Dog Chewing Problems

The puppy or dog that seemed so cute at the shelter or pet store may seem a bit less appealing once it starts destroying everything in the house. There are several ways to stop dogs from chewing above and beyond the various chew toys on the market. Uncovering the cause of the chewing is the fastest way to curb the behavior.

  1. Causes

    • Before steps can be taken to stem dog chewing problems, the cause of the behavior must be determined. Like babies, puppies can experience discomfort as teeth develop, and, in that case, chewing is simply a form of teething. But, as a dog ages, chewing may be indicative of more serious problems, including improper nutrition, anxiety, boredom or another underlying behavior issue like separation anxiety.

    Dangers

    • Depending on the item being chewed, dogs are in danger of damaging their stomach and bowels as the item perforates the digestive tract on its way in or out. Even dog toys can be dangerous if they are not the proper size for the breed of dog in question and are swallowed. Other dangerous items include clothing items, sticks, gum, wood and bone fragments.

    Expert Insight

    • Punishing a dog after it has chewed an item is ineffective in curbing the destructive behavior and, in some cases, can incite the problem, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Dogs don't realize they are being scolded for something they might have done hours before, and what owners interpret as a look of guilt in their dog's eyes is just its reaction to being yelled at.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If the reason is boredom, more frequent walks and other forms of exercise will help keep the dog mentally stimulated. If the dog is drawn to a particular piece of furniture, Dog Obedience Training Review recommends coating the object with a non-toxic but foul-tasting substance, such as bitter apple, cayenne pepper or tabasco sauce. If all else fails, professional obedience training might be required.

    Benefits

    • Although dog chewing can be highly destructive, rectifying the behavior can bring dog and owner closer together and help form a bond based on mutual respect. More frequent walks mean more exercise for both parties, and engaging in mentally stimulating tricks and exercises can teach both parties patience. Lonely dogs simply need more attention and acting out by chewing can help change the behavior of inattentive owners.