How to Prevent a Dog From Chewing on Furniture

It's common for puppies to continue chewing on objects until they're 1 1/2 to 2 years old, and chew they will - on everything from your best shoes to your windowsill. Here's how to show your dog that there are better things to chew on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Gates
• Teething Ring
• Bitter Apple Sprays
• Dog Crates
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Treats
• Stuffed Animals

1. Determine whether the chewing stems from teething, curiosity, boredom or a behavioral disorder. Discuss these options with your veterinarian or an animal-behavior specialist.

2. Give a teething puppy a teething ring or a frozen washcloth to chew on.

3. Watch your puppy constantly. Use a baby gate to keep him in the same room as you, or crate-train your puppy and put him in the crate with toys for short periods when you're unable to supervise.

4. Divert your puppy's attention to something appropriate, such as a dog toy, when you catch him chewing. Have toys of soft and hard textures available, and rotate them to preempt boredom.

5. Set aside specific times for your puppy to interact with you: practicing obedience training exercises, learning tricks, exercising and going on outdoor adventures.

6. Exercise your puppy, and play with him using toys. If he's tired, he won't have the energy to chew.

Tips & Warnings

• Use chew toys designed for dogs. They are inexpensive and safe and will teach your dog what is OK to chew on.
• Some household items that are safe for your dog to play with, under your supervision, are card-board boxes and paper bags.
• Obedience training by itself won't change behavioral disorders. You may need to correct the underlying problem with the help of an animal-behavior specialist.

[rmay]

on 11/24/2009 My boxer was starting to chew on the wood frames windows, we try putting every possible thing we could think of and nothing would work. We finally try hot yellow peppers, we rub them all over the windows and so far she has not chew on them. We just tried that this week, we'll see how she does,sounds cruel but I think this might be the only thing that work.

[charley132]

on 11/23/2009 anonymous .... my dog chews everything in site and has also started to chew holes in our walls aswell does this jalapeo work and what is it cuz if it does work i will try it myself im so sick of him distroying my house ....yesterday he ripped the siding panels off the cupboards an when i got home there were wood shavings everywhere today he decided to start chewing my gd coat ... i dont know what to do anymore

[chucksfriend]

on 4/2/2009 this is a problem 5*

[LadyKatyMaty]

on 4/2/2009 We put a soft muzzle on our puppy to keep him from chewing holes in the comforter while we're asleep. It's only a band-aid for the real problem, and I wouldn't suggest it long-term, but it works.

on 8/8/2006 My dog was chewing holes in my walls! I gave him plenty of chew toys and bones, but he still chewed on them and he eats everything! The bitter sprays didn't work (I tried them all). Finally I took a paper towel and soaked it in jalapeo juice. I rubbed it on the walls and let him smell the juice from the jar. He sneezed and wouldn't smell from the jar again. He hasn't chewed the wall since and it doesn't smell like jalapeos in my house at all! Plus it is clear and doesn't leave a stain on your wall. Wasabi dissolved in water would also work for this, but might be painful for the pup the first time he tried it.