Dog Obedience Tips : 7 Ways to Stop Dog Chewing

7 Ways to Stop Dog Chewing

Dog chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference from one dog to the next. Some dogs chew just because they like to while others chew only if they’re driven to it out of sheer boredom.

If your dog chews its own toys that’s terrific. But when dog chewing focuses on your possessions and household items it can be quite destructive.

There are three main reasons for dog chewing:

Most dogs naturally desire to chew. Dog chewing passes the time, it’s fun and it’s self-rewarding.

If a dog is bored, lonely or nervous chewing provides an outlet. It can be like comfort food and quite soothing to an anxious dog.

When dogs are under exercised, dog chewing provides a way to burn up nervous energy as well as giving them something to do.

How To Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

You can teach your dog not to chew your stuff if you put in a little bit of effort. Here’s how:

Dog-proof your home. Dogs like to explore the world with their mouth. Why test your dogs self control and inquisitive nature by leaving your things just lying around?

Dog-proofing your home means that you take whatever you don’t want to end up in her mouth, and make it unavailable.

Common targets in your home include shoes, clothing, books, eyewear and garbage along with small cameras, remote controls and cell phones.

Make them inaccessible to her climbing, jumping, and standing on her back legs.

Put all food and snacks into containers or in your pantry. And clean all your dirty plates.

Prevent her from learning destructive dog chewing in the first place.

If you can stop your dog from getting her first jaw full of a table leg, a running shoe or a pillow you’re way ahead of the game because after her first chew she’ll target those items in the future.

So confine her to a dog-proofed area until your are confident she understands your rules.

Don’t confuse her.

If you let your dog chew on your cast-off shoes and clothing you’re setting yourself up for your dog chewing your current selection of shoes and clothes. After all, how can she tell the difference?

Give her a lot of tasty alternatives to your things.

Remember that most dogs love and need to chew. If she’s a puppy (less than a year old) or an adolescent (under three years old), her needs are even more pronounced.

So it’s time to go shopping! Get a whole bunch of toys and give her two or three to play with at a time. Keep things novel and interesting for her by changing her toys every two or three days.

Spend time with her.

It might seem obvious but you can expect dog chewing if you keep her in her crate or in the yard all the time. It’s really horrible and boring for her. How can you expect her to learn if she spends all her time imprisoned in a dog-proof zone? Give her the chance to explore the boundaries so she can understand what is and what isn’t appropriate.

The secret to stop dog chewing: when you find your dog chewing something that’s not appropriate interrupt her by making a loud noise.

For example, you can clap your hands or make an “Ah-ah-aaah!” sound. Then immediately give her something tasty (and appropriate) as an alternative. One of her chew toys or a rawhide bone works well.

As soon as she closes her jaws around it praise her lavishly.

This is the best way to train your dog to understand the when she chews her toys she gets praised by you and that every other type of dog chewing means trouble.

Stay positive.

No one’s perfect and neither is your dog so keep your expectations realistic. There will probably be at least one time where something you treasure is damaged by her curiosity, especially in the early stages of your relationship.

She’s learning the ropes so you have to give her time to learn the rules. Give her awhile and she’ll become reliable. Keep in mind that even after she’s gained your trust if you leave her alone too long or if she feels neglected she could pick your stuff instead of hers to occupy her time and jaws.

To stop all your dog problems for good take a look at “Kingdom of Pets“. It’s a complete manual about dog ownership and training and will make it easier for you and put your dog’s learning on a fast-track.