Dogs

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing and Destroying Your Things

One of the most common complaints from dog owners is that their dog chews on things that it’s not supposed to such as their favorite sneakers, socks, throw pillows, carpet, books, and furniture. Obviously, such behavior isn't good and should not be tolerated. Not only is it an annoying habit, but it can also put your pet’s safety at risk. A dog with a habit of chewing on anything it sees might accidentally swallow or deliberately eat sharp objects which can damage its internal organs, or in some cases, might even cause death. What can you do to correct the problem?

First, it's important to know that chewing is a normal behavior during the puppy stage. The reason why puppies chew is because they're going through the teething process. During this time their gums would feel painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. Puppies have a tendency to chew on any object they see because they want to be relieved of their discomfort. Needless to say, chewing should be controlled and eliminated by the time their teeth have fully developed. Adult dogs should have completely overcome this habit.

Find out the root of the problem. There are many possible causes why some dogs develop inappropriate chewing habit. If your dog is past the puppy stage and hasn't yet overcome the habit of chewing, the problem could be medical. In some cases, a gastrointestinal problem could trigger excessive chewing and the only way to know for sure is to undergo lab tests and seek a professional diagnosis. Visit your vet in order to rule out medical issues.

Walk your dog. Is your dog getting the exercise it needs? Remember, a tired dog is a good dog. Walk your dog outdoors or run with your dog every morning or afternoon. By helping your dog expend its energy on a healthy, productive activity, you are also preventing behavioral problems like inappropriate dog chewing.

Provide chewable toys for your dogs. Chewable dog toys and treats are wonderful especially for teething puppies. If you see your pup or dog chewing on something it shouldn't, call its attention and give it a chewable toy or a chewable treat to chew on. Boredom may also lead to excessive chewing so make sure that dog toys are readily available to them at all times, and don’t forget to spend some play-time with your pet.

Put up your belongings. One way to prevent your dog from chewing things it’s not supposed to is to

keep them away from your dog’s reach. Place your shoes on a high shelf and make sure that none of your things are left on the floor or placed on furniture that’s too low. You’ll have to do this until your dog loses its bad habit.

Use a spray deterrent. Another way to discourage inappropriate chewing is to use a special dog spray deterrent. These products smell and taste awful to dogs but are safe and non-toxic. You can spray it on objects that your dog likes to chew on, or when you catch your dog in the act of chewing, use the spray to shoo it away.

Don’t be harsh. It can take a while for your dog to completely overcome its bad chewing habit so you will need to be very patient. Being punitive or cruel to a pet will not bring out any good result. A clear and firm “No!” if you catch your dog in the act of chewing is enough. There’s really no need to shout.

The best thing to do if you see your dog chewing is to immediately try to deviate its attention into something else by handing it a chewable toy or spraying it with a deterrent. If it takes on the chewable toy or if it moves away, praise your dog for following your cue. Always complement your dog if it’s doing something good and reward good behavior with treats or praises.

Photos: Boston Terrier Chewing Toy, Dog Playing with Kong Toy
References: Humane Society, ASPCA

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Dogs