How to Train Your Dog to Stop Destructive Chewing

Destructive chewing is one of the most common behavioral problems dogs face. While chewing is a natural and instinctual behavior for dogs, it can become a serious issue when they start gnawing on furniture, shoes, or other household items. If your dog is chewing on things they shouldn’t, it’s important to address the problem early on to prevent further damage and ensure your dog grows into a well-behaved companion.

 

In this article, we’ll discuss why dogs chew, how to stop destructive chewing, and provide effective solutions to redirect your dog’s chewing habits to more appropriate objects.

 

Why Do Dogs Chew?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why dogs chew. Chewing is a normal behavior that serves several purposes for dogs:

 

1. Exploration

Dogs use their mouths to explore their environment, especially as puppies. Just like human babies put things in their mouths, dogs will chew on various objects to learn about the world around them. Puppies, in particular, chew to investigate their surroundings.

 

2. Teething

Puppies go through a teething phase, typically between 3 and 6 months, where they experience discomfort as their adult teeth come in. During this time, puppies often chew on items to relieve the pressure and discomfort caused by the eruption of new teeth.

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3. Boredom

If a dog doesn’t have enough mental or physical stimulation, they may turn to chewing as a way to pass the time. Boredom-induced chewing often targets household items that are easily accessible, like shoes, furniture, or clothing.

 

4. Anxiety or Stress

Some dogs chew as a response to stress, separation anxiety, or frustration. Chewing provides a way for dogs to release pent-up energy and relieve anxiety, especially when they’re left alone or in unfamiliar situations.

 

5. Excess Energy

Dogs that don’t get enough physical exercise may resort to chewing as a way to burn off excess energy. Chewing becomes a self-soothing mechanism when dogs are overstimulated or have an abundance of energy.

 

How to Stop Destructive Chewing

While chewing is a natural behavior, it’s important to teach your dog which items are appropriate to chew and which are not. Here are some proven strategies to stop destructive chewing:

 

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the best ways to stop your dog from chewing on furniture and other unwanted objects is to provide them with safe and appropriate chew toys. Here’s how:

• Offer variety: Provide a variety of chew toys, such as rubber bones, dental chews, and interactive toys. Dogs are more likely to chew on the toys that appeal to them, so having a few options ensures they have something to focus on.
• Choose the right material: Select toys that are safe and durable. Some dogs may destroy soft toys too quickly, so consider stronger options like nylon or hard rubber for heavy chewers.
• Praise appropriate chewing: Every time your dog chews on an appropriate toy, reward them with praise or a treat. This reinforces the idea that chewing on toys is the right choice.

 

2. Use Deterrents on Household Items

To protect your furniture, shoes, or other valuable items, you can use sprays or deterrents that discourage chewing.

• Bitter sprays: There are sprays available that taste unpleasant to dogs, such as bitter apple spray or citrus-based deterrents. Lightly spray these on household items you want your dog to avoid.
• Safe deterrents: Make sure to choose safe, pet-friendly deterrents. You don’t want to accidentally harm your dog by using an unsafe product.

Be sure to apply the deterrent regularly and monitor your dog’s behavior. Over time, your dog will begin to associate the bad taste with chewing on those items, and they will likely avoid them.

 

3. Redirect Their Attention

If you catch your dog in the act of chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect their attention immediately to an appropriate chew toy.

• Interrupt and redirect: Say "no" or make a sound to interrupt their chewing, then immediately give them a chew toy. When they start chewing on the toy, reward them with praise and a treat.
• Consistency is key: Every time your dog chews on something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to a toy. With consistent redirection, your dog will start to understand what is acceptable to chew.

 

4. Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

If your dog is chewing out of boredom or excess energy, the solution may lie in providing more exercise and mental stimulation.

• Increase walks and playtime: Take your dog on longer walks or runs to help burn off energy. Play interactive games, like fetch or tug-of-war, to give them both physical and mental stimulation.
• Interactive toys and puzzles: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged, reducing the likelihood of boredom-induced chewing.

 

5. Address Anxiety or Stress

If your dog is chewing due to separation anxiety or stress, it’s important to address the underlying cause. Here are some ways to manage anxiety:

• Create a calm environment: If your dog chews when left alone, try using calming products like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming music to soothe them.
• Practice short departures: Gradually desensitize your dog to being left alone by practicing short departures and gradually increasing the duration. This helps your dog learn that being alone is not a cause for anxiety.
• Consult a professional: If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help address the root cause of the anxiety and work on a behavior modification plan.

 

6. Crate Training for Safe Chewing

Crate training can also be a helpful tool in managing destructive chewing when you’re not home to supervise. A crate provides a safe space for your dog, preventing them from chewing on furniture or household items.

• Provide toys in the crate: When your dog is in the crate, provide them with a variety of chew toys to keep them occupied. This can help prevent chewing on anything else in the crate.
• Use crate training as a training tool: If your dog chews on furniture or shoes when left alone, use the crate as a way to prevent access to these items when you’re not home.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s chewing becomes persistent or severe despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can help you develop a tailored training plan and address any underlying behavioral issues. They can also provide additional guidance for more complex issues, such as separation anxiety or compulsive chewing.

 

Conclusion

Destructive chewing can be a frustrating issue, but with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, it can be corrected. By providing your dog with appropriate chew toys, using deterrents, increasing exercise and mental stimulation, and addressing any anxiety, you can stop destructive chewing in its tracks.

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Remember, dogs chew for a variety of reasons, and understanding the underlying cause of the behavior is key to addressing it effectively. With time and effort, your dog will learn to focus on appropriate chewing behaviors and become a well-behaved, happy companion.

 

List of References:

• "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller
• American Kennel Club (AKC): "How to Stop Your Dog’s Destructive Chewing"
• "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by Monks of New Skete
• Veterinary Behaviorists’ Handbook on Canine Behavior Training