How to Stop a Dog From Chewing

Lock up your shoes and laundry, your dog is a chewing addict. When you have a dog that likes to chew on things nothing is safe. They will chew on anything from toys to the corner of your cabinets. Chewing on things is natural for dogs, it's part of the way that they explore the world and often it can be the result of boredom. Teaching your dog not to chew on inappropriate objects can be an uphill battle. Dealing with a dog that has a chewing obsession involves using a combination of tactics, along with some safety measures to protect your curious pup.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Teaching
   When your dog is munching down on something that they are not allowed to have you need to interrupt the them while they are in the act. Clap or make a loud noise to get their attention and then replace the item they are chewing on with one of their own toys. When your dog accepts the toy and begins to play or chew on it praise them for doing so to reinforce this proper behavior.

2. There are also sprays that you can by that help deter a dog from chewing on something. The sprays are not harmful, but they taste bad. Spraying these on furniture and larger items in your home can help keep your dog away from them. Typically, they need to be reapplied ever so often, but usually by the time they wear off your dog will have probably lost interest in chewing on that item.

3. Boredom
   Give your dog plenty of appropriate chew toys. Don't confuse them by giving them items that resemble items you don't want them chewing on like old shoes and socks. In a dogs mind if they can chew on the old ones, they can chew the new ones too. Keeping your dogs toys new and exciting is important as well. Rotate the toys available to your dog so they don't get bored and seek out new things on their own.

4. Consider trying a chew toy that is filled with treats. Many companies like Kong make dog toys that you can stuff with food and your dog has to work to get the treats out. Chewing on things like this will keep your dog occupied and out of trouble.
   Spending quality time with your dog playing and giving them attention can help prevent boredom. When left alone for long periods of time, most dogs get bored and become destructive. If you work and have to leave your dog confine them to an area of the home that is safe and that is free of items they can destroy.

5. Walking your dog may also lessen the likelihood that your dog will chew things. Dogs need to explore and allowing them time to go out in the world and investigate will help alleviate bad behavior caused by boredom.

6. Safety
   It is essential to your dogs safety that you keep their environment free of things that may cause harm when chewed on. Keep cabinets shut and electrical cords tucked out of sight. Additionally, place items that your dog likes to chew on out of their reach. Keep shoes, purses, jacket and other go to items put away. Sometimes it takes time to teach a dog that chewing is unacceptable and the less temptation they have the better.

[sanderdoe]

on 3/4/2009 Good article and very helpful. We are in the process of training our puppy and it is a challenge! The rawhide works great, you are so right! Kudos!

[HouseWifeMafia]

on 3/4/2009 Great article! This can be a big challenge in living with our furry friends.

[sashasweder]

on 6/20/2008 We have found that a steady supply of rawhides, raw bones and chewie toys keep our Rotti/Shepard mix under control. Good ideas...some I haven't thought of yet and will start trying today. Thanx.

[Limowreck]

on 6/14/2008 Very important information for puppy owners too. I wish I had had this article before my dog ate the legs off the kitchen table! Thanks for the informative article!