11 Things You Should Always Supervise Your Dog With

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 13
5 min read

While dogs are curious and playful by nature, that curiosity can lead to trouble if you’re not paying attention. Just like you wouldn’t leave a toddler alone with scissors, there are certain situations and items that should always be supervised when it comes to your dog.

Let’s take a closer look at what those are and why they matter.

1. Kids

Even the gentlest dog and the sweetest child need supervision when they’re together. Kids can unintentionally be rough by pulling ears, climbing on dogs, or startling them.

The reality is that a dog is a dog, and they may react out of fear or discomfort.

According to Safer America, more than half of the people bitten by dogs are children. So don't take the risk. Keep a close eye on your dog when they are around children, and be prepared to intervene if the interactions seem worrisome.

Pro tip: Teach kids how to approach, pet, and respect dogs. Also, give your dog an escape route if they need a break.

Learn More: How To Keep Dogs and Kids Safe

2. Other Animals

Your dog might be social, but not all animals are instant friends. Introductions should be slow and controlled. Fights can break out over toys, food, or space.

This goes for other dogs, cats, or even small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs. Dogs have instincts, and supervision helps prevent misunderstandings or dangerous encounters.

Even if you think your pets get along, when you are leaving the house, it’s best to separate them. Trust us. We’ve heard too many heartbreaking horror stories. Save yourself the potential trauma.

Pro tip: Always take introductions to new animals slowly. This reduces the odds of friction.

Learn More: How To Safely Introduce a New Dog to Your Dogs

3. Rope Toys

Rope toys are a tugging favorite. They can also be a great tool for building a relationship with your dog.

Unfortunately, they can be risky if your dog starts to shred them and swallow the threads. Ingested rope strands can cause severe intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

It's best to keep a close eye on your dog when playing with these toys and replace them immediately if they start to fall apart.

Pro tip: Use rope toys only during interactive play. Your dog doesn’t need them otherwise.

4. Squeaky or Stuffed Toys

These two kind of go hand-in-hand because most stuffed toys have squeakers in them.

That satisfying squeak your dog loves? It's often the first thing they’ll try to “kill” and remove, which is likely why most squeaky toys your dog has don’t last long unless they are super durable.

Swallowing squeakers or stuffing can lead to dangerous blockages. These blockages may require surgery to remove, which isn’t fun for your dog or your wallet.

Pro tip: Throw away these toys when they get damaged, or break out your sewing kit and repair any holes quickly so that your dog can’t keep ripping the stuffing out.

Learn More: What To Do if Your Dog Is Choking

5. Antlers, Bones, and Hard Chews

These hard chews can be great for keeping dogs occupied, but they also come with risks. Your dog may break off chunks that become choking hazards or ingest sharp pieces that damage their digestive tract.

Hard chews like antlers cause fractured teeth in dogs. Ouch!

Pro tip: Use the thumbnail test to determine if a chew is too hard for your dog. If you can’t leave a dent in a chew when you press your thumbnail into it, it’s too hard.

6. Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are fantastic for mental stimulation. However, some dogs can get overly enthusiastic because food or treats are involved.

In their excitement, dogs may chew off parts or try to force pieces out with their teeth. When this happens, they run the risk of ingesting plastic or rubber, which could cause blockages or digestive tract tears.

Depending on the size of the pieces they chew off, choking is also a concern.

Pro tip: Start with simpler puzzles and observe how your dog interacts. Increase the complexity as they learn, but always do so under your watch.

7. Lick Mats

Lick mats are a fantastic calming tool for grooming or downtime. But, if left unattended, dogs may chew them apart.

If this happens, they may choke on or swallow the silicone. Swallowing silicon might not be a huge deal depending on the amount, but you do run the risk of your dog having an upset stomach or blockage.

Pro tip: Remove lick mats once your dog has licked the mat clean.

8. Long Lines, Leashes, and Harnesses

Long lines, leashes, and harnesses are helpful for training. However, they can also wrap around your legs or your dog’s legs, leading to injury or rope burns.

Your dog may even try to chew through these training tools and ingest portions of them, causing a blockage.

The scariest outcome of leaving leashes and long lines on unsupervised dogs is that they may get caught on something, causing your dog to panic and potentially injure themselves (or worse).

Make sure you use your tools responsibly and don't leave them on your dog unsupervised or in their crate.

Pro tip: We also recommend removing collars in the crate. Your dog may try to chew off their collar or ID tag in the crate, or the collar may accidentally get caught on something in the crate.

9. Clothing

Dog clothing can be cute or even necessary in cold weather. It can also become a chew toy, entanglement hazard, or cause them to overheat.

Your dog may try to remove clothing with their teeth if they are uncomfortable or bored. Clothes might also get caught on furniture, which can be extremely dangerous if your pup gets spooked and becomes twisted up in whatever they are wearing.

Stick to having your pup wear clothing when you are with them.

Pro tip: Always choose well-fitted, safe designs, and be sure to remove clothing before crating your dog.

10. Balls

Playing fetch with your dog can be a fun way to get them exercise while building your relationship with them. However, if a ball is too small for your dog, it can get lodged in their throat and cause them to choke.

Always use an appropriately sized ball and watch your dog closely when they are playing with a ball so that you can act quickly if things go sideways.

Pro tip: Tennis balls can cause damage to your dog’s teeth, so just avoid those.

Learn More: Things You Shouldn't Buy Your Dog

11. Bedding (At First)

Chewing or ingesting bedding is common in puppies and even some anxious adult dogs.

It’s wise to supervise your dog for a while with bedding until you know they won’t destroy it.

Ingested fabric can lead to blockages or digestive issues. And, as we know, blockages may require surgery.

Sometimes, supervising your dog with bedding can be difficult. For example, let’s say your dog is in their crate in the living room while you clean your bedroom upstairs. Using a baby camera or a Furbo can help you continue to monitor what’s going on in the crate so you can quickly stop any unwanted behaviors.

Pro tip: If your dog chews or destroys their bedding, try a chew-resistant mat. Alternately, don't let them have bedding until they can be trusted not to destroy it.

Final Thoughts

Supervision isn’t about limiting your dog’s fun. It’s about keeping them (and those around them) safe while they enjoy life.

As you get to know your dog’s habits and quirks, you’ll get a sense of what they can handle solo and what needs a watchful eye. Until then, better safe than sorry!