Stop Dog Chewing
Posted on September 5th, 2010 Written by +Brian Benson Email Author
As difficult as it may be to admit, most dog owners, if not all of them, have to deal with some improper dog chewing behavior. Well, you do not need to worry much, as dealing with the dog chewing problem is best handled with patience and a clear mind. Fortunately, dog trainers, experts, and veterinarians have collated and collected some helpful and practical tips on how to stop dog chewing behavior.
There are some things a dog owner has to consider regarding the destructive dog chewing habits of his or her pet. Firstly, what is the mutt chewing? Is he chewing shoes? Is he chewing on cushions or rags or your door mat? Actually, as most dog owners know very well, that the destructive dog chewing behavior is most evident on young dogs and puppies, especially on their first three to six months of growth. This time is actually very crucial, not only regarding chewing behavior problems, but on the general and overall behavior of the dog. This is because this period is the best time to train the dog with regards to proper behavior around your house. More importantly, the dog or puppy is just in his or her learning stage, so dog owners are advised to store and practice patience with their beloved pets because they are also their best to adjust to their masters’ needs and wants.
One effective and practical way to deal with destructive chewing behavior and to stop dog chewing is to remove the objects the mutt is sinking his teeth on. If the dog simply likes to chew on shoes and socks lying around a room, then you better clean them up and put them in their proper racks and places. Actually, having a dog or puppy in your home is one sure fire way to keep each household member responsible and tidy with their personal things and belongings. Yes, it would be best to keep the temptation away from that chew-happy mutt. In some worst case scenarios, dog owners can avail of some chewing deterrent sprays. They can use this to remove the scent that attracts the dog from the objects he likes to sink his teeth on. They spray has an awful taste too, so it would, in all likelihood, keep away from that particular object and may help stop dog chewing behavior altogether.
However, dog chewing behavior problems may not be as easy to handle and stop as dog owners may like. You need to understand why they do it in the first place. Actually, one might refer to chewing as a pastime for dogs. Just like humans who look for various ways to spend their leisure time on, such as watching television or reading a book, dogs chew on thing and objects because they nothing else to do. Most likely, dogs start chewing on something because they are bored. Some dogs may even do this in order to catch the attention of their owners.
There are actually a multitude of underlying causes on why dogs exhibit chewing behavior problems. They may be because of stress and anxiety problems; they may be due to growth and physical factors; or as mentioned above, dogs may start chewing on things just because they are bored. In other words, the point is, you have to determine the underlying reason why your dog is exhibiting such behavior. You need to pinpoint this reason or cause, in order for you effectively and efficiently stop dog chewing behavior. Read on below to find some probable reasons on why dogs start showing destructive chewing behavior.
So why do dogs chew on things and objects?
Some breeds of dogs have higher tendencies to exhibit chewing behavior
Yes, the breed of your dog is a major factor in its chewing behavior and other behavioral habits in general. As a matter of fact, a lot of dog breeds have been trained and accustomed to use their jaws and mouths depending on the situation and purposes of their masters. This is especially true for the hunting breeds of dogs, such as Labradors and golden retrievers, basset hounds and ridgeback hounds, spaniels, and other dogs specifically bred for hunting and retrieval purposes. Thus, the chewing behaviors exhibited by these types of dogs are due to genetic factors and deeply ingrained in their systems. As such, if this is true for your own dog, then you cannot hope to stop dog chewing behavior altogether. What you need to do in this case is to point the mutt in the right direction and teach him the objects that he is allowed to chew, and the things he is prohibited from sinking his teeth on. When you sense that the mutt is in the mood for some chewing and gnawing, then have a chewing toy ready on hand and give it to him. If ever you see the dog chewing other than the chewing toy you provided him, stop him and reprimand him on the spot, then point him to his chewing toy. Also, most of the time, dogs get bored on chewing the same object over and over; they need some variety too. So it would be a good idea to provide him with several chewing toys so he does not get bored or tired in chewing the same toy.
Sometimes, dogs start chewing because they are stressed and anxious
Similar to nail biting or even smoking habits among humans, dogs also exhibit chewing behavior because there is something troubling them. Yes, chewing behavior is somewhat a coping mechanism for dogs. Dogs are very sensitive to routines and habits, so a sudden change in surroundings may spark or trigger this behavior. For instance, you have bought and installed some new furniture in your living room; this may actually be enough to trigger anxiety and apprehension in your dog. Some dogs not only exhibit chewing problems, but other behavior problems like excessive barking or digging. In order for you to stop dog chewing behavior in this case, you need to show your dog more attention, care and patience. Give him some time to get accustomed to the new surroundings. Also, as much as possible, spend time with him in the new surroundings.
Dogs start abnormal chewing behavior to catch your attention
When your dog suddenly exhibits such destructive chewing behavior, you should probably ask yourself whether you are spending ample time with your pet or not. You must understand that dogs are pack-oriented creatures, and they actually need plenty of interaction time and attention with their owners. Similar to the reason stated above, dogs may exhibit abnormal behavior because they are stressed and anxious, and nothing is more stressful for them than being ignored and being left alone. In this situation, in order for you to stop dog chewing behavior from your pet, you have make sure that you spend time with him regularly. The time you spend with your dog need not be a very special or strenuous activity; a simple relaxing activity would suffice. For instance, during weekends, or during evenings, you can sit down in your living room and watch television or read a book with your dog.
One of the main causes of abnormal dog behavior is lack of exercise
Yes, most dog breeds need plenty of exercise in a regular schedule; well, except maybe for the toy dog breeds. Nonetheless, the toy dog breeds need some regular exercise too in order to keep healthy and in top shape. In order for you to make sure that you stop dog chewing behavior problems, it would be best set a regular exercise schedule for your mutt. Moreover, this would also benefit your health, because like your dog, humans need plenty of regular exercise as well. The amount and type of exercise needed by dogs actually depends on their breed and type. Nevertheless, a twenty to thirty minute walk each day would suffice for most dogs. If you have plenty of time to burn, you can also accompany your dog in participating in other activities or training sessions, such as carting competitions, tracking and camping activities, and other activities set by dog clubs in the community. As a dog owner, you should keep in mind that excess energy is one of the primary reasons why some dogs start exhibiting destructive chewing behavior. If you let your pet expend that energy in better and constructive ways, that chewing problem would most likely be lessened or be stopped altogether.
Bored dogs are destructive dogs
Dogs are very intelligent animals; and just like other intelligent creatures, they need stimulation as well. They easily get bored if left with nothing to do. If you were in his shoes, think and consider – alone in the house for most of the day, each and every day, and left with nothing to do? You would probably respond and say to yourself: “It’s high time for a mischief or two!” Most dogs not only turn to destructive chewing, but also to other improper dog behavior like excessive digging and wall scratching. Fortunately, it is not really that hard to stop dog chewing behavior in this case. All you need to do is visit your local pet store or supermarket and ask for some stimulation toys. The popular renditions of this type of pet toy are the buster cube and Kong toys. With this stimulation toys, your dog would have something to keep their attention occupied for long periods of time.
Untrained dogs are destructive dogs
It is a common mistake for first time dog owners and inexperienced pet owners to let their puppies get away with improper behavior like destructive chewing or digging, but get annoyed when the mutt grows big enough to do some real damage. Of course, they think that it is alright and somewhat “cute” for puppies to play and gnaw with their slippers; they only realize their mistake when the dog gets older and grows his canine teeth. However, by the time they realize their mistake, it would already be very difficult for them to stop dog chewing behavior and rectify the problem. As dog owners, keep in mind that it is best to train your dog and show him proper behavior from the start. If your dog is already somewhat grown up, do not lose hope however. It is still possible to train and teach your dog proper behavior; you just have to remain firm and consistent in dealing with him.
Growing dogs are chewing dogs
Most likely, you already know, as most people do, that dogs get that chewing behavior when they are growing up. As puppies grow up, in several months time, their teeth would start growing. And by this time, the dogs actually need something to chew on to soothe their itchy and aching gums. You must keep in mind that all dogs go through this particular stage in their lives. Nevertheless, the best way to deal with this is to not stop dog chewing behavior itself; the more appropriate term would be to “correct” that chewing behavior. This is because whether you like it or not, you just cannot stop dog chewing behavior altogether; it would just be like training him not to breathe or bark or something similar. What you need to do is to point the mutt in the proper direction and teach him which things are appropriate for chewing, and which are not. Every time you see your puppy or dog chewing on your shoe or door mat, stop him immediately, by saying a firm and loud “no”. Refrain from shouting however, but make sure that the dog is paying attention at you. Take away whatever object he was chewing at, and quickly replace it with his chewing toy. Keep in mind that you have to be consistent and firm in implementing this rule, otherwise it would not be effective at all. On the other hand, whenever you see your dog happily chewing at and playing with his chewing toy, show him your affirmation by patting his head and saying nice words to him. This lets the dog know that what he is doing is right.
