If you have a puppy, you know that they love to chew. Puppies chew to explore their environment, to...
How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything
Every dog owner knows that dogs love to chew. But sometimes, it can be hard to know how to stop your dog from chewing everything in sight. This article will provide tips to help you understand why your dog is chewing and how to discourage the behaviour. We will also provide guidance on how to redirect your dog's chewing to acceptable items and how to keep your home safe from destruction.
Understand Why Your Dog is Chewing
Understanding why your dog is chewing is the first step in stopping the behaviour. Chewing can be caused by a variety of things, such as boredom, teething, or a need for attention. If your dog is teething, they may be looking for something to chew on to soothe their sore gums. If they are bored, they may be looking for something to do to occupy their time. If they are seeking attention, they may be chewing to get you to notice them.
In some cases, your dog may be chewing out of habit. This can happen if they are rewarded for chewing in the past. For example, if your dog chews on a toy and you give them a treat for it, they may think that chewing is a good behaviour and continue to do it. It is important to be consistent with your training so that your dog does not get mixed messages about what is acceptable behaviour.
Discourage Unacceptable Chewing
Once you understand why your dog is chewing, you can take steps to discourage the behaviour. If your dog is chewing out of boredom, make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained. If they are seeking attention, make sure you are providing them with the attention they need. If they are chewing out of habit, do not reward them for the behaviour.
When your dog is chewing on something they shouldn’t, you should immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy or activity. If they don’t stop chewing, you can also try spraying them with water or making a loud noise to startle them. It is important to be consistent with your discipline and to never use physical punishment as this can damage your relationship with your dog.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Providing your dog with appropriate chew toys is a great way to redirect their chewing behaviour. Select toys that are specifically designed for chewing and that are made from safe, non-toxic materials. You should rotate the toys regularly to keep your dog from getting bored. You can also provide them with other types of toys, such as puzzle toys, that can help stimulate their brains.
You should also give your dog plenty of chew bones and rawhide chews. These chews are designed to be eaten, so they are safer than other types of chew toys. When selecting chew bones and rawhide chews, make sure they are made from safe, non-toxic materials and that they are the appropriate size for your dog. You should also supervise your dog when they are chewing to make sure they don’t choke on any pieces.
Keep Your Home Safe
In addition to providing your dog with appropriate chew toys, you should also take steps to keep your home safe from destruction. Make sure all electrical cords and wires are out of reach, and cover any furniture or fabrics that your dog may be tempted to chew on. You should also keep any items that you don’t want your dog to chew out of their reach. If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.
You should also make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Dogs that are not getting enough exercise are more likely to engage in destructive behaviours, such as chewing. Take your dog for regular walks and play with them in the yard. This will help them expend their excess energy and keep them from getting bored.
Conclusion
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs, but it can be destructive if it is not managed properly. To stop your dog from chewing everything in sight, you should understand why they are chewing, discourage the behaviour, provide appropriate chew toys, and keep your home safe from destruction. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog learn appropriate chewing behaviour and keep your home from becoming a chew toy.
