How many times have you looked around the house and found that your dog was chewing on everything within his reach?
If you have a teething puppy, this is problematic, but a perfectly normal occurrence. Worse if you have an older dog who still likes to chew on things. Wondering how to get him to stop it? We have prepared some tips for you, check them out!
Start by moving anything that your pet likes to chew on, such as kids’ toys and shoes, to a safe place. To protect furniture during training, buy special corner protectors from the pet store.
Place favorite chew toys on the floor. This will help distract your dog from the other stuff. If you see that he wants to chew on something, give him his favorite toy. Remember to stay calm every time you catch your pet in the act. Don’t yell at him. Gently distract him by giving him a toy.
Continue teaching until your dog learns to chew on something he shouldn’t. Don’t get discouraged after the first failures, with time you will surely succeed
Take some time to study your dog’s behavior. Observe when he likes to chew on things the most. Does he destroy them when no one is home, does it in front of you, or maybe he tends to chew at night when no one can see? There are several reasons for this behavior.
Most often, a dog bites things because he is bored or wants attention. Some dogs also do it because they don’t have their toys. In that case, it’s a good idea to go to the store and buy some tasty chews made of rawhide. Remember to change them every few days. This way, you don’t have to worry about your dog getting bored with them.
Taking control of the situation is an important part of training your pet. If necessary, put him in a pen or dog crate before you leave the house. Place one of your dog’s favorite chewing objects on the floor that he should not move. Sit quietly next to your pet. When he starts to approach this item, cover it with your hands and give the command “Leave it!” Say it in a firm tone so your dog doesn’t think you’re teasing him. If he backs away, praise him and give him a treat.
Then place the object on the floor and walk away from it. If your dog comes toward it, repeat the command “Leave it.” If he obeys you, give him a reward.With a little time and effort, your dog will quickly understand that the only thing he should be chewing on is his chews.
Be attentive! Just like with your child, always keep an eye on your dog. By doing so, you protect him from his own curiosity and desire to put everything in his mouth.
If possible, do not allow your pet to enter areas where he likes to chew on things. To achieve this, use special gates, pieces of plywood, or even a rope when you are with him. Remember to provide your dog with plenty of chews at the same time. You can even spray them with special sprays to make them smell and taste better. If you want, spread a little peanut butter on the toys.
On the other hand, use a special spray to give furniture, rugs, and shoes a smell and taste that your dog doesn’t like. This will keep him from continuing to chew. If you catch your dog in the act, don’t yell at him. Say in a firm tone, “Leave it.” If he lets go of the object, praise him and give him a treat
Puppies often bite things when they are alone and bored. They do not differentiate objects for safety. Therefore, there is a risk that an unattended puppy could injure himself or choke. The place where you keep him should be free of dangerous objects. Leave only chews in it, specially selected for the dog’s age.
If you leave your pet for a longer period of time, hold his favorite toy or nylon bone in your hands for a while. This will leave your scent on them, which should calm him down. Avoid an emotional goodbye, which can lead to separation anxiety in your dog. It manifests itself in whining, barking and other destructive behaviors. Give him a hug and calmly leave the house.
Photo by Jamie Street/Unsplash
