Do you have a problem with a chewing dog? Out of all the dog related issues, this very well could be one of the most frustrating. Who wants to wake up and find their favorite slippers destroyed or ask your dog to fetch the paper and he brings it back in shreds? Many people may believe that dog chewing is a problem associated with just puppies but it’s actually a frequent problem that affects dogs of all ages.
Nevertheless, if your dog has a chewing problem, there are things that you can do about it and you can start now. Your first step should be to try to determine why your dog is chewing. There are actually some very practical reasons why some dogs chew. If you can determine the cause, you are one step closer to the resolution.
It’s also important to understand the reasons behind dog chewing. You need to know where your dog is coming from. Chewing isn’t a behavior that always comes out of anger. Your dog may not be chewing up your furniture because she wants to get back at you for something. Actually, this is usually the furthest thing from the real reason behind the chewing.
Some reasons for chewing are:
· Dental problems
· Boredom
· Loneliness
· Hunger
· Curiosity
When dental problems are the culprit, dogs will chew on anything just to relieve some of their pain and discomfort. A common sign of dental problems is when your dog refuses food even when she is hungry. Other signs to look for include plaque, tartar buildup and chewing on one side of the mouth.
Your dog should be examined by the veterinarian to rule out any dental problems and also to stop dogs from chewing the wrong things. It is sometimes encouraged that you give puppies safe and proper chew toys to help encourage healthy chewing and discourage biting and chewing of other things within the house.
Many times, the destructive behavior of chewing is simply the result of being lonely or bored. If your dog is trying to get your attention or needs something to do, she may decide to chew on objects in the home such as furniture and rugs. This can be prevented by making sure you spend enough time and attention with your dog.
If you have to be away from home for a long period of time or if you dog gets bored while you are at work all day, you might consider a dog sitter or taking your dog to a doggie daycare center. Hunger is another cause of chewing that can easily be fixed by making sure your dog is always properly fed safe and nutritious foods.
Every type of dog can be affected when it comes to curiosity. Chewing is associated with a healthy mind but there are ways to help discourage chewing on things just out of curiosity. Try to chew proof everything in your home that you can. Leave your dog in a designated area such as a gated room that is safe for your dog if she’s going to be unsupervised.
You can also reinforce these things by giving your dog safe chew toys, playing with these chew toys with her and encouraging her to use them. When she does this, offer her praise but correct her right away when she begins to chew on something that’s not appropriate.
Now that you know more about how to stop dog chewing, you can take control of this problem once and for all.
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