Many dog owners eventually come home to discover unanticipated damage that their dog, or more specifically, their dog’s teeth, have done to their shoes, furniture, or other items. Dogs use their vision and sense of smell to explore the world very well, but one of their preferred methods of learning new things is by using their mouths.
The good news is that chewing can be directed to the right things so your dog doesn’t destroy things you value or endanger their own safety.
But the best medicine is prevention until they learn what they can and cannot chew. By preparing your dog for success, you can avoid replacing your favorite chair or incurring costly veterinary fees when your dog consumes something harmful.
Puppies explore their environment by putting things in their mouths, just like babies and toddlers do. Additionally, they go through a six-month teething period like babies, which is typically uncomfortable. In addition to easing teething, chewing also soothes sore gums.
Adult dogs may chew destructively for a variety of reasons, such as as a way to deal with stress and boredom. Finding out why your dog is chewing is the first step in stopping the behavior, and bear in mind that they are not doing it out of spite for you. Possible reasons for destructive chewing include:
For assistance with both separation anxiety and fear-related behaviors, you might need to speak with a behavior specialist if you think your dog’s chewing is connected to serious anxiety. Holiday safety tips.
This holiday season, learn how to protect your pets from toxic table scraps, hazardous decorations, and more.
Take responsibility for your own belongings. Don’t give it to your dog if you don’t want them to eat it. Keep your dogs’ reach away from things like shoes, books, trash, eyeglasses, and remote controls. The simplest way to avoid errors is to store trash in a cabinet or block off areas with alluring items.
Give your dog toys that can be easily distinguished from everyday items. Don’t make them confused by giving them socks and shoes as toys and then expecting them to tell the difference between your shoe and theirs.
until your dog consistently chews on the right things, keep an eye on them. Keep them on a leash while inside the house so they won’t wander off and make a mistake, or limit their access to certain areas of the house. Select a dog-proof “safe place” and supply fresh water and “safe” toys. You can also confine your dog to their crate for brief periods of time if they are crate-trained. Keep in mind that crates should never be used as a form of punishment and should always be a secure place for your dog. Exercise pens and baby gates are also helpful tools.
Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise. Your dog will find something to do to pass the time if they are bored. However, a tired dog is a good dog, so make sure they engage in plenty of mental and physical activity. Based on their age, health, and breed characteristics, they should get the appropriate amount of exercise. Even though they need to be outside frequently for walks and other activities, letting your dog sniff will be more enjoyable than trying to power walk two miles without stopping. A well-run dog daycare can be an excellent choice for high-energy puppies who enjoy the company of other dogs.
Build toys into your daily routine. Put their kibble in a puzzle toy or a Kong-style toy instead of using bowls. For chewers who are more experienced, seal the toy’s openings with canned cheese or peanut butter and freeze it overnight. A rotation of toys should also be maintained because your dog will have much more fun with novelties than with toys that have been around for a while. When you need to keep your dog entertained, bring some toys out from hiding.
If you notice your dog chewing on something inappropriate, exchange it for a suitable toy. Keep high-value treats on hand to trade for it if they won’t give up the item they chose because it’s so much fun. Once your dog understands that releasing the object in exchange for the treat is expected, you can introduce the command “give” as a cue. Taking items out of your dog’s mouth can make them develop guarding instincts or make them flee when you need to get something back.
Try freezing a rubber toy if your puppy is teething; the cold rubber will soothe their gums. Always keep an eye on your puppy to prevent them from swallowing any pieces they chew.
Make items unpleasant to your dog. To make furniture and other items taste unpleasant, a taste deterrent (like Bitter Apple®) can be applied to them. Be cautious when using one of these deterrents at first; keep an eye on your dog. Even if an object is coated in a taste deterrent, some dogs will still chew it. Be aware that some of these deterrents need to be reapplied in order to remain effective.
Whenever your dog grabs something and runs, don’t pursue them. You are only giving your dog what they want if you chase after them. Instead, call them to you and give them a treat instead of chasing them around like their human is fun.
Have realistic expectations. Your dog will inevitably chew up something you value at some point; this is frequently a part of adjusting to a new home. Your dog must have enough time to discover where and what the proper chew toys are. Set them up for success by taking precautions and keeping things out of their reach.
Training your dog to trade you for treats will ensure they give up even the most enjoyable objects when there are times when you may be concerned about what they are chewing, such as a bottle of medication. Using harsh language or removing objects from your dog’s mouth can lead to behavioral problems. The “guilty look” is actually a canine submissive posture that dogs show when they feel threatened or unsafe, so why take a chance on losing your dog’s trust when positive reinforcement techniques are more effective? Your dog may hide or adopt a submissive posture when you’re upset or angry because they perceive your tone of voice, body language, and/or facial expressions as a threat. A happy life together is built on establishing and maintaining a positive, trusting relationship with your dog!
What to do about boredom chewing in older dogs?
Your favorite pair of shoes have been ruined, another dog bed has been shredded, or the sofa you saved up for is now missing a cushion when you get home from work. Although your dog’s sudden chewing is annoying, it can also be dangerous because he might swallow objects that could result in an intestinal blockage or other problems.
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The most likely cause of your normally well-behaved dog suddenly chewing everything is boredom, stress, or anxiety. If the dog’s routine or environment have changed, that could also be what causes the sudden chewing. You can try a few things to stop the behavior, but if they don’t work, you should consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for assistance.
#8: Your dog craves your attention (now)
Dogs are much more intelligent than we realize.
Your dog will find a way to get attention from you if you’re at home but aren’t paying enough attention to them. Additionally, if the standard techniques like pawing and whining don’t work, your dog may try a different tactic.
They wouldn’t have even noticed if they were chewing on something you owned before. It could be your yoga block or your slippers.
If you’re angry, you might think your dog would get it. And you’d be right.
But with dogs, any attention is preferable to none, even negative attention. Therefore, even if you reprimand your dog, they will still feel appreciated for what they did.
Even better (for them!) would be if you decided to chase after them because they would think you were both playing.
FAQ
Why is my dog chewing so aggressively?
Your dog is probably an aggressive chewer because he gets bored easily most of the time. Think about when you were young and bored. Without really attempting to start any trouble, you most likely ended up doing something that did. Dogs are the same way, so keep them busy!.
How do I get my dog to stop chewing things randomly?
- Take responsibility for your own belongings. …
- Give your dog toys that can be easily distinguished from everyday items.
- until your dog consistently chews on the right things, keep an eye on them.
- Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise. …
- Build toys into your daily routine.