Sooner or later every pet owner returns home to find some unexpected damage inflicted by his or her dog. Although dogs make great use of their vision and sense of smell to explore the world, one of their favorite ways to take in new information is to put their mouths to work. much like an infant.
Understanding Why Your Dog Chew!
Puppies, like infants and toddlers, explore their world by putting objects in their mouths. And, like babies, they teethe for about six months, which usually creates some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething but also makes sore gums feel better. Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing for any number of reasons. In order to deal with the behavior, you must first determine why your dog is chewing—and remember, he's not doing it to spite you. Possible reasons for destructive chewing include:
- As a puppy, he wasn't taught what to chew and what not to chew.
- He's bored.
- He suffers from separation anxiety.
- His behavior is fear-related.
- He wants attention.
If you don't want it in your dog's mouth, don't make it available. Keep clothing, shoes, books, trash, eyeglasses and remote controls out of your dog's reach. Keep him with you on his leash in the house so he can't make a mistake out of your sight. Confine him when you're unable to keep an eye on him. Choose a "safe place" that's dog-proof, and provide fresh water and "safe" toys. If your dog is crate trained, you may also place him in his crate for short periods of time.
Your dog won't know how to behave if you don't teach him alternatives to inappropriate behavior, and he can't learn these when he's in the yard by himself.
Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise.
Give your dog is bored, he'll find something to do to amuse himself and you probably won't like the choices he makes. On the other hand, a tired dog is a good dog, so make sure he gets lots of physical and mental activity. The amount of exercise should be based on his age, health and breed characteristics. If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise. Offer him an acceptable chew toy instead, and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth.
Give your dog is bored, he'll find something to do to amuse himself and you probably won't like the choices he makes. On the other hand, a tired dog is a good dog, so make sure he gets lots of physical and mental activity. The amount of exercise should be based on his age, health and breed characteristics. If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise. Offer him an acceptable chew toy instead, and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth.
Build a toy obsession in your dog.
Use his toys to feed him. At mealtimes, fill a Kong-type toy with his kibble.
Use his toys to feed him. At mealtimes, fill a Kong-type toy with his kibble.
Make items unpleasant to your dog.
Furniture and other items can be coated with a taste deterrent (such as Bitter Apple®) to make them unappealing.
Furniture and other items can be coated with a taste deterrent (such as Bitter Apple®) to make them unappealing.
Offer your dog a treat in exchange for the item in his mouth.
As your dog catches on to this idea, you can add the command "Give" as his cue to release the object in exchange for the yummy treat.
As your dog catches on to this idea, you can add the command "Give" as his cue to release the object in exchange for the yummy treat.
Don't chase your dog
If he grabs an object and runs. If you chase him, you are only giving your dog what he wants. Being chased by his human is fun! Instead call him to you or offer him a treat.
If he grabs an object and runs. If you chase him, you are only giving your dog what he wants. Being chased by his human is fun! Instead call him to you or offer him a treat.
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