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Stop Dogs from Chewing
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Ok
so you want to learn how to stop dogs from chewing...
We
have discussed numerous puppy and dog behavioral problems throughout
our website, whether it is due to your dog being abused, separation
anxiety or simply because he is more inclined towards specific behavior
patterns...
But there is nothing more destructive and more annoying than when your
dog or puppy decides to chew objects around the House whether it is a
pair of shoes, a newspaper, a table or your best shirt or blouse, you
need to to know the techniques cure this problem...
So
lets get started... |
Why Puppies and Dogs Chew...
- Dogs and puppies often
chew to explore their surroundings by chewing certain objects, this
often occurs during the age of 28-52 weeks. Check out our section on puppy
behavior for more advice.
- During the puppy
teething stage puppies often chew objects as it sooths their gums - it
also helps dislodge old teeth to make room for new baby teeth.
- Dogs and puppies often
chew as it releases endorphins - these chemicals relax and sooth dogs
and puppies. By chewing objects it relaxes your pooch - which
is often why a pooch suffering from puppy separation anxiety chews.
- Dogs and puppies chew
objects such as plaster and even stones as they have not been getting
the right amount of calcium in their diet. Get some free vet
advice if you are unsure about your dog's diet.
- Your dog or puppy may
have started chewing objects to get your attention - he knows when he
chews the remote control and your slippers that he has your undivided
attention when you chase after him.
- Your dog or puppy may
not be having enough stimulation - Springer Spaniels are very active
dogs and need regular exercise - if he isn't getting enough he may
start destructive chewing.
- Your dog or puppy may
be displaying anxious behavior at being left alone.
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Stop Dogs from Chewing
Below
we have provided some top tips on to stop dogs from chewing...
- Dogs and puppies don't
know the difference between what is expensive and what is cheap - so
don't let your dog have access to anything that maybe expensive.
- Give your dogs lots of
chews & toys that are not easily destroyed - they need to be
safe.
- As mentioned before,
make sure your dog or puppy gets lots of exercise.
- Train your dog to know
what is acceptable to chew and what isn't.
- A good way to
stimulate and exercise your puppy or dog is play lost of games
throughout the day.
- Remember that chews
are very different from toys, chews are designed to be chewed and toys
are designed to be picked up, thrown or squeezed.
How
to stop dogs from chewing using negative reinforcement...
- If you catch your dog
chewing, spray him on the back of the head with a water spray, this is
to startle him.
- Only squirt your pooch
if you catch him - it is a correction device - but your dog needs to
think that the squirt came form the object and not
you.
- Coat the objects that
he is cewhing i.e. the table leg etc with a foul tasting substance
(make sure that it is safe) tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper, we don't
use this method but wanted to give you the option.
How
to stop dogs chewing positive reinforcement...
- Reward your dog or
puppy when he chews the right thing i.e. a chew and not the table leg.
- If you catch your dog
chewing say 'No' in a sharp voice and then give him something to chew
on and then reward him.
- Give your dog or puppy
only 2-3 toys to play with - choose toys with different shapes and
textures.
- Play games with your
pooch with the toys and chews this will train your dog to associate
good feelings with these toys and chews - which will teach him to want
to chew these rather than anything else.
- Fill some toys with
there favorite dog food recipe, this gives your dog a reward for
chewing the right toy rather than your shoe - reward based dog training
methods are very effective.
Congratulations
any one of these dog
training techniques will stop
dogs from chewing with very little fuss and with you still remaining
best of friends. |
Go from
stop dogs from chewing back to dog behavioral problems
or back
dog obedience training home-page
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