How to Make Dogs Not Chew on Rugs

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, especially puppies, but the action can have disastrous results when dogs chew on inappropriate items like rugs. If the dog moves on to chewing dangerous or poisonous items, the consequences could even become deadly. To prevent property destruction and injury, take steps to stop chewing behavior and prevent future occurrences.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Dog crate
  • Chewing deterrent spray
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Instructions

  1. Identify the Cause

    • 1

      Identify the cause of the dog̵7;s chewing, if possible. Common causes include teething in young dogs, separation anxiety and boredom.

    • 2

      Give a teething dog appropriate chew toys and praise it for chewing on the toys.

    • 3

      Reduce a dog̵7;s separation anxiety by crating the dog while you̵7;re gone. When used appropriately, dogs view crates as safe and secure dens, not restriction or punishment. Give the dog toys to distract it while you are away. Research separation exercises and practice them with your dog.

    • 4

      Boredom in dogs can be corrected by giving the dog an appropriate amount of exercise, especially immediately preceding times when the dog will be left alone. Provide the dog with stimulating, breed-appropriate toys.

    Correct the Dog

    • 5

      When you catch the dog in the act of chewing, correct it verbally with a firm, ̶0;No!̶1; Use your deepest and most authoritative voice, which will resemble a bark ̵1; the natural correction within a dog pack.

    • 6

      Do not correct the dog unless you catch it in the act of chewing. If you correct the dog after the action is complete it will not be able to associate the chewed rug with its past behavior.

    • 7

      Give the dog an appropriate item to chew.

    Prevent Chewing Behavior

    • 8

      Provide the dog with many acceptable items on which to chew. Praise the dog when it chooses one of those items instead of the rug.

    • 9

      Coat the rug in a natural deterrent substance such as bitter apple spray. Dogs dislike the smell and taste of the deterrents and will avoid the rug and choose something else.

    • 10

      Remove the rug from the dog̵7;s reach when the dog will be unsupervised.