Dog chews Everything. What to do?

Destructive chewing is a common behaviour in dogs that can lead to significant frustration for pet owners. Whether it’s your puppy chewing everything in sight or an adult dog chewing furniture, understanding the reasons behind this behaviour and how to address it is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of destructive chewing in dogs, practical solutions, and preventative measures to stop dog from chewing on inappropriate items.

Destructive Chewing in Dogs: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

1. Introduction

Destructive chewing can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. While it’s a natural behaviour for dogs, especially during certain stages of their development, it becomes a problem when it’s destructive or unsafe. This blog post aims to help dog owners understand the reasons behind their dog’s chewing behaviour and provide effective strategies to manage and prevent it.

2. Understanding Destructive Chewing in Dogs

What is Destructive Chewing?

Destructive chewing refers to a dog’s habit of gnawing on objects that are not intended for chewing, such as furniture, shoes, and household items. This behaviour can result in damage to your belongings and pose a risk to your dog’s health if they ingest harmful materials.

Why Do Dogs Chew?

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs. It helps them explore their environment, relieve stress, and keep their teeth clean. However, when chewing becomes excessive or destructive, it usually indicates underlying issues that need to be addressed.

3. Common Reasons for Destructive Chewing

Teething in Puppies

Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of teething. As their new teeth come in, they chew on anything they can find to soothe their gums. This phase typically lasts until they are about six months old.

Boredom Chewing in Dogs

Dogs that are left alone for long periods or do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation may resort to chewing out of boredom. Boredom chewing in dogs is a common issue that can be mitigated with proper enrichment.

Dog Anxiety Chewing

Anxiety is a significant trigger for destructive chewing. Dogs may chew to self-soothe when they are anxious. This can be due to various reasons, including changes in their environment, loud noises, or separation from their owners.

Separation Anxiety and Destructive Chewing

Separation anxiety is a severe form of anxiety that occurs when a dog is left alone. Dogs with separation anxiety often engage in destructive behaviours, such as chewing on furniture, as a way to cope with their stress.

Lack of Enrichment Activities for Dogs

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without sufficient enrichment activities, they may turn to chewing as a way to occupy themselves.

4. How to Stop Dog from Chewing Furniture and Other Items

Training and Commands

Training is essential in managing and preventing destructive chewing. Teaching your dog basic commands, such as “leave it” and “drop it,” can help you control their chewing behavior. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key.

Providing Appropriate Chew Toys

Offering a variety of safe and appropriate chew toys can satisfy your dog’s need to chew. Chew toys can help redirect your dog’s chewing away from furniture and other household items.

Redirecting Chewing Behavior

When you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Praise them when they chew on the right item to reinforce positive behaviour.

Dog-Proof Your House

Make your home safe for your dog by removing or securing items that they might chew on. This includes keeping shoes, remote controls, and other small objects out of reach, and using deterrent sprays on furniture and other surfaces.

5. Solutions for Specific Chewing Issues

Puppy Chewing Everything

To manage a puppy that is chewing everything, ensure they have plenty of appropriate chew toys and engage them in regular play and training sessions. Supervise your puppy closely and use baby gates to limit their access to areas where they might cause damage.

Adult Dog Chewing Furniture

For adult dogs, destructive chewing can often be linked to boredom or anxiety. Increase their physical activity with regular walks and playtime, and provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training exercises.

Destructive Dog Chewing Due to Separation Anxiety

If your dog is chewing due to separation anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause of their anxiety. Gradual desensitisation to being alone, providing comfort items, and possibly consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer can help.

6. Preventative Measures for Chewing Behaviour

Enrichment Activities for Dogs

Providing a variety of enrichment activities can keep your dog mentally and physically engaged. Activities such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions can prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of destructive chewing.

Consistent Training

Consistent training is crucial in preventing destructive chewing. Regularly practicing commands and rewarding good behavior reinforces what is acceptable to chew on and what is not.

Addressing Underlying Anxiety

Identifying and addressing any underlying anxiety can significantly reduce destructive chewing. This may involve changes in your dog’s environment, routine, or seeking advice from a professional behaviourist.

7. Conclusion

Destructive chewing is a challenging but manageable behavior in dogs. By understanding the reasons behind your dog’s chewing, providing appropriate outlets for their natural behaviours, and using consistent training and enrichment, you can effectively prevent and stop your dog from chewing on furniture and other household items.

Whether dealing with a teething puppy, a bored adult dog, or a dog with separation anxiety, the key is to provide the right balance of mental and physical stimulation, along with appropriate training. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your belongings but also ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-adjusted.

This guide has covered the essential aspects of destructive chewing in dogs, from understanding the behavior to implementing practical solutions and preventative measures. By following these strategies, you can create a positive environment for your dog that discourages destructive chewing and promotes overall well-being.