Has your dog been known to chew on everything he can get his teeth on? Shoes, furniture, walls, remote controls…if it’s not nailed down, chances are your dog has tried to chew on it.
While this chewing behavior is perfectly normal for dogs, it can be costly and frustrating for pet parents. Here are a few tips on how to stop your dog from chewing everything.
Identify the Cause
The first step in solving any problem is identifying the cause. Why does your dog chew things he’s not supposed to?
There could be a few reasons: teething (especially in puppies), boredom, anxiety, or hunger. Once you’ve identified the root cause of the problem, you can begin working on a solution.
Provide Them Chew Toys
For puppies who are teething, provide them with plenty of chew toys that are specifically designed for teething pups.
Check to make sure the toys are made from safe materials that won’t splinter or break off into small pieces that could be swallowed.
If your puppy is older and bored, try providing him with more mentally stimulating toys such as Kongs stuffed with treats or interactive puzzle toys.
If anxiety is the issue, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions such as anti-anxiety medication or canine aromatherapy.
Lastly, if hunger is the reason your dog is chewing everything, make sure he is getting enough food and that his meals are spread out throughout the day so he’s not so hungry between meals.
What Other Things Can You Do?
In addition to addressing the root cause of the problem, there are a few other things you can do to stop your dog from chewing everything.
Dogs like to chew because it feels good on their gums, so make sure they have plenty of toys and chews available so they don’t need to turn to your possessions.
Be consistent with your Surrey dog training and praise your dog when he chews on his toy instead of your shoe. And finally, if you catch him in the act of chewing something he shouldn’t, give him a stern “no” and offer him an appropriate toy instead.
With a little patience and perseverance, you can train your dog to stop chewing everything in sight.
Conclusion
Dogs like to chew because it feels good on their gums, but this behavior can be costly and frustrating for pet parents.
If you want to stop your dog from chewing everything, first identify the root cause of the problem—teething (especially in puppies), boredom, anxiety, or hunger—and then address it accordingly.
In addition to addressing the root cause of the problem, provide your dog with plenty of toys and chews so he doesn’t need to turn to your possessions; be consistent with training; and if you catch him in the act of chewing something he shouldn’t, give him a stern “no” and offer him an appropriate toy instead.
With a little patience and perseverance, you can train your dog to stop chewing everything in sight.
