How to Stop Dogs From Chewing?
The act of chewing and biting may be a compulsive behavioral issue and a sign that your dog is suffering with some anxiety. While there may be several reasons why your dog is chewing, how can you, as a pet parent, prevent this distructive behavior?
There is a remedy for your dog’s bad chewing habits. Stopping a dog from chewing is simple with the right technique, whether they mistake your sneakers for a treat or protest by destroying your sofa.
Understanding Your Dog
Puppies, like infants and toddlers, investigate their surroundings by putting things in their mouths. And, like babies, they teethe for about six months, which can be painful. Chewing not only helps with teething but also soothes sore gums.
Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing for various reasons, including stress and boredom coping. To stop the behavior, you must first figure out why your dog is chewing, and keep in mind they are not doing it to spite you.
If you believe your dog’s chewing is caused by severe anxiety, you should seek help from a behavior professional for both separation anxiety and fear-related behaviors.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
The answer to this question is dependent on the dog who is chewing. The three most common reasons your belongings are destroyed are:
- They weren’t taught what is and isn’t acceptable to chew as puppies.
- They do not have access to chew toys that are both safe and appropriate.
- They’re bored
- Dog teething
- Boredom
- Anxiety about Separation
It’s a natural behavior for puppies and growing dogs. Puppies enjoy exploring everything, and they do so by sniffing, licking, and chewing on objects.
However, problems can arise when your furry friend decides to nibble on your beautiful wooden furniture or the new carpet. Of course, if they’re teething, gnawing on anything they can get their paws on will help relieve their pain.
On the other hand, if you have an older dog who suddenly starts chewing or chewing things when you’re not home, it’s possible that it’s not normal puppy chewing but a clear-cut destructive behavior. When your dog is stressed or bored, they may channel that energy into chewing.
There’s no denying that puppies are tiny bundles of adorableness, but when it comes to training, you’ll have your hands full. Trouble can sometimes seem to follow your adorable pup, from excessive barking to doing their business on your bed. Add chewing to the mix, and you’ll spend all of your free time learning how to discipline a puppy while not going insane.
Puppy chewing is frequently caused by the fact that their baby teeth are either erupting or being replaced by permanent teeth. The tiny, needle-like teeth appear when your puppy is 3 to 8 weeks old, and they begin teething again just as you get used to scratches from nipping. When all of their milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth, dogs stop teething around the age of 4 to 6 months.
How to Make it Stop?
Given that your puppy is chewing on things because their gums are inflamed from teething, redirecting their attention to something else is the best way to get them to stop destroying your belongings.
Let’s face it: there may be no way to completely prevent a puppy from chewing. You can, however, provide them with dog chew toys, which will give a more welcome gnaw target than your slippers or wood trims.
When your puppy chews on something they shouldn’t, scold them and remove the object, replacing it with a toy. This teaches them that only toys are for chewing and that everything else is forbidden!
Consider puppy-proofing your home in addition to getting some chew toys for puppies. It will reduce the damage to your home while training your puppy and keep them safe. Use Petcube, a dog camera that broadcasts your voice remotely, to closely monitor your puppy or problem adult dog. It’s an excellent way to show your dog that you’re paying attention even when you’re not in the room.
How to Properly Address the Chewing Problem
It’s not only aggravating when your dog chews on everything. It can also be quite dangerous, mainly if your dog cheats on electric cables or swallow what they chew up. Bits and pieces of socks, shoes, or wood can cause serious problems such as intestine blockages or perforation.
So, preventing dogs from chewing is critical for their safety and your peace of mind. Negative punishments, such as spanking or hitting your dog, on the other hand, may aggravate the situation and cause your dog to become even more destructive.
Consult a veterinarian if you require additional assistance in stopping your dog from chewing.
Instead, scold your dog for chewing and confiscate whatever they were nibbling on. As a substitute, provide toys or chewing treats that will keep them occupied for hours. This will teach your dog to chew only on what they are allowed to chew on and will help them satisfy their chomping urge.
Chewing While No One is The House
Is this something you’ve heard before? Every time you go to work, you come home to find feathery remains of pillows, gnawed table legs, or bite marks on your favorite pair of heels. Almost every dog owner has been in your shoes. And we all gave up being angry as soon as we saw their adorable guilty expressions.
However, having your dog chew on everything while you’re away is more than just inconvenient. It could be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as separation anxiety in your dog. When dogs are left alone and are stressed or agitated, they are more likely to chew on furniture or shoes to relieve their anxiety.
How to Stop Dogs on Chewing Wood?
If your dog chews on wood trim, gnaws on dirty socks, or gnaws on phone chargers, they are most likely bored. Dog chewing on wood could indicate that your pet sees it as the only object available to play with. If your four-legged baby’s energy is not spent productively, it is redirected into destructive behavior patterns.
If you’re wondering how to stop a dog from chewing shoes, consider whether your pup has enough toys or your attention to spend his or her energy on. Meanwhile, destructive chewing, such as on door or window frames, can indicate separation anxiety. Here’s how to get a bored dog to stop chewing on wood:
- Daily exercise both physically and mentally exhausts your dog. If your dog chews on the carpet when they’re bored, a little physical activity will get them to stop!
- Playtime, whether outside or inside, burns excess energy and satisfies your pet’s need for companionship. As a result, there will be no need for them to nibble on your shoes!
- If your dog has separation anxiety and begins chewing as soon as you leave the room, here’s what you should do:
If your dog has separation anxiety and begins chewing as soon as you leave the room, here’s what you should do:
- Use a pet camera to remotely monitor their behavior and keep them from engaging in destructive behavior while you’re away.
- Make a haven for your dog. A crate, a cozy room corner, or an indoor dog house can all be used. Your dog will appreciate it if you choose a location where they can find safety and comfort while alone.
- Of course, having the right supplies will make the entire process much more manageable in both cases.
It is also possible that your dog’s chewing on furniture or other non-edible objects is a symptom of a condition known as pica. Consider checking to see if your beloved fluff is exhibiting pica-like behavior.
Alternatives For Dogs to Chew
Chewing is something that every dog on the planet enjoys. The trick is to get them to chew only what you want them to chew and not to roam around your laundry hamper looking for chewing material. So, how do you keep a dog from chewing on your expensive leather shoes or furniture? One obvious solution: give them something better.
Chewing Treats
Many dogs have been tempted by dirty socks and wooden chairs. However, the choice between a tasty treat and your furniture is evident. Try dried pig ears, raw beef bones, teething treats, or bully sticks as treats. These treats’ flavor and chewiness will keep your dog away from your shoe collection and living room décor.
Chew Toys for Dogs
Toys are no exception. There are numerous options on the market, ranging from smart puzzles and rubber bones to bacon-flavored chew toys. Choose one your dog will not easily destroy and enjoy being occupied for hours.
Deterrent to Chewing
Dog chewing deterrents can sometimes help to stop a dog from chewing. Use a deterrent spray to prevent your dog from chewing on shoes or furniture. They’ll quickly steer clear of anything you’ve sprayed.
There are even some home remedies for preventing your dog from chewing on furniture. These homemade remedies are deterrent sprays made from apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. These natural ingredients will not harm your dog, but they will keep them away from the furniture that has been sprayed with these mixtures.
A pet camera may be the only thing that works for dogs who struggle with being left alone and chew to relieve stress.