_{Stop Dog Chewing - Conventional Dog Chewing Methods}

Dog chewing is a common problem many pet owners have to deal with, but at the same time, it is instinctive behavior. Therefore, dogs cannot understand it when people reprimand them in order to stop dog chewing. Puppies, for instance, chew incessantly because they need to relieve the pain that surfaces during the teething stage. Older dogs also chew on objects for any of the following reasons:

• Due to boredom
• Due to frustration and/or anxiety
• To keep the teeth clean and the jaws strong

Apart from the above common reasons for constant chewing, there are several behavioral problems that can lead to incessant dog chewing. In order to stop dog chewing effectively, you need to rule out all the problems that can trigger a destructive chewing habit, such as-

1. Hunger: A dog that is not well-fed will chew on objects in an attempt to find additional sources of adequate nutrition. More specifically, they will nip on things that are food-related or smell like food. As such, if you want to stop dog chewing, you must make sure that your canine is healthy and given the amount of food it needs to sustain itself.
2. Separation anxiety: In order to stop dog chewing, you must ensure that separation anxiety is nowhere in the picture. Dogs are social, pack animals, and excessive loneliness can make them resort to destructive chewing if they have not been well-trained during puppyhood to cope in the brief absence of their owners. Other common signs of separation anxiety include frequent howling, barking, whining, urinating and defecating, and restlessness.
3. Sucking on fabric: Dogs that suck on fabric are most likely the ones that have been weaned too early on in their lives, probably between the ages of 7-8 weeks. In such a scenario, it is advisable to consult a certified and experienced dog trainer or animal behaviorist who specializes in compulsive behavioral problems in order to stop dog chewing.

Handy pointers to stop dog chewing

1. Give your dog some edible chew toys that are natural and safe. Also make sure that you are around so that you can intervene and help your pet in case it chokes.
2. To stop dog chewing, especially in the puppyhood stage, ‘dogproof’ your home by putting away all valuable objects. Do not keep your shoes and laundry lying about; instead, you can leave chew toys and other teething-friendly objects to help your dog relieve itself of its discomfort.
3. Discourage frequent chewing by spraying the objects in your home with a chewing deterrent.
4. Another effective way to stop dog chewing is to undertake crate training for your pet if you work and are away from home during the day. Do not keep objects that are not chew-friendly in its confinement area, and make it a point to exercise your pooch and give it lots of quality time when it is not confined.

Jessie from Next Level Canine’s note:

I find this to be a very good article with a lot of good points I do not have any discrepancies until we get to the handy pointers to stop a dog from chewing.  I am a strong advocate of not having to dog proof things that is why I strongly recommend creating boundaries around your valuables.  I am also not a fan of putting chemical sprays on your furniture because in order for your dog to realize that it has been sprayed he has to bite it.  We try to avoid that step from even occurring by creating boundaries.  Check out the Talking Dogs DVD Training Series it will help you protect your home and items without having to move a thing.