Stop Dog From Chewing

How do you stop a dog from chewing? Under the right circumstances, chewing is a natural and healthy canine activity that can soothe sore teething gums, burn off excess energy, relieve tension and boredom, and help canines deal with anxiety. Unfortunately, dog chewing can be rather indiscriminent, and some of your own possessions may become targets. This is when it becomes necessary to stop your dog from chewing.

An acceptable chew toy.

Preventing Unwanted Dog Chewing

Put away all the things you don’t want your dog to chew. It’s like baby-proofing your house. Get on the floor down to your dog's eye level. Anything your dog can reach that you don't want chewed should be stored away. Don't forget to warn your guests as well. They may walk into the house and take off their shoes. Then your pup may carry them away as a new toy. Have a basket handy to place items you want out of reach. If your dog does manage to get something that’s a no-no, blame yourself for forgetting to put it away. Don't scold your dog who doesn't yet know any better. You need to teach him what is acceptable to chew on and what is not.

Nylabones

Acceptable Dog Chewing Items

Make sure your dog has several safe things to chew on like ice cubes, Nylabones, raw (not cooked) bones and stuffed Kongs. best.html Kongs come in different sizes and degrees of toughness and can be filled with pumpkin, bananas, peanut butter, cream cheese or other delicious foods. Freezing the food-filled kong makes it last even longer. chews/ Nylabones come in different sizes, styles, colors and textures for different chewing behaviors. Make sure to praise your dog when he’s chewing the good things.

Unacceptable Dog Chewing Items

Certain items that are not safe and should be kept from your dog include rope toys, toys with accessible squeakers and rawhide chips, all of which can cause choking hazards. Also, don’t give your dog old shoes or socks. It is hard to stop a dog from chewing when he doesn't know the difference between your old slippers given to him as a toy and the ones you got for Christmas.

Use Praise to Stop Dog From Chewing

The best way to stop a dog from chewing inappropriate items is to cut him off at the pass. Watch your dog carefully, and if he eyes something he's not supposed to have, say No! and give him one of his own chew toys. As you play and work with your canine companions, you will learn to read their body language and react before your dog gets hold of inappropriate items to chew. By using the one word command No consistently, your dog will always understand he must stop, no matter what unwanted behavior he is currently performing.

Bitter Apple Stops Dog From Chewing

Bitter Apple is a non-toxic and biodegradable spray that can be used topically on abrasions to stop your dog from chewing or licking. It can also be used on furniture, electric cords, and molding to deter your dog from chewing. It must be re-applied every couple of days though, because it wears off.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

It’s amazing what a difference proper exercise and mental stimulation can make in curbing chewing behavior. Take your dog for frequent walks and play ball. Get his heart rate up. The exercise provides a proper outlet for his energy and takes his mind off chewing for a while.

Keep your dog mentally stimulated with toys such as the Buster Cube. You can put his dinner or treats in it and let him bat the cube around to get the food out. You can find them at your local pet store or in catalogs.

Also perform short training sessions a couple of times per day. Dogs have short attention spans and the repetition is extremely important. Incorporate training into everyday life as much as possible. Use Sit/Stay to be petted, Down/Stay while getting dinner together and while you eat, and Come while playing ball. Use No to tell your dog not to grab a bad thing.

Think Like Your Dog

All in all, teaching canines the difference between good and bad chew items isn’t impossible. Your dog wants to please you, so you just need to teach them the rules in a way that makes sense to them. Be consistent, stick with one word commands that are more easily understood, and provide plenty of appropriate items for your dog to chew.

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