Chewing- Stopping Your Doggie Renovator

Chewing Is Natural

So originally chewing developed as a way for dogs to keep those jaw in tip top shape to eat away at bones. Even though now a days most dogs are eating kibble, not bones, for their nutritional needs its still in their DNA. While some have it more then others chewing is still a big reason for dogs being surrendered to shelters.

No They Won’t Grow Out Of It

While when dogs are younger, they chew more yes its not like they hit a magical age and just stop. Some will start chewing less it is still important that dogs of all ages have access to things you are ok with them chewing, if you don’t your stuff becomes fair game. Remember the best behaved dogs have had the right choices set up to be the easiest to make. Follow these three steps to stop your dog demolishing days.

Pick up anything you can that your dog has chew in the past

Anything that your dog has had a history of chewing make sure they are out of reach of them in the beginning. Chewing is a self rewarding behavior, it can sooth them and its fun, this means we need to put them on a diet from those things. If you have a new puppy start by puppy proofing the go to things, shoes, clothing, electronics, and never leave your puppy unattended where they can get to ANYTHING. If you can’t move your dog’s favorite thing to chew don’t leave your dog around them. Instead use crates and playpens to create dog safe areas.

Have a variety of dog safe chews available and be excited when they destroy them

Since dog’s can’t verbally tell us what they like to chew when it is important that we have a lot of options for them. You should have 4 different types: soft, hard, edible, and puzzles. I also recommend having a rotation so they never get bored with them. As with kids and new toys make sure you are supervising your chewer with the new toys to make sure they are not ingesting things that they shouldn’t. Whenever you see them interacting with those items, praise them, love them, give them attention so they think those items magically make you put your phone down and notice them. Reinforcement drives behavior so if you make chewing toys super amazing why would they want to chew your stupid old shoe?

If they are chewing the wrong thing interrupt them properly

So safety is the first priority. If your dog has something they shouldn’t by all means get it away but if you have some time make sure you don’t accidently make it more rewarding to keep targeting that thing by giving them all your attention. Instead, grab something that you would like them to chew on and start throwing your own party with it: run away from them, squeak it, get excited about it. All this hubbub will make your dog drop what they have and come try to play with you. When they come play with them with that item, pet them, love them, for chewing on this thing.; they have already forgotten about chewing that other thing so no need to get angry now. After a 15 second go pick up that other item and put it out of reach.
If they are making more mistakes then good choices re evaluate how often you are leaving them around things they like to chew and if you have picked out toys they actually like to chew.

As always if you are struggling with this or any other behavior problems reach out! We would love to help you!