How to Prevent a Dog From Chewing Through Power Cords

Dogs often chew on things to entertain themselves or relieve stress. It only becomes a problem when they start chewing on the wrong things, like power cords. This is a potentially dangerous situation because the dog could not only get hurt, but the damaged cords can also start a deadly house fire. Keep your dog and your house safe by finding alternative things for your dog to chew on and keep it away from the things it shouldn't be chewing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog a toy to chew. If your dog is distracted by a favorite toy, it will be too busy to chew on the power cords. Give it multiple toys to play with in case it grows bored with one and starts looking for something else to chew on. You can also fill some chew toys with treats that the dog has to slowly chew on to get at.

    • 2

      Apply a bad-tasting repellent to the power cords. This is a bitter-tasting spray that you can spray onto household items that will deter your dog from chewing on them. Once your dog realizes the cords taste bad, it will deter it from doing chewing on them again. These products need to be applied repeatedly in case they wear off.

    • 3

      Supervise your dog. Watch your dog closely to see if it starts chewing on the power cords and correct it immediately when it does. Your dog probably doesn't know that it isn't supposed to do it so it needs you to teach it. As soon as you see it starting chewing, say "No" or "bad dog" in a firm tone and it will soon figure out what it is doing wrong.

    • 4

      Give your dog plenty of exercise throughout the day. It will be too tired and sleepy to chew if it's been running around and playing all day. All of the extra energy it would be using to chew on power cords will be used up playing safely in the yard, so by the time it comes indoors it will be ready to rest.

    • 5

      Contain your dog. If it is only chewing on power cords when left alone, don't give it access to the cords. Put your dog in a cage or in a room that doesn't have cords to chew. This will keep it safe and will prevent your cords from being damaged.