Basic Training Archives - Page 13 of 13

They all do it, some more than others, chew on everything they can wrap their mouths around. So learning how to stop a dog from chewing everything is one of the many things you will need to learn, as a new dog owner. And it's important to remember that chewing is a completely normal behavior in puppies as they explore their surroundings with their mouth. However, this normal behavior can be an expensive and destructive habit! When it comes to older dogs, destructive chewing is often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or just plain fun! So whether it's a young puppy or an older dog, at some point you will need to learn how to stop a dog from chewing everything and redirect this behavior, not only to save your shoes and clothing but also your sanity! How To Stop A Dog From Chewing Everything, While Still Having Fun! But before we get in to it, I'd like to jump in here with a word of advice, based on experience, NEVER EVER give your puppy an old shoe to chew on. Can you think why this will not end well? It seemed like a good at the time. Give her something to chew on that would distract her from chewing on the furniture. Good idea right. Well, yes. Until that shoe was nothing more than shreds of its former self. What next. Oh look at the smorgasbord of shoes and boots below my walking leash at the front door. My owners love me after all. I'l leave it there! Credit: Photo by Josh Hild Dog Chew Toys like the one pictured above are available on amazon.comNo Stuffing Dog Toys* *As an Amazon.com Affiliate I may earn a small commission should you buy a product featured on this page. At no extra cost to you. How do I Get My Dog to Stop Chewing and Eating Everything In reality, most of the time, it is a quick and painless process to teach your dog to chew on their toys and not your furniture and clothing. Most of the time! Dog Proof Your Home To be honest, the most foolproof way to stop a dog from chewing your expensive items? Remove them from their reach! It may seem like an obvious action, however like toddlers, puppies often have an uncanny knack of getting into the items you least want them in. Redirect Your Dog! Understanding that chewing is a normal behavior helps when choosing how to address the issue. If your dog is busy chewing on something inappropriate redirect this urge to an appropriate item. Watch your dog for signs that they may be getting in a “chewy” mood and pre-empt the behavior by offering them a chew toy prior to them choosing an object themselves! Make The Most Of The Toys One of the best ways to stop your dog from chewing on an item they shouldn’t be is by supplying them with an exciting toy instead! Hardy Kong toys for puppies* filled with peanut butter not only give your pet something to gnaw on but offer a delicious distraction! Provide Your Pet With Plenty Of Stimulation For many puppies, chewing behavior may be due to boredom. Provide your pet with plenty of regular exercise and adventure for physical and mental stimulation. Exercise releases feel-good calming endorphins, resulting in a chilled-out pet! Get Creative Supply your pet with homemade alternatives to keep their minds and mouths busy! Soak a knotted old t-shirt soaked in water and pop it in the freezer. Grab this out on a hot day and your dog has the perfect summer chew toy and one that you won't mind getting shredded. Liver pupsicles, frozen water that contains liver treats keep your pet cool and occupied as they lick away trying to get every last treat! Obstacle courses, sandpits hiding favorite toys… with a bit of creativity the options for fun (and distraction) for your pet are infinite. How to Stop my Dog From Chewing Stuff When I'm Gone Address Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in puppies and unaddressed can cause many issues such as destruction of property. This condition can also be detrimental to neighborly relationships, with complaints of howling and unsociable barking common. Gentle training getting your pet used to your absence should be used to slowly acclimatize your pet to being alone. Proper training during puppyhood that utilizes tools such as crates, provides your pet with security and a happy sense of home. If you suspect that separation anxiety is the issue, then you might find this article useful ==> How To Prevent Puppy Separation Anxiety Deter With Unpleasant Tastes…. Apply bad-tasting deterrents such as bitter apple spray to furniture or surfaces that your dog just won't stop chewing! Your dog will quickly learn that the action leads pretty quickly to a not-so-pleasant taste! Now that you know how to stop a dog from chewing everything, you can sit back and enjoy each other's company... KIPRITII Dog Chew Toys for Puppy - 18 Pack Puppies Teething Chew Toys for Boredom* *As an Amazon.com Affiliate I may earn a small commission should you buy a product featured on this page. At no extra cost to you. Related articles: How to Stop a Puppy From Biting and Mouthing Credit: Photo by Sophie Elvis Depending on the breed of dog teething can start at around 8 weeks and last up to about 8 months or beyond. Once teething starts they will instinctively seek out things to chew on. And if you and/or your children are handling them then you need to be aware of how to react. Continue reading: How to Stop a Puppy From Biting and Mouthing How to Keep Your Dog Off the Furniture – Bed, Couch, or YOUR Chair If you are losing the battle to keep your dog off your lounge furniture, ‘YOUR’ chair, bed, or other furniture, you are not alone! Many if not all dog owners face this issue at some stage, with some just giving in (not caring) and letting their dog take ownership of whatever piece of furniture they want. Continue reading: How to Keep Your Dog Off the Furniture