How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Things it Shouldn’t

As a dog owner, it can be frustrating and costly when your pup chews on things they shouldn’t. From furniture to shoes, the list of potential chew toys is endless. However, there are several effective ways to stop your dog from chewing things they shouldn’t.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Before we dive into different techniques for stopping your dog from chewing, it’s important to understand why dogs chew in the first place. There are several reasons why dogs may chew:

• Teething: Puppies often chew as a way to relieve pain and irritation from their teething.
• Boredom: When dogs are bored, they may turn to chewing as a way to entertain themselves.
• Anxiety: Chewing can also be a sign of anxiety or stress in dogs.
• Lack of exercise: Dogs who don’t get enough exercise may turn to chewing as a way to burn off excess energy.

Now that you understand some of the reasons why dogs chew, let’s explore some ways to stop this behavior.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the easiest ways to stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t is to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, so giving them an outlet for this behavior can be very effective. When choosing chew toys, make sure they are durable and won’t easily break apart.

Create a Safe Environment

Another way to stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t is to create a safe environment for them. Keep items that your dog likes to chew on out of reach and use baby gates to block off areas of your home where your dog shouldn’t go.

Train Your Dog

Training your dog can also be an effective way to stop chewing behavior. Teach your dog basic commands such as “leave it” and “drop it.” These commands can help you redirect your dog’s attention away from things they shouldn’t be chewing on.

Exercise Your Dog

As mentioned earlier, lack of exercise can lead to chewing behavior in dogs. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise each day to burn off excess energy. Take your dog for daily walks and play games like fetch or tug-of-war.

Use Deterrents

If your dog continues to chew on things they shouldn’t despite your best efforts, you may need to use deterrents. There are several products on the market that are designed to deter dogs from chewing, such as bitter sprays and motion-activated alarms.

FAQs

Q: Can I punish my dog for chewing?

A: No, punishment is not an effective way to stop chewing behavior. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting your dog’s attention to appropriate chew toys.

Q: How long does it take to stop a dog from chewing?

A: Every dog is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for your pup. With consistent training and providing appropriate chew toys, you should see a decrease in chewing behavior over time.

Q: What types of chew toys are best for dogs?

A: Look for chew toys that are durable and won’t easily break apart. Some good options include Kongs, Nylabones, and rope toys.

Q: Is it okay to give my dog bones to chew on?

A: It depends on the type of bone. Cooked bones can splinter and cause harm to your dog, so it’s best to avoid them. Raw bones can be safe if they are large enough and not prone to breaking apart.

Q: Should I crate my dog to prevent chewing behavior?

A: Crating can be an effective way to prevent chewing behavior when done correctly. Make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys and is properly exercised before being crated.

Conclusion

Chewing behavior in dogs can be frustrating, but with patience and consistency, it can be stopped. By providing appropriate chew toys, creating a safe environment, training your dog, exercising regularly, and using deterrents if necessary, you can help stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t.