How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Dogs chew for many reasons, but boredom is probably at the top of their list. A dog who chews is never going to abstain from this fun behavior, so as their doggie parents, it is up to us to redirect their chewing to things they are allowed to chew! Here are the steps you need to take to teach your dog proper chewing behavior.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a bag of treats strapped to your waist
• "Bad" chewing props such as shoes, leash, staircase bannister!
• "Good" chewing props such as dog toys, rawhide toys, and more dog toys.
• Old soda can filled with 10 pennies, taped shut.

1. Looking at your calendar, plan a "day of training" that you and your entire family can devote to training your dog on proper chewing behavior. You will need to commit at least 24 hrs or more to effectively ingrain the training techniques into your dog's behavior. Gather together all your props and treats in preparation for the big day!

2. Be sure to begin when your dog might be hungry and ready for treats. Set the "stage" with one "bad" prop such as an expensive shoe and one "good" prop such as a squeaky dog toy. Make sure you have your soda can with you.

3. Lead your dog into the room with the props. Put yourself in a position where you can watch him. Make sure you have the soda can with you. This is where the commitment of time comes into play. You may have to stake out your dog indefinitely before he begins chewing.

4. If he chews the shoe, you are in luck! Toss the soda can near him, while at the same time, saying a stern, "Off!" His surprise at the noisy soda can and your stern voice should cause him to drop the shoe. Immediately pop a treat into his mouth while giving him the "good" dog toy. Praise him enthusiastically saying, "Good dog! Good toy!"

5. Repeat this technique several times, until it is clear your dog understands the difference between an allowed chewing object and an off-limits object.

6. Next, allow your dog the roam of the house, making sure to monitor his whereabouts and behaviors. Again, this is where the time commitment comes in. Ignore the laundry, telephone, and other distractions. Follow your dog instead. This may take hours until the next chewing incident occurs.

7. As soon has his jaws wrap around the staircase bannister, toss the soda can and yell "Off!" Immediately offer him the "good" chew prop such as a rawhide bone or another dog toy.

8. Twenty four hours after the first soda can was tossed, your dog should now know the difference between "good" and "bad" chewing. Congratulations!

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure you have your treat bag attached to your waist.
• Once you toss the soda can, retrieve it quickly so you can have it available for the next chewing crime.
• Committing yourself to this period of training means no telephone, computer, laundry or other distractions.
• Bathroom breaks are acceptable, for both you and your pooch.

Resources

• YOUR ADOPTED DOG: Everything You Need to Know About Rescuing & Caring for a Best Friend in Need