How to Stop Dogs from Chewing on Household Items

Dogs of all ages like to chew.

Chewing is a natural behavior for a dog at any age. Chewing accomplishes many things. It cleans teeth, strengthens the jaw, combats boredom and relieves stress and anxiety. However, while puppies and older dogs find chewing enjoyable, many of their owners do not agree. Most dog owners have experienced damaged household items as a result of their pets' chewing behavior. The key to maintaining a healthy human-canine relationship is teaching your dog what is okay to chew and what is not.

Instructions

1. Understand why puppies and dogs chew. Puppies experience the world using their mouths, much like human babies do. This is the primary way they explore their surroundings. Chewing helps to alleviate teething discomfort which usually occurs around 6 months of age. Some adult dogs have destructive chewing habits resulting from other problems like separation anxiety, stress and frustration. Some dogs even engage in fabric sucking (licking and chewing on fabric) because they were weaned too early.

2. Discipline the dog only when you catch it in the act. Dogs associate punishment with the immediate activity, and cannot reason about things that happened earlier. To discipline your pet, use a water squirt bottle and spray water into the dog's face as you say something like "no chew." Once the dog stops, immediately praise it. You can also use a homemade noisemaker to startle you pet, like an empty soda bottle filled with pennies. Shake this as you say "no chew," and praise when it stops.

3. 

   Keep items out of your dog's reach.

   Dog-proof your house and do not leave the dog unsupervised. Dogs are like very young children and should be watched closely. Keep your dog in the same room that you are at all times, minimizing the chance for mischief. Put valuables out of reach, keep shoes and clothes in closets and use hampers for dirty laundry to reduce temptations. When unable to supervise your dog, use a dog crate or kennel. Crate training is a valuable preventative for destructive chewing. Taste and odor deterrent sprays are available to make items smell or taste displeasing. However, these products must be reapplied often to maintain effectiveness.

4. 

   Safe, sturdy chew toys are a must for dogs of any age.

   Give your dog something appropriate to chew, redirecting the behavior. When catching your dog chewing on something unacceptable, tell it to "drop it" and replace the item with a dog toy. Puppies and dogs both need safe and appropriate toys to chew. Leave only one or two toys out at a time, keeping some in reserve. Rotating available toys with the reserve toys helps to keep your pet interested. Praise your pet for chewing on toys to reinforce that behavior.

5. 

   Exercise is one way to reduce boredom.

   Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. To allieviate boredom take regular walks or play games. Mental stimulation is also crucial, especially for certain breeds. Labrador Retrievers, German Sheppard, and Border Collies are a few examples of working dogs bred to perform specific jobs. These types of dogs especially need to be busy. Obedience training is one way to provide both physical and mental stimulation simultaneously.

Tips & Warnings

• Puppies allowed to chew when young will not "outgrow" the behavior simply by getting older. They need to be taught what is acceptable.

• Never give your dog old shoes or other household goods to chew on. They cannot distinguish between worn out sneakers and expensive designer shoes, which sends a mixed message.

• Do not chase your dog to retrieve an object. This becomes a game of chase and your dog sees it as play. Instead, encourage your dog to exchange the item for a treat.

• Never give cooked bones, t-bones, chicken bones or turkey bones. These can splinter, causing serious injury.

• Not all chew toys are safe for dogs and some are dangerous. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for safe choices.

• Do not spank your dog to punish it. Dogs do not understand this human gesture. When a dog gives a "guilty look" it is actually a canine submissive posture used when threatened. This only frightens the dog, not actually teaching anything.

• Never muzzle your dog to prevent chewing.

References

• Humane Society of the United States: Chewing: The Why's and How's to Stop a Gnawing Problem
• ASPCA: Destructive Chewing
• Dog Training Guide: Chew Toy to Help Chewing Problem
• Puppy Training Solutions: Dog Chew Toys are More Than Just Toys