sticks = Playtime

If you’re a regular here, you know that I’m all about making sure our dogs’ needs for play and enrichment are met. Sticks? They’re nature’s toy. Your dog loves them because they can turn any walk into a game. Sticks can be chewed, chased, thrown, and fetched—basically, they’re the Swiss Army knife of dog toys.

And sure, you could buy your dog a fancy toy at the store, but to your dog, that stick they just found in the park is just as exciting (if not more so). It's not about the cost—it’s about how engaging it is. Fetching a stick? That’s a full-blown interaction with you and the environment.

Scent Matters More Than You Think

Your dog’s nose knows. Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, and sticks are full of all kinds of fascinating smells. They come from trees and plants, and that means they’re packed with scents that tell your dog everything from the type of tree it came from to what animals might have brushed up against it.

So, when your dog stops to pick up a stick, it’s not just about chewing. It’s an information-gathering mission. And it’s a good reminder to let dogs be dogs—sniffing and exploring their environment is essential to their well-being.

Bonding Through Play

Here’s something that’s often overlooked: sticks are a way for dogs to connect with us. Bringing you a stick is more than just a fun game for them—it’s a way to share an experience with their favorite person. When a dog brings you a stick and waits for you to throw it, they’re looking for that interaction. They’re saying, “Let’s do something together!”

Play is powerful. When we engage in games like fetch, we’re reinforcing the bond we share with our dogs. Sticks are just a tool in that connection. So the next time your dog offers you a stick, maybe take them up on it. It’s not about the stick itself—it’s about the opportunity to engage.

Safety Considerations

Okay, now for the serious part. Not all sticks are created equal. Some can splinter, break into sharp pieces, or even be toxic depending on the type of wood. This is where it’s our responsibility to step in and make sure our dogs are safe. Supervise your dog’s stick play, and if you notice them trying to eat or chew off big chunks, it’s time to intervene.

There are also plenty of chew toys out there that mimic the texture of wood but don’t carry the same risks. If your dog is a stick fanatic, consider swapping the real thing for a safer alternative. It’s all about keeping your dog happy *and* healthy.

Wrap-Up: Let Dogs Be Dogs!

At the end of the day, sticks aren’t just random objects—they’re part of how our dogs interact with the world. They satisfy natural chewing instincts, let dogs express their prey drive, and are a key part of play. While we need to be mindful of safety, letting our dogs enjoy sticks (under supervision) is one of those ways we can support their natural behaviors and build a stronger bond in the process.

So next time your dog picks up a stick, take a minute to appreciate all the reasons why they love it. It’s more than just a piece of wood—it’s an opportunity for enrichment, play, and connection. And isn’t that what we all want for our dogs?

Why do dogs love sticks?