It seems every time you turn around, your dog is chewing on something. For a dog, chewing is actually normal – but in order to protect your shoes and furniture, it is important to control this behavior as quickly as possible.
Chewing is a way for puppies to explore their environment, while adult dogs will often chew for fun, to relieve boredom, or to simply relieve stress. However, s noted, chewing can be destructive. So how can you channel your dog’s chewing into an acceptable behavior?
Dog Chewing Caused By Separation Anxiety
It is sometimes unavoidable, but when your dog is left alone for long periods of time (such as during your workday) they may experience stress over the fact that you are gone. As a pack animal, being alone is an unnatural state for them. This may result in pacing, whining, barking, inappropriate urination, and yes, chewing.
Putting your dog in a crate is one way to help him to cope with your absence. Before leaving your dog for long periods of time, practice short stints during which you introduce the crate, put in some chew toys, and say goodbye for an hour or two. This will teach your dog that you will be back, and give him the chance to learn that chewing on toys is acceptable.
If your dog ‘s anxiety is more severe, you may wish to consider a “doggy cam”, visits from friends, or even doggy day care to break up their day and make them feel less alone.
Reprimanding Dog Chewing
Dogs tend to live in the moment, so if you do not reprimand your pet as he is in the act of chewing, he may not understand. Therefore,“catching him in the act” is necessary . Yelling at him hours after he has committed the offense will only confuse him (even if he looks guilty.)
When you see your dog chewing on something inappropriately, stop him right away with a verbal command or loud noise. This will cause him to associate the behavior with the reprimand.
Stopping Dog Chewing
Dogs love the smell of their humans, and find it especially comforting when you are gone for long periods of time to have your scent close by. Shoes become a favorite chew toy for this reason, as well as because leather is appealing to them.
The best way to cure your dog of chewing your shoes (or anything else which you don’t want them to destroy) is to redirect their attention to a more appropriate chew toy. When shopping for toys, keep in mind your dogs size, strength, and “chewing enthusiasm.” You do not want to provide them with a toy which can break off into smaller pieces which could choke them.
Every time you see your dog chewing on something inappropriate, replace with their favorite toy. Praise them profusely if they chose the toy on their own. Soon enough they will figure out that your approval is associated with the toy, but a scolding awaits them if they chew on anything else.
Overall, it is important to remember that your dog is not chewing because he is a “bad dog.” By identifying the situation which is instigating the behavior, you can work on deterrents and solutions which work best for your animal. Whether calming anxiety, providing an alternative, or making chewing undesirable, you will be positively affecting your pet’s behavior and making his life happier and more secure.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is your local resource for experienced, compassionate dog training and care. Whether you need puppy obedience training or are looking for advice regarding your adult dog, our professional team is here to help.
