Tips for dog chewing prevention

Dog chewing is characteristic of puppies, but can also occur in adults. Dogs chew when they are bored, curious, stressed or suffer from a medical condition. Teething puppies also display chewing behavior.

Training

Training can help you stop your dog from chewing. Normally, dogs discontinue chewing as they become adults, but some dogs carry on the habit.

Training your dog not to chew should start with you establishing a dominant position. Your dog must know that he should follow your commands. Monitor your dog and if you see that he`s chewing, you should use a high pitched voice- tell him No or Don’t and give your pet a 10 minute penalty. If your dog is young, the penalty time can be 3 to 5 minutes. After the penalty time, you can bring your dog back to the room where he chewed and offer him a chew toy. Encourage your dog by giving him different types of chew toys, varying in size and texture.

Chew Toys

Chewing is not necessarily a destructive behavior. Dogs can chew on diverse objects to strengthen their teeth and to remove plaque. Giving your dog the appropriate chew toys will keep him away from chewing on other things in your home. Get several types of chew toys. Make sure that they`re suitable for your dog’s age and size. Place a chew toy near the usual targets of your dog’s chewing.

Initiate Games

If you would like your dog to chew on toys, you could initiate games that have the purpose of finding a chew toy. These games will stimulate your dog’s brain and when he finds the chew toy, he must be rewarded. In this manner, every time your dog finds that certain toy, he will chew on it, instead of other objects that may be available.

Hide Dangerous Items

Dogs may be tempted to chew on cables or power cords, which can be dangerous for him. Cover the cables and hide chemicals, small objects and poisonous plants.

Repellents

Repellents can prevent your dog from chewing on valuable items or dangerous cables. Use some bitter tasting repellents, which are available as sprays or powders. If the dog tastes a bitter object, he will be less likely to continue chewing. The repellent shouldn’t be toxic and can be odorless.

Exercise

A dog that gets enough exercise is less likely to develop destructive chewing behavior. If your dog chews excessively, you need to increase the duration of your walks and make sure he spends all his energy walking or running. This way, he won’t have energy left to chew.

Walk your dog at least two times per day. The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on his energy level and breed.

Keep in mind that your dog can chew when he is bored or stressed. If you have a busy schedule and you don’t have time to play with your pet, you need to opt for a lower energy dog, to make sure he won’t get bored even when you`re away. You can also opt for a dog sitter.

Visit your vet if you suspect your dog may be stressed or have an illness that causes excessive chewing.

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