How to stop dogs chewing
All puppies chew. If they are teething, bored, or anxious, your things will get chewed at some point. They chew on everything that comes into their sight: shoes, clothes, furniture, your hands or feet, or even their own paws. Sometimes, they might test your patience a lot with their destructive chewing habits.
We have listed down the symptoms to know if they are chewing, the reasons of their chewing, and the DOs and DON’Ts to get over this problem.
How to Know Your Dog is Chewing?
While dog chewing is mostly obvious, dogs will usually chew when you are not around, so sometimes you might never know if they have chewed on something.
Dogs might also chew on their paws, so the easiest way to check is to look for any wounds, smelly or swollen paws. Besides, skin inflammation and hair loss in their paws and legs will also indicate your dog is having some chewing issues.
Reasons for the Persistent Chewing
Dogs have an innate desire to explore new things. Dogs, when born, are deaf and blind! Taste is the first sense they develop, which is why they take things straight into their mouth.
They are Teething
We all aware of the fact that teething hurts, and chewing on things helps relieve the pain.
In between three to seven months, when the puppy teeth grow and then are replaced by the adult set of teeth, puppies have an intense desire to take everything in their mouth and then chewing it to get rid of the teething pain.
They are Bored
Dogs have an extremely lively and playful nature. When you are not around for an extended period, they lack both physical and mental stimulation, which leads to boredom resulting in destructive behavior like chewing on everything they see.
They are Distressed
Dogs are highly social animals. Leaving your dog alone causes them to become distressed, and they show psychological signs of separation anxiety like heavy breathing, an increase in heart rate, drooling, and gasping. Their activity level also increases, and as a result, they look up for you by climbing up the windowsill and chewing and scratching your doorframes.
This hysterical period stays for the first fifteen minutes when you are not around. Later on, they settle down by finding something to chew on.
They are seeking Your Attention
Puppies need attention round the clock. They are smart enough to know what is right and what is not. When they learn that chewing on objects makes you get up from your couch and go after them, they repeat the activity repeatedly to grab your attention.
They are not getting a Balanced Diet
Dogs are inborn with the ability to go for minerals and vitamins their diet is lacking. It is natural for pups to chew on plaster and stones to make up for their body’s calcium deficiencies.
How To Stop Dogs Chewing – A list of DO’s to Control Dog Chewing
In many cases, you do not have to prevent your dog from chewing, especially if he is teething. Instead, the key is to teach him what to chew on.
At times, you do need to prevent your dog from chewing. You can follow many strategies to control dogs’ chewing. Some of the strategies are listed below:
Keep Them Stimulated both Physically and Mentally
One of the reasons for inappropriate chewing is the lack of physical and mental activity.
Make sure you provide enough ways to keep your dog stimulated in both ways. Provide them food in food puzzle bowls, take them outside for a walk, let them play with other dogs without the leash, take them for dog training sessions and sports facilities, and also ensure to change their environment and surroundings. Curiosity to explore new places also keeps them active and excited.
Give Them Attention
Since dogs are attention seekers by nature, they demand you to keep an eye on them most of the time.
Whenever you’re around, make sure not to neglect your pup.
Give Them Appropriate Toys and Chews
Toys and Chews are a good way to keep them away from your furniture and valuable things. Choose toys that are long-lasting and are not harsh on your dog’s teeth.
Dog-chews like rawhides and natural bones are also a great way to keep them engaged in chewing the right way. Make sure not to give them cooked bones to avoid any injuries.
Kongs are also a great way to make their meal fun-time as well as to fulfill their desire for chewing.
Give Them Ice cubes or Cold Wet Washcloth
When puppies are teething, they have an intense chewing urge to relieve pain and discomfort.
Either put an ice cube on the floor and let them chase it till it melts, or freeze a wet washcloth and give this cold cloth to the dog to chew on it.
Give Them a Balance Diet
Since dogs chew on random things like gravels and grits to overcome their deficiencies, you must give them a balanced diet to avoid such chewing. Make sure to get the right diet plan from your vet according to your dog’s weight, age, and height.
Use a Petcube Pet Camera
This is one of the greatest inventions to keep your dogs from getting bored, especially when you are away. It has a two-way audio system that allows dogs to communicate with you when you are not around. Besides, it also provides treats to your pups.
Give Them Your Scent
Dogs have a tremendous smelling sense, and they know their owner by their smell. Rub their toys and chews in between your palms before you leave for work, and your scent will help them calm down.
Train Them Well
While you are training your pup, teach them what to take in their mouth, and what not to take. This early-stage training might help you get along better in your lifetime.
Dog-Proof Your Home
No matter how well you train them, you still need to dog-proof your home. Keep all your valuables like books, clothes, and shoes that your dogs enjoy chewing, away from them.
It is definite you cannot dog-proof your entire home, but try as much as you can, and make sure to give them a personal spot which is absolutely dog-proofed so they can enjoy their me-time.
Use Dog Anti-Chew Spray
Deterrent sprays are one of the most frequently used ways to avoid unnecessary chewing. Use Bitter Apple spray to prevent them from chewing your valuables.
However, this is not a permanent solution to chewing issues. Other options discussed must be considered too.
Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog’s chewing habits worsen, and you find swollen and injured paws more often, make sure you take him to the vet.
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How To Stop Dogs Chewing – DON’Ts to Control Dog Chewing
Dogs are not worthy of any kind of harsh behavior. This might lead to more problems rather than giving you solutions. Here are some don’ts:
- Never fasten your dog’s mouth with duct tape. This will do more harm than good. Many dogs have died because of this inhumane activity.
- Never spank them. Your dog understands your facial features and your tone of voice. Correct them instantly because they take up your reactions to what they are doing at the moment.
- Never leave them in a crate for a longer time. Every dog has a specific time to be confined according to their age.
- Never muzzle your pups.
- Never chase them for doing something unwanted. Chasing means fun for them, and they will continue with the unwanted if they think you’re pleased.
- Never rely too much on treats. Sometimes, it is good to reward them, but giving them treats all the time might make your dog hyperactive and demanding.
Some Additional Tips On How To Stop Dogs Chewing
Below are some additional tips that you need to follow to keep yourself on track. It requires a lot of patience to get away with dogs’ distressful behavior. These key points are necessary to be kept in mind before you supervise your dogs.
- Be consistent: Consistency is the key to train a dog. You might get tired at times by teaching him the same thing again and again, but dogs are smart to learn things. Sometimes you have to change your way of communication.
- Be empathetic: If your dog is unable to learn what you teach, it is up to you and not him. Try to understand his psychology and show empathy towards him.
- Don’t expect quick results: In general, puppies are quick learners. Sometimes they might not understand your commands and may show signs of not getting you. Try to understand the signals and never forget that things take time.
Last Words On How To Stop Dogs Chewing
It is no exception for dogs to pick up on chewing habits. But with the right strategies, they can be trained well with what to chew and what not to chew.
