Preventing Your Dog’s Chewing Habit: Tips & Tricks from Sierra Canine
Dogs are undoubtedly man's best friend. They make our lives meaningful in so many ways. They are loyal, loving, and full of exciting energy that they generously share with us. However, with those joys come some unexpected challenges that dog owners face, and one of them is their chewing habit. Dogs love to munch, chew, and gnaw on different objects at any opportunity they get. Sadly, this often includes shoes, furniture, and anything within reach. But why do they do it? Chewing is a fundamental dog behavior that helps to stimulate their teeth and jaws, as well as reduce their anxiety and stress levels. Luckily, we have tips and tricks from Sierra Canine to help train your furry friend to stop chewing on your belongings.
Keep them busy.
One of the best ways to minimize dog chewing in your household is to ensure that your pup is always busy with something else. Leaving them with toys/activities they have an interest in will give them ample opportunities to chew on things other than your belongings. For starters, invest in a good quality chew toy, preferably one made from durable rubber or nylon. You should ensure that the toy design is appropriate to your dog's chewing style and size. That way, they'll be tempted to spend more time with the toy than your shoes.
Train your dog.
Training is one of the essential ways to prevent most dog behavior problems, including chewing on objects. You can practice positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior instead of disciplining your dog for bad conduct. When you catch them chewing on your belongings, offer the chew toy as the appropriate alternative and praise your dog when they redirect their chewing behavior to the toy. With repetition and consistence, your dog will develop a habit of choosing the toy over your shoes or furniture.
Exercise your dog.
A well-exercised dog is less likely to become destructive, bored, or anxious. Regular exercise helps relieve stress and is an excellent way to prevent unwanted chewing. It's suggested that you exercise your dog for at least 45 minutes a day with brisk walks, jogs or fetch play. Also, mind that your dog's breed or size determines their energy level; some may require more extended exercise time compared to others. Exercise helps to reduce anxiousness in dogs, making them less likely to engage in destructive behaviors such as chewing.
Use bitter sprays.
There are various corrective sprays that many dog owners use to discourage their dogs from chewing on items. One such spray is a bitter chew deterrent that you can find in most pet stores. The taste, which is unpleasant to dogs, will deter them from making a meal of your belongings. Remember to always read the instructions on the package as some sprays aren't safe for your pets' health.
Manage your dog's surroundings.
If your dog's chewing habit remains stubborn even after you've implemented all the above techniques, it might be best to manage their surroundings entirely. That means keeping anything that might tempt your dog to chew inaccessible. If that means that you need to declutter some items initially, so be it. You could choose to limit the areas where your dog is allowed and invest in baby gates and crates to confine your pooch to a specific area. As additional advice, it's always wise to keep some appropriate chew toys in all of the different areas your dog might spend time.
Preventing your dog from chewing your belongings can be frustrating at first, but it's important to understand that it's a behavior that can be unlearned with the proper training. Always remember to supervise your dog when you're not around and redirect their chewing habits with toys or bones that stimulate their teeth. In summary, Sierra Canine recommends investing in chew toys, training your dog, exercising them regularly, using bitter sprays and managing your dog's surroundings. Teach your furry friend the difference between appropriate chew toys and off-limits objects to save you torn-up shoes, furniture and a lot of heartache.
Dogs are undoubtedly man's best friend. They make our lives meaningful in so many ways. They are loyal, loving, and full of exciting energy that they generously share with us. However, with those joys come some unexpected challenges that dog owners face, and one of them is their chewing habit. Dogs love to munch, chew,…