How to Stop Dogs From Chewing & Digging

Dogs can be like children sometimes. They can get bored, lonely or stressed out and then act out in undesirable ways. Before you know it, your prize rosebush is destroyed and your brand-new leather sofa is reduced to rawhide. Your pup is curious by nature and needs enough mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep him satisfied and less inclined to chew and dig. Here are several relatively simple steps to correct this destructive behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Toy box
  • Chewing repellent
  • Treats
  • Water
  • Splash pool
  • Digging repellent
  • Fence
  • Play sand
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Instructions

  1. Chewing

    • 1
      Give your dog something he can really chew on.

      Remove all tempting, chewable objects such as cushions, shoes and clothes from within your dog's reach. Replace them with chew toys. Keep the chew toys in a toy box. Your dog will soon get the idea that these are the items he is allowed to chew.

    • 2

      Use a non-toxic, bitter chewing repellent on valuables. Bitter Apple works well and will not ruin your furniture.

    • 3

      Enroll your dog in an obedience training school where he will be taught basic commands such as stay, come and stop. Use these commands at home when your dog displays destructive behavior. Practice with your dog on a regular basis.

    • 4

      Distract your dog with a treat. Once he drops the object he should not be chewing, remove it. Praise him for accepting the treat.

    • 5

      Leave the house in a low-key manner. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, this can cause him to chew.

    Digging

    • 6
      His compulsive digging can ruin your yard.

      Give your dog plenty of water and even a splash pool with just a few inches of water. This will keep him hydrated and cool. In warm weather, dogs often dig down to cooler, moist earth to alleviate the heat.

    • 7

      Spray a non-toxic digging repellent around the yard and flower beds. This can be purchased at a pet-supply store.

    • 8

      Fence a corner of the yard. Fill the section with play sand. Bury your dog's toys and treats in the sand. He will soon get used to digging in this area and eventually you can remove the fence.

    • 9

      Exercise your dog frequently. An hour-long power walk should make him too tired to dig. Consider hiring a dog walker to keep up this vigorous routine.

    • 10

      Make sure you do not have a rodent problem. This will often trigger your dog to dig.