BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Prevent a Dog From Chewing on Furniture

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (17 Ratings)

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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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.

Step4

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.

Step5

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

Step6

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.

Comments

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Let the dog smell the Vick's when you open it so that he is familiar with the smell. On non-fabric areas just dab some of the Vick's on it. If the dog tried to chew he will get a mouthful of Vick's and learn quickly not to chew on this item. For fabric materials place the Vick's on a brown paper bag and use 2 sided tape to attach it to the item, this way the oils do not get into the fabric. Even when the paper is taken off, the smell will still be there for a while and will act as a deterrent.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Give your animal pig ears or rawhide when witnessing this behavior. [Editor's note: Or a chew toy if pig ears and rawhide are not safe for your dog.]

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 To deter your puppy from chewing you out of house and home, try spraying some bitter apple (available at pet food stores). The bad taste will be related to the furniture, and the puppy will decide it's not fun to chew on it!