How to Stop Your Dogs from Destructive Chewing

So your dog chews anything and everything regardless of whatever it is, right? Well, you are not alone and there are hundreds of dog owners who witness such behavior from their dogs.

Remember, it’s in the nature of dogs, and they use their mouth to explore physical things just like we humans use our hands. Moreover, chewing helps puppies develop their teeth. It’s totally normal if your dog chews his chew toys or other items you have dedicated to him, but chewing other things like cushions, furniture, shoes, or even tearing up papers is destructive behavior, and is usually known as destructive chewing. It is always recommended to protect your furniture from your dog to avoid any unnecessary expenses and maintain the aesthetic of your home.

A couple of days ago a Facebook user shared a photograph of her Ph.D. degree which was teared up by her dog, and she could do nothing about it. So, before you lose a highly valuable item to this habit of your fur baby, it is really very important to take care of this issue or engage your puppy in some other activities.

Related: The Ultimate Checklist for Dog-Proofing Your Home

Reasons for Dog’s Destructive Chewing

Destructive chewing is a behavioral problem that may develop for several reasons. Some of the major reasons behind this destructive behavior are mentioned below.

Boredom: Usually, when you leave your dog for a long time and he has nothing to do, he gets bored very easily. So, it chews anything it finds.

Lack of Exercise: Your pup is like a small powerhouse and it needs regular exercise to calm himself. Moreover, exercise helps dogs produce endorphins, the chemicals that increase calmness and euphoria.

Separation Anxiety: Separation Anxiety is another common disorder among dogs who become destructive when left alone. They either chew everything they find or they may dig, howl, bark excessively, and even try to escape. To stop your pup from being escaped, it is the best idea to install a hidden fence on your property.

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How to stop your dog from destructive chewing

There are several ways and tools to keep them from destructive chewing. Let’s explore them.

Exercise

Almost all dog breeds need to exercise regularly. The amount and duration of exercise depend on their size, age, breed, and overall health. It’s really important for them to burn their excessive energy otherwise they can easily be frustrated which also affects their health. Vets suggest that a dog needs 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily.

Dog-proof your home

Try to keep all the important things out of their reach like putting your clothes in the cupboard and shoes in the closet. Moreover, everything else such as glasses, your kids’ items, mobile phones, accessories, laptops, and most importantly eatables and medicine should also be kept out of their reach.

Also, make sure there are no toxic plants indoors or on your lawn. Toxic means, toxic to dogs. Check out the most common toxic plants.

Give them a chew toy

A chew toy is the best alternative to everything they chew. Whenever your fur baby tries to chew some inappropriate items, interrupt him gently and give him the chew toy. Also, notice what time of the day your dog is more likely to chew, so you can easily keep a check on him. Vet-Approved Dog Chew Toys Here.

Give them different items to chew

You can also give them a tree branch, a cow’s hoof, and homemade ropes made from old shirts and fabrics. Make sure you don’t give them a choking hazard or it may result in another disaster.

Use of Boundary Dog Repellents and Sprays

You can keep your dogs away from important items by spraying them with vinegar or commercial dog repellants. Dog repellants can easily be found in local pet stores or on Amazon.

See your vet or a behaviorist

If you feel that the condition is severe and is usually done when you are not home, it may be due to separation anxiety disorder. Try to see your vet or a dog behaviorist at the earliest to treat this disorder timely.

Dog Breeds that Develop Extreme Separation Anxiety

Well, there are some dog breeds that love their owners from the core of their hearts and they are very much prone to develop separation anxiety. Some of these dog breeds are Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Bichon Frise, and Groodle. But if you train them wisely from an early age and teach them to stay in a crate while you are not home, most of your problems could be solved easily.

Final words:

So, these were the primary reasons for your dog’s destructive chewing and some of the best solutions to treat it. If you still face problems with your dog’s behavior, consider getting the help of a vet or a dog behaviorist.

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