On Discouraging Your Dog From Chewing
Puppies and adult canines chew for any various reasons. When they do, they could damage your furniture, destroy your clothes, and in many cases make electronics (e.g. DVD player) inoperable. Chewing is a very common behavioral overuse injury in dogs which can be extremely frustrating for his or her owners. But it could be curbed, or at best modified in such a way that the possessions remain untouched.
In this article, we’ll explain the issues your canine might be chewing on your own shoes, clothes, couch, as well as other objects. We’ll then give you a few tips for curbing or shaping the behavior.
Common Reasons Dogs Chew
Canines explore high of their world using their mouths and teeth. It is the way they learn and gather information. For this reason, they are instinctively motivated to place their mouths on any object they encounter. When your furry friend sees a whole new pair of shoes on the ground, he could be inclined that will put one of them (or, part of one) in his mouth.
Another reason behind the behavior is excess energy and boredom. Left alone throughout the day, your canine friend may look for a source of entertainment. Chewing your couch may suit you perfectly.
Many canines also chew after they become anxious relating to owners leaving them behind, regardless of whether for any limited time. Your pet can start chewing an inappropriate object away from nervousness as he awaits your return.
When taking steps to curb your dog’s chewing, you will need to target the underlying cause of his behavior. For instance, if he is suffering from depression, address that issue. If he’s bored in the daytime, address his boredom. If you resolve the trigger, his chewing will more than likely stop.
Crate Your Canine
If you’re home as soon as your dog chews on your own property, use a crate to confine him. If you have acclimated him properly to his crate, he’ll willingly head to it. While this alone will not likely curb his tendency to chew, it’ll separate him from a clothes, furniture, as well as other possessions. Make sure he’s toys to occupy his attention while he is in the crate.
Dispel His Pent-Up Energy And Boredom
Some dogs will be more energetic than these. They require more exercise in order to help them burn off energy and dispel boredom. If they receive weak hands exercise, their energy and boredom will build until are both unleashed upon their owners’ furniture.
A large amount of owners place their canines to get a single, short, daily walk without realizing their pets may require more. If your puppy is very energetic, take him for two main walks on a daily basis. He may even enjoy running.
Provide Him With Chew Toys
Chew toys are valuable since they assist you to redirect your canine’s chewing to objects that will be more suitable than your shoes, clothes, and furniture. These toys are designed for canines to chew. Some are created for puppies and some are manufactured for adults.
If you see your pet chewing an inappropriate object, divert his attention by placing among his chew toys on the floor beside him. Then, close this article so he doesn’t think you’re having fun with him. If he abandons the forbidden object and picks up his chew toy, praise him and provide him a goody. If he ignores his toy and resumes chewing for the off-limits object, correct him.
Bear in your mind that the canine doesn’t chew using the intent to destroy your belongings. He is not motivated by anger or revenge. In most cases, the behavior is caused by certainly one of the triggers stated earlier (i.e. exploration, separation anxiety, pent-up energy, etc.).
This is essential to remember. Many owners reply to their pets’ chewing with anger and punishment. Unfortunately, doing so is a bit more prone to cause your puppy to fear you in lieu of encouraging him in order to avoid chewing. As with shaping an inadequate behavior in your puppy, show patience with him. Then, provide him with praise and treats when he behaves properly.
