Dog Strollers Plus

It’s likely that you are here because you want to find out how to stop your dog from chewing your clothing, cushions, and shoes.

A dog’s need to chew seems to differ from dog to dog. Some dogs chew for the sheer pleasure of the activity; other dogs only feel the need to chew when they are bored.

Here are the main reasons for destructive and inappropriate dog chewing:

• The desire to chew is innate to most dogs, especially if the item being chewed tastes good.
• Lonely or bored dogs can find the act of chewing to be an emotional outlet. As with comfort food to humans, a nervous dog can find chewing to be relaxing.
• Dogs that are under exercised may chew to keep themselves busy and to burn up excess energy.

How To Stop Dogs Chewing

With a little effort and training on your part, you can stop dogs chewing and damaging your stuff.

• Firstly, your home must be dog-proofed. This means that items that you don’t wish to end up in your dog’s mouth should be placed well out of his reach. You must think about whether your pet will be able to leap, climb, or jump up to reach the object he has in mind.

• Dogs love to chew shoes, garbage, clothes, books and remote controls. They also like to chew on small crunchy items such as remote controls, cameras and cell phones.

• It goes without saying that all food must be securely stored in containers or in the pantry to prevent dogs from chewing. You should rinse dirty dishes before leaving them in the sink. Your dog will be delighted to snack on any food that you leave on low surfaces or kitchen counters.

• Your dog should be prevented from learning the joys of forbidden chewing. If your dog is prevented from chewing your stuff early in his life, the easier it will be for him to understand what you require of him. Your dog will be more likely to chew on items such as furniture, clothing, and books, if he is frequently provided with the opportunity to do so. Until your dog has a full understanding of the house rules, he should be restricted to the doggy-proofed area of the house.

• It is important that your dog clearly understands what is his stuff (can be chewed) and your stuff (cannot be chewed). You cannot give your dog your old shoes to chew on, then expect him to understand why he can’t chew on your new shoes. The same thing pertains to towels, clothing etc.

• Stop dogs chewing by providing them with plenty of enticing alternatives to your prized possessions. Remember that the majority of dogs feel the need to chew, especially dogs less than 3 years old and puppies. Purchase chews or dog toys, providing your dog with a maximum of three all at once. The toys should have different tastes, shapes and textures. Rotating the toys will keep your dog interested and amused.

• You should spend lots of time teaching your dog. If he is constantly restricted to the dog-proofed area, he will not be able to understand what is expected of him. So your dog is able to comprehend what is appropriate and what is not, he will need to be given the chance to explore the limits of your expectations.

• When your dog is discovered chewing your stuff, interrupt him with a hand clap or by firmly saying “No”!”. He should be given an appropriate alternative, such as a chew toy or rawhide bone. As soon as he bites down on it, you should lavish praise on him. Your dog will better understand that chewing his stuff means praise and chewing your stuff means trouble.

My recommended dog training guide to stop dogs chewing is: Secrets to Dog Training