Are you fed up with coming home to find your favorite shoes in tatters? “How To Train Your Dog To Stop Chewing Everything” is your ultimate guide to restoring peace in your household while keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. This article walks you through effective techniques and practical tips to redirect your dog’s chewing behavior, ensuring both your belongings and your beloved pet stay safe. Discover the joy of a well-trained pup and a chew-free home!

How To Train Your Dog To Stop Chewing Everything

Are you at your wit’s end because your furry friend seems to think everything in your house is a chew toy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many dog owners face the same issue, and the good news is that with the right training techniques, you can teach your dog to stop destructive chewing. This guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge to turn your dog’s behavior around in no time.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Before diving into how to stop your dog from chewing everything, it’s important to understand why they do it in the first place. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. They chew for various reasons, from teething to exploring their world. Here’s a look at some common reasons:

Teething

Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething phase. This typically happens between three to six months of age and can be very uncomfortable for them. Chewing helps relieve this discomfort.

Exploring

Dogs use their mouths to explore the world around them. Chewing helps them understand new objects in their environment.

Boredom or Anxiety

If your dog is left alone for long periods without any mental or physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing out of sheer boredom or to relieve anxiety.

Health Reasons

Sometimes, chewing can be a sign of underlying health issues such as dental problems or nutritional deficiencies. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog’s chewing seems excessive.

Preventing Destructive Chewing: The Basics

Preventing your dog from chewing inappropriate items involves a combination of supervision, providing appropriate chew toys, and training. Let’s break it down:

Supervision

One of the most effective ways to prevent destructive chewing is to supervise your dog whenever possible. This way, you can catch them in the act and redirect their behavior immediately.

Pro Tip: Use baby gates to limit your dog’s access to parts of the house that are not puppy-proofed.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys. Choose toys that are durable and safe. Avoid items that can easily break into small pieces, as these pose choking hazards.

Here’s a simple table to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate chew items:

Training for Success

Training your dog involves both positive reinforcement and correction. You need to teach your dog what they can chew and what is off-limits. Here’s how to go about it:

Step-by-Step Training Guide

Step 1: Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like you’d baby-proof your home for a new child, puppy-proofing ensures your dog can’t easily access items they shouldn’t chew.

Tips for Puppy-Proofing:

• Remove or secure electrical cords.
• Keep shoes and clothing out of reach.
• Store household cleaners and chemicals in secure cabinets.
• Block access to trash cans.

Step 2: Provide Plenty of Physical and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a good dog. Make sure your dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and less likely to chew destructively.

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise includes regular walks, playtime, and even running if your dog is up to it. The amount of exercise will depend on the breed and age of your dog.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation can come in the form of puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games. Teaching your dog new tricks can also tire out their brain.

Step 3: Teach the “Leave It” Command

The “Leave It” command is an invaluable tool in your training arsenal. It helps prevent your dog from picking up undesirable items.

How to Teach ‘Leave It’

1. Command: Start with your dog on a leash. Hold a treat in your closed fist and let your dog sniff it without letting them have it. Say “Leave it.”
2. Reward: When your dog stops trying to get the treat and moves back or looks away, reward them with a different treat and praise.
3. Practice: Practice this a few times and slowly introduce more distractions.

Step 4: Use a Deterrent Spray

Sometimes, even with supervision and training, your dog might still chew on inappropriate items. In such cases, deterrent sprays can be effective. These sprays taste unpleasant to dogs but are harmless.

Make sure to choose a product that’s safe for pets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Redirect to Appropriate Chew Toys

Whenever you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Praise them lavishly when they start chewing the right item.

Step 6: Use Time-Outs for Persistent Behavior

If your dog continues to chew inappropriate items despite following the above steps, consider using a time-out. Place your dog in a designated time-out area for a few minutes whenever they chew something they shouldn’t.

Important: Never use your dog’s crate for time-outs. Their crate should be a safe and comfortable space for them.

Step 7: Consistency is Key

Consistency is critical in training your dog. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and follows the same guidelines to prevent confusion for your dog.

Dealing with Specific Chewing Issues

Chewing on Furniture

Furniture is a common target for dogs, especially wood furniture. Here are some additional tips specifically for furniture chewing:

1. Block Access: If possible, block access to the furniture using baby gates or barriers.
2. Use Furniture Guards: There are products designed to protect furniture from pet chewing.
3. Apply Deterrent: Use a pet-safe deterrent spray on furniture legs and edges.

Chewing Shoes and Clothing

Shoes and clothing can carry your scent, making them attractive to dogs. Here’s how to combat this:

1. Storage: Always store shoes and clothing in closets or bins with lids.
2. Alternatives: Offer items like old cloth or rope toys infused with your scent as alternatives.
3. Training: Teach the “Leave it” command and consistently redirect your dog when they go for shoes or clothing.

Chewing Electrical Cords

Chewing on electrical cords is not only annoying but extremely dangerous. Here are some steps to prevent this:

1. Hide or Secure Cords: Use cord organizers or covers to hide or secure cords.
2. Spray Deterrent: Apply a pet-safe deterrent spray on cords.
3. Provide Alternatives: Offer plenty of safe chew toys to satisfy their chewing urge.

Dealing with Chewing Due to Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can lead to destructive chewing when your dog is left alone. Here’s how to tackle this issue:

1. Gradual Desensitization: Slowly get your dog used to being alone. Start with short periods and gradually increase the duration.
2. Comfort Items: Leave items with your scent, like an old t-shirt, to comfort your dog.
3. Professional Help: In severe cases, seek help from a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian.

Special Considerations for Puppies

Training a puppy requires some special considerations due to their developmental stage and energy levels. Here’s how to tackle puppy-specific issues:

Extra Chew Toys

Puppies go through teething stages and will need extra chew toys to help soothe their gums. Make sure you have a variety of textured toys.

Frequent Training Sessions

Puppies have short attention spans. Keep training sessions short but frequent to make sure they don’t get bored or distracted.

Puppy Classes

Consider enrolling your puppy in a training class. This will not only help with chewing but also socialization and basic obedience.

Final Thoughts

Training your dog to stop chewing everything requires patience, consistency, and understanding. By combining supervision, appropriate chew toys, training, and sometimes even professional help, you can teach your dog to behave appropriately. Remember, chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, so it’s all about teaching them what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Stay positive, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Happy training!