Chewing furniture is a common problem among dog owners. It is a destructive habit that can cause...
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture
Chewed up furniture is a common problem among pet owners. Discovering your dog has chewed up a piece of furniture can be incredibly frustrating and expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop a dog from chewing furniture. In this article, we will explore the most effective methods for curbing this behaviour.
Understanding Why Dogs Chew Furniture
Before we discuss how to stop your dog from chewing furniture, it's important to understand why dogs chew furniture in the first place. Generally, there are three primary reasons why a dog will chew furniture: boredom, anxiety, and teething.
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs. When they are bored, they may chew furniture as a way to entertain themselves. If your dog is anxious, they may chew furniture as a way to cope with their stress. Finally, puppies will naturally chew furniture as a way to relieve the discomfort of teething.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the most effective ways to stop a dog from chewing furniture is to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Chew toys are a great way to redirect your dog's chewing behaviour from furniture to a toy. This will help satisfy their need to chew without damaging any furniture.
When selecting chew toys for your dog, look for ones that are made from durable materials like rubber or nylon. Additionally, make sure the toy is the appropriate size for your dog. You should also rotate the toys every few weeks to keep your dog interested in the toys.
Exercise and Playtime
In addition to providing chew toys, it's important to provide your dog with enough exercise and playtime. Dogs that are not getting enough physical and mental stimulation may turn to chewing furniture as a way to entertain themselves.
Make sure your dog is getting at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day. This can include activities like going for walks, playing fetch, or running around in the backyard. Additionally, try to spend at least 15 minutes a day engaging in mental activities with your dog, such as training or playing puzzle games.
Supervise Your Dog
Supervising your dog is another important step for preventing furniture chewing. Dogs are curious creatures, and they may be tempted to chew furniture if left to their own devices. To prevent this, always make sure to keep an eye on your dog when they are in the house.
If you can't be with your dog at all times, consider using a baby gate or crate to restrict their access to certain areas of the house. This will ensure that your dog is not able to get into any trouble when you're not around.
Correct Unwanted Behaviour
If you catch your dog chewing on furniture, it's important to correct this behaviour immediately. Start by making a loud noise to startle your dog and interrupt the behaviour. Then, remove the furniture from your dog's reach and provide them with an appropriate chew toy.
Finally, it's important to reward your dog for not chewing on furniture. Whenever you catch your dog not chewing on furniture, give them a treat or verbal praise to reinforce the behaviour.
Seek Professional Help
If you've tried all of the above methods and your dog is still chewing furniture, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified dog behaviourist can help you identify the underlying cause of the behaviour and provide you with tailored advice for stopping it.
In some cases, the behaviour may be caused by underlying medical issues. If this is the case, your vet may be able to provide medication or supplements to help curb the behaviour.
Conclusion
Chewing furniture is a common problem among pet owners, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach, you can stop your dog from chewing furniture and save your furniture from destruction. Make sure to provide your dog with appropriate chew toys, exercise and playtime, supervision, and corrections when necessary. If all else fails, seek professional help from a certified dog behaviourist.
