Alternative to Bitter Apple for Dogs

Other repellants

• There are other similar products to try. Bitter Yuck!, for example, is an alcohol-free spray that is safe to use on any washable fabric. Nature's Miracle Best Behavior Pet Training Aid, an all-natural bitter-tasting agent, is another spray designed to repel dogs. Household items that might do the trick include hot sauce (such as Tabasco), white vinegar and citronella. Mix a small amount of whichever ingredient you choose with water in a spray bottle and apply to the problem area. The key with home remedies is to find safe, nontoxic odors and tastes that your dog won't like. Products with alcohol are not recommended. Alcohol is harmful to dogs.

Find the cause of the chewing

• Sprays and unpleasant odors or tastes may help stop specific chewing, but it's best to get to the root of the problem. Is your dog a puppy? If so, teething might be the issue. Try freezing a wet washcloth. The coolness of the cloth will soothe and pacify the puppy. Be careful that no little pieces of washcloth break off for puppy to swallow.

  If a sore spot on the skin is the reason for the chewing, try an oatmeal-based shampoo to relieve the itching, just as you might for a child with poison ivy or chicken pox. If the hot spot is soothed, the dog won't have reason to chew it.

  If stress seems to be the culprit, try exercise. A tired, happy dog will be much less likely to chew.

  If you prefer to stop the behavior through training, one popular method involves noise. Get an empty soda can and put some pennies or pebbles in it and cover with tape. When the bad behavior starts, shake the can once. The dog will be startled and stop the behavior. Repeat as necessary, but don't overdo the shaking.

  The Humane Society recommends positive reinforcement. Offer a treat each time the dog gives up the chew item. No matter what method you try, be patient and consistent.

What would Cesar Millan do?

• Cesar Millan, well-known as the National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer," advocates correcting bad behavior in a dog by first establishing yourself as the leader of the pack. You must be calm and in charge, he says. Don't make the bad behavior into a big deal. Start by telling the dog to stop chewing. Don't grab the item away from the dog, but use a "light touch," if necessary, says Millan, to move the dog's attention away from the chewing. Take the offending object. Redirect the behavior with a treat or safe toy.