It’s expected for young puppies to have a chewing problem because they’re cutting teeth. But when chewing goes way past puppyhood, it’s a matter of concern for both a dog and its owner. It’s not only toys that are chewed, but anything that he can get between a dog's teeth. Everything from paper and pillows to pens and pencils can be turned into chew toys for some challenging dogs who’ve left puppyhood and are expected to have outgrown this bad habit.
Types of Chewers
Dogs, as well as all pets, fall into two categories of chewers: aggressive chewers and non-aggressive chewers. While aggressive chewers totally destroy everything they chew and even sometimes swallow the pieces, non-aggressive chewers may only gnaw or mouth an item without breaking into them. When buying toys for aggressive chewers, you should only choose those toys that are made of tough rubber and rawhide, staying clear of any toys that they could easily demolish, hurting not just the toy but themselves.
Some people believe certain breeds are more prone to not stop chewing as they grow older such as the basenji breed. Although some dog experts content it’s due to breed, others believe it’s more because of personality.
Why Dogs Chew
Dental problems – Dental issues can lead to a dog looking for items to chew so he can be relieved of gum pain. Provide plenty of safe dental chewing bones and toys to help stop any more tartar build up on gums. Edible dog chews are also excellent for both dental problems and helping to solve chewing issues.
Boredom – Often when dogs are left alone they become bored and anxious. This can lead to chewing whatever he finds in the house. Again, provide enough chewing bones and toys to reduce boredom. Also, find ways so he won’t be alone the entire day while you’re gone by hiring someone to walk your dog at least once or twice a day.
Trauma – Sometimes a dog with a traumatic past will be adopted from a shelter and have a chewing problem. In extreme cases a dog behaviorist may be needed to help with his anxiety and psychological problems.
Stress – A dog chewing past puppyhood can be a indication of stress in your home. Rather than despair, realize it’s a clue that your household needs to de-stress and take steps to do so. You’ll also need to devote more time to your dog, showing him the rewards as well as consequences of chewing on the wrong items. In this regard, dogs are similar to human children in that they’ll even go as far as to hurt their environment to indicate they’re stressed and need attention.
Dog breed - Some people believe certain breeds are more prone to not stop chewing as they grow older such as the basenji breed. Although some dog experts content it’s due to breed, others believe it’s more because of personality rather than breed related.
There’s no one magic solution for correcting a chewing problem. Besides providing your dog with chew bones and toys, in addition to correcting him, you may need to get professional help from a professional dog trainer if all else fails. Just don’t give up on your best friend. Behind every dog that chews there’s a reason and a remedy waiting to be discovered.
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