Dog Destructive Chewing: Stopping Your Dog From Chewing Up Your World

Posted on | August 12, 2009 |

Dog destructive chewing is variable for every dog. You have some dogs that love to chew everything, yet there are other dogs who do not enjoy chewing.

Listed below are three reasons why some dogs chew:

- Dogs generally have a natural desire to chew, especially if it is something really good like a bone. However, some dogs will chew on anything, like pencils, shoes and rocks! - Chewing provides relief for anxious or nervous dogs - Dogs who do not get enough exercise often chew to get rid of nervous energy

So how do you stop destructive chewing?

1. You must dog proof your surroundings like you would with a toddler roaming around. Make sure you put your stuff away where the dog cannot reach it. Do not leave food or other temptations lying around.

2. Refrain from giving your dog your old personal items to chew on as this only serves to confuse the dog. They will not understand what is off limits.

3. Provide your doggie with other appropriate items to chew such as bones and toys. Make these things available so that your dog will begin to associate them as her own.

4. Spend time with your dog, watching for any chewing problems so that you can correct them while they are happening.

5. Come up with a sound that you can make when you catch your dog chewing. You do not want to hit or yell, as this will be counter productive to your dog trusting you. You might want to use a water spray bottle to startle your dog when they are chewing something to let them know it is wrong.

Above all, be patient and love your dog. You can take care of dog destructive chewing if you spend time doing the right things.

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