Chewing is a natural, necessary, and healthy behavior for dogs. It relieves stress, keeps jaws strong, and aids in dental hygiene. However, when it focuses on your sofa, shoes, or drywall, it becomes destructive chewing. The key to success is understanding why your dog is chewing and using targeted chewing solutions dogs to redirect dog chewing onto appropriate items.
Here is a guide to identifying the causes of the problem and the best ways to stop dog chewing.
Part 1: Diagnosing the Cause of Destructive Chewing
Effective chewing training tips must start with diagnosing the root cause, as solutions vary widely.
1. Puppy Teething Chewing (Under 6 Months)
- Description: Puppy teething chewing is driven by the physical discomfort of losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth (between 3 and 6 months). Puppies chew to soothe their gums.
- Solution Focus: Soothing and appropriate texture (see Part 2).
2. Dog Boredom Chewing (All Ages)
- Description: Chewing out of boredom is the most common cause of chewing furniture dogs. This is often due to a lack of physical exercise and mental stimulation, leading the dog to create its own entertainment.
- Solution Focus: Enrichment and exercise (see Part 3).
3. Separation Chewing Dogs (Anxiety)
- Description: Separation chewing dogs often exhibit frantic, destructive chewing, usually focused around exit points (door frames, window sills) and only when left alone. This is panic-driven, not boredom.
- Solution Focus: Anxiety management and specialized chewing toys (see Part 4).
Part 2: Management and Prevention (Immediate Chewing Solutions Dogs)
1. Puppy-Proofing is Priority
If your dog or destructive chewing puppy has access to forbidden items, they will chew them.
- Put it Away: Shoes, remote controls, books, and children’s toys must be placed out of reach.
- Restrict Access: Use baby gates or confinement areas (like a puppy pen or a safe room) when you cannot supervise your dog 100%.
- Use Deterrents: For items you cannot move (chewing furniture dogs), apply a bitter-tasting, non-toxic spray (like bitter apple or bitter lime) generously. Reapply daily until the habit is broken.
2. Provide the Right Chewing Toys
You must supply a variety of appealing chewing toys that are rotated frequently to maintain interest.
- Soothing Toys (for teething): Offer frozen items like a frozen wet washcloth, frozen carrots, or rubber chewing toys stuffed with frozen peanut butter. Cold helps numb the gums.
- Tough Toys (for powerful chewers): Focus on hard rubber toys (like Kongs or Nylabones designed for extreme chewers). Always monitor to ensure they are not breaking off and ingesting large pieces.
- Edible Chews: Offer things like rawhide alternatives (bully sticks, yak chews) sparingly and always supervised.
Part 3: Redirect Dog Chewing Through Training
The most effective chewing training tips involve redirecting the urge to chew onto the right item.
- Interrupt and Replace: If you catch your dog chewing something forbidden (e.g., chewing furniture dogs), interrupt them with a quick noise (a clap or “Ah-ah!”)—do not yell. Immediately swap the forbidden item for an appropriate chewing toy.
- Praise the Swap: As soon as your dog starts engaging with the correct toy, give them high praise (“Good chew!”) and a reward. This teaches them the positive association: chewing the toy earns rewards; chewing the table earns nothing.
- Enrichment is Key: If the problem is dog boredom chewing, you must satisfy their need to work. Use puzzle feeders and Lickmats for meals, or schedule 20 minutes of brain games (finding hidden treats or basic obedience practice) after physical exercise.
Part 4: Special Case: Separation Chewing Dogs
If the destruction is caused by separation chewing dogs, simple chewing solutions dogs won’t work. The root is anxiety, which requires a specialized approach:
- Consult a Professional: Anxiety requires management via professional chewing training tips (CPDT-KA or Veterinary Behaviorist) and possibly medication to lower the anxiety threshold.
- Avoid Crate Punishment: Never leave an anxious dog in a crate if they are trying to chew or scratch their way out; they can seriously injure themselves.
- Calm Departures: Do not make a big emotional fuss when you leave or return. Five minutes before leaving, give your dog a special, high-value chewing toy (like a frozen stuffed Kong). Take the toy away immediately upon return. This builds a positive association with your absence.
By following these chewing training tips and staying consistent, you can satisfy your dog’s natural urges and stop dog chewing destructively.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This blog post provides information for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary care or professional behavior advice. If your dog exhibits sudden or extreme destructive behavior, or if you suspect your dog has swallowed a non-food item (which is an emergency), consult your veterinarian immediately. For anxiety-related issues like separation chewing dogs, seek guidance from a Veterinary Behaviorist or a certified behavior consultant.