Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Becky Roberts
It’s frustrating to wake up to a scenario that paints a mental picture of torn shoes and clothes. There are even certain cases of having a few curtains gnashed and gnarled on. If you have a dog, chances are you already know what I’m talking about.
Some of our furry friends chew to relieve pain. To older dogs, chewing helps them maintain strong jaws and clean teeth. Chewing also relieves anxieties and boredom. This type of uncertain and unstable emotions can cause a dog to chew furniture and other objects usually seen in the house.
In rare cases, excessive chewing can also be caused by hunger or irregularities in a dog’s appetite. Until such time that you, the dog owner, manages to establish authority and instruction to your pet, it is your sole responsibility to monitor and train your pooch on what their mouths can sink into.
Here are some tips you can consider when starting to stop your dog from excessive destructive chewing, and some of their common causes:
Get To Know Your Dog
This being practically a no-brainer, getting to know your dog is one of the most important factors in training your pet on how to stop their excessive chewing. Always consider your dog’s age, as usually, young dogs do not get the kind of grasp that adult dogs have, Understanding a dog’s separation anxiety, their needs, tendencies, and usual behavior of your pooch can help lighten the load of your training burden. It helps to consider how you will approach your pet when figuring out how you can help isolate the issue. Look for possible causes of destructive behavior.
Also know that majority of pets tend to chew excessively when faced with separation anxieties, especially since dogs are natural seekers of companionship and sometimes have compulsive behavior. Such anxieties are displayed through a dog whining, barking, and whimpering. It’s crucial to figure out what triggers their chewing problem. Certain items such as rubber toys and other dog chew toys can help do the trick.
Make Impressions Last
Since your dog has an impeccable sense of smell, chances are that their noses will grow accustomed to one scent alone. As the owner, it is highly recommended to associate your smell with discipline, training, and control. It goes hand in hand with making sure that your dog doesn’t go around gnawing everything it can see. Your scent should bring a sense of comfort, security, and assurance to your pet. It also helps to avoid the feeling of having emotional farewells.
Engage In Physical Activities
Just like with humans, it’s equally important to engage your pet in any form of physical and mental exercise. A truth you should always remember is that mental stimulation also works wonders for your dog. Consider having daily walks, and find playmates for your pet. In doing so, your dog has a certain stimulus, and will not easily get bored. It also indicates that there’s little to no chance that innocent stuffed toys, shoes, and carpets will be safe from your pet’s wrath.
Dog Proof Your House
Imagine you are raising a baby.
As a parent, you would practically do anything to ensure the safety of your child. You would start by checking several things with sharp corners such as tables, cabinets, and chairs. You can also begin by looking at possible hinges and doors, electrical cords, and you can even consider spill-proofing some areas of the house.
The same concept should also go with your doggo. If the destructive dog chewing continues, you can place important objects far from your dog’s reach, and limit their access to valuable objects. It’s highly advisable to keep clothes in a closed area wherein dogs have no reach.
Invest In A Good Chew Toy
It’s never too late to find an acceptable chew toy. Choose them wisely.
When your pet has certain tendencies regarding chewing, it’s best to monitor them and familiarize yourself with the time they chew the most. When you notice them start gnawing in the wee hours of the morning, try handing them the sort of chewable items that you notice them spend most of their time gnashing at during that specific time frame.
One of the recommendations is to give something new or to change your dog’s chew toys. Also, be mindful of the type of material that the chew toy has, as it may have some tendencies to chip their teeth, and cause some internal damage in their mouths. Also, look out for toys with potential choking hazard, and find an acceptable chew for your pet.
Another thing you may want to look into is treats. Prefer the tasty ones for a long-lasting effect on your pet, and make sure it is an appropriate object.
Play With Your Dog
Once you have established a decent partnership and comfort with your dog, it’s best to consider having your regular playtime with them. Aside from the fact that it makes you familiar with them even more, the idea of actually having their owner around must be a sure win for your pooch. Tug and fetch games are some of the ideal games for your dog, and ensure that you are doing so in a safe place, away from dangerous items, to avoid having a serious problem.
Probably the best gift you can give your dog is the gift of companionship, as nothing beats the bond between man and canine.
Seek Professional Help
Just like with any other pets, it’s important to know whether or not you will be needing professional help from an animal behaviorist or training class regarding your dog’s severe chewing behavior.
Conclusion:
Regardless of your dog of being hard-headed, as a pet owner, no sort of dog deserves any mistreatment. You can start by occasionally giving off treats and rewards if you notice your dog being obedient and being less destructive. Pay attention to their natural behavior, and check to see if they are having improvements. Also, the important part is to note that our fur babies do not mean to stress is out deliberately. It also helps to be consistent with getting to know your dog, spending time with them, and help rise up against this common problem of our dogs being such aggressive chewers.
