Dog Chewing Behavior

Chewing is a natural dog behavior that can become a problem if left uncontrolled. Dogs chew for many reasons and need to be taught what is appropriate and what is not. While chewing in puppies is often related to teething, chewing in adult dogs is a behavioral problem.

  1. Considerations

    • Determining the reason for the chewing behavior helps owners come up with solutions. An under-exercised dog might chew due to boredom. A dog suffering from separation anxiety might chew when left alone and respond to your return with a frantic greeting. Dogs might chew when they are afraid due to loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks.

    Misconceptions

    • A common misconception is that punishing a dog for chewing lets him know exactly what he did wrong. According to the Humane Society, unless the owner catches the dog in the act, the dog has no idea of the reason for the punishment. A dog that chewed a pair of shoes an hour or even five minutes ago looks "guilty" when it is scolded or punished; however, the looks that owners assume constitute guilt are actually submissive poses used by a dog that feels afraid or threatened.

    Deterrent

    • According to the Partnership for Animal Welfare, pet stores often sell products designed to deter dogs from chewing on inappropriate items. The Humane Society states that sprays such as bitter apple taste bad to many dogs and prevent them from chewing. Some dogs actually like the taste of the deterrent and will chew anyway, so owners should supervise dogs when they first try the chewing deterrent spray.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the Dumb Friends League, the best prevention lies in management. Picking up any items the dog should not chew prevents the chewing from occurring. Providing the dog with chew toys allows it an outlet for any frustration and boredom that won't result in the destruction of your house. Crating or confining the dog when it is unsupervised also prevents it from chewing inappropriate things when you are not home.

    Warning

    • When a dog is often yelled at or punished for undesirable behavior such as chewing but does not make the connection, it often begins to fear its owner. This can lead to a general fear of humans, as well as fear-based aggression. According to the Dumb Friends League, a dog that is fearful due to punishment might develop other anxiety-based behaviors such as inappropriate elimination, and the chewing problem may worsen.