Chewing is a destructive problem that can be solved using a few techniques.
Returning home after a long day from work to find your sleeper sofa destroyed, your favorite pair of shoes chewed or a windowsill with the imprint of your dog’s teeth, can be both upsetting and expensive. Most dog lovers have found themselves in similar scenarios, especially when trying to train a puppy. Chewing not only destroys your precious belongings and can be harmful to your dog if he gets his paws around an unsafe object, but it can also be a symptom of deeper behavior problems. Destructive behavior can be eliminated if you learn to take control of your home and diagnose the root of the problem.
Taking Control of your Home
Put away your belongings. Never leave your personal items within reach of your dog. Dogs are especially fond of shoes, glasses and retainers, so leaving them out is just too tempting. Remember, everything within reach is up for grabs. Although your dog has ignored the new watch on your nightstand for few weeks, one day he might decide to make it a mid-day snack. Most importantly, do not give your dog human items, like old shoes or sock, as a play toy. They need to clearly understand what is not acceptable for chewing.
Have plenty of suitable toys available. Chewing is a difficult problem to solve because catching your dog in the act is often impossible. If you do catch your dog chewing on your new shoes (that you should’ve put away), tell him “no” in a stern tone and give him an acceptable chew toy. Do not scold your dog after the fact; he will not understand why he is in trouble. Keep plenty of dog toys in stock and rotate his favorite toys so your dog doesn’t tire of them.
Leave your dog in a safe place. If your dog is chewing everything in sight, you might want to confine him where he can be safe. You can crate your dog or restrict him to a particular area. This technique, however, is usually not suitable for larger dogs that often chew out of a crate, open doors and chew walls. Also, confining your dog can make them more anxious and more likely to chew.
Diagnose the Root of the Problem
Puppies chew when they are teething, but chewing can also be a sign of an underlying problem. Once you discover and correct the root of the problem, the chewing will subside on its own.
- Separation Anxiety – Anxious dogs chew to relieve stress and anxiety. Although a dog’s life may seem pretty carefree, he often worries about his human companion away at work. When you leave, don’t make a big deal of it. This will only worry your dog. Just leave without acknowledging him or his anxiety.
- Boredom – When dogs are bored, they will go to great lengths to amuse themselves. You need to provide them with an outlet for releasing energy or they will find an outlet (usually an inappropriate one) on their own. Walk, run or play fetch with your dog twice a day. Find what activity works best for you and your dog and try to stick to a schedule.
