How to Get a Chihuahua Rat Terrier Mix to Stop Chewing Everything Up

Chewing is a natural dog behavior. Even smaller dogs, such as chihuahua rat terrier mix, can make quick work of treasured possessions. Dogs don't chew out of spite, they shred items with their teeth to quell boredom, alleviate pain, express anxiety or fear, or to get their owners' attention. Frustrated dog owners can take steps to eliminate these behaviors. There is no one surefire method to keep a chihuahua rat terrier mix from chewing everything up -- it's a lifestyle change that requires a combination of methods for success.

Things You'll Need

  • Frozen wash cloth
  • Chew toys
  • Edible toys
  • Puzzle toys
  • Treats
  • Chew deterrent spray
  • Cloth towel
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dog-proof your house. Remove all objects that could be harmful if chewed. Store tempting items, such as shoes, priceless family heirlooms and socks, in a drawer or closet inaccessible to the chihuahua rat terrier mix.

    • 2

      Provide a frozen wet wash cloth. If your chihuahua rat terrier mix is younger than 6 months of age, it may be teething. A frozen wet washcloth is a soothing outlet for teething-related chewing.

    • 3

      Supply the dog with inedible toys to chew. Examples include natural bones, synthetic bones, rubber toys and plush toys. Puzzle toys make your dog manipulate the treat to get a food reward. Learn your chihuahua rat terrier mix's preferences and supply toys that keep the dog chewing for an extended period of time.

    • 4

      Add variety with edible chew toys. Rawhide bones, pig's ears and bully sticks provide your chihuahua rat terrier mix with a tasty outlet for instinctual chewing behaviors.

    • 5

      Alternate new toys every few days. Dogs get bored with the same toys day after day, and boredom can lead to chewing behaviors. Rotate toys to get the most use out of them and to keep your dog from chewing everything up.

    • 6

      Be consistent. Don't allow your dog to chew on any household item that isn't a toy designated for doggy use. Sending mixed signals to your chihuahua rat terrier mix is counter-intuitive to stopping the destructive behaviors.

    • 7

      Spray coveted items with a chew deterrent spray. Deterrent sprays taste bitter and discourage chewing. Give your dog a sample of the spray on a cloth towel. Allow your chihuahua rat terrier mix to chew the towel, learning the scent and taste of the deterrent spray.

    • 8

      Don't allow your chihuahua rat terrier mix free reign of the house. When you catch your dog chewing on a forbidden item, correct it with a firm verbal cue, such as the word "no." Take the object away and replace it with a chew toy. Allow your dog small bits of unsupervised time as it learns what is -- and isn't -- an acceptable chew toy.

    • 9

      Confine your dog to a crate or kennel when you aren't home. Dogs are den animals in nature and seldom destroy areas that mimic the safety of a den, such as a crate or kennel.