Chewing is a normal behavior that is great fun for dogs. But that doesn't mean we're always happy about it.
Most dogs love to chew, and the younger they are the more likely it is that they want or need to chew on something. From your dog’s standpoint, chewing can be great fun: he gets to work his jaws and mouth, it provides a natural energy outlet and sometimes feels soothing. You might feel a bit different, of course, depending on what your dog is chewing! Using your furniture, shoes or rugs as chew toys presents a problem, but there are steps you can take to modify this behavior.
Why do dogs chew things?
Dogs chew for many reasons. It feels good to gnaw on things and is an important part of play. Chewing helps relieve anxiety and stress as well as the pain of teething in puppies. Dogs may also enjoy the taste and sensation that chewing on something provides.
Sometimes chewing can be a sign of a more serious, underlying issue. Chewing all day long, or destructively chewing items when alone may be an indicator of separation issues. Chewing can be a potent stress reliever and releases pleasurable endorphins into the body, while destructive chewing, such as on doors or window frames can be a sign that a dog needs help coping with an overwhelming situation.
If you’re struggling to contain the beast and the chewing is overly damaging to your items or your dog’s health, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical distress, and hire a positive trainer to help.
How can I prevent my dog from chewing?
If your dog loves to chew, all is not lost! There are many things you can do to modify this behavior. Here are a few ideas:
- Provide appropriate chew toys for your dog to enjoy and chew on. Make sure they are durable, able to withstand heavy chewing and are available at all times.
- Dog and puppy-proof your home and put away dangerous, valuable or expensive items. Dogs, and especially young dogs, don’t always arrive knowing what is a toy and what is meaningful to you or dangerous for them to swallow.
- Create a dog-proof room or use baby gates to keep your dog in a safe, chew-resistant area when unsupervised. This area should be close to busier areas of the home so your dog does not feel isolated, and he should have several appropriate chew toys available.
- Provide your dog with the right amount of exercise and enrichment. When your dog expends his energy appropriately, he will have less need to indulge in destructive chewing. Find a sport you and your dog love to do to help release any pent up stress or tension he might be feeling.
- Make sure your dog gets enough rest and isn’t over exercised. It may seem counterintuitive, but overtired or overstimulated dogs can have trouble winding down to rest and will sometimes chew when they can’t figure out what to do. Teach your dog how to settle and adjust his exercise if needed.
- Mental stimulation is also crucial. Enrich your dog’s life by playing fun games and giving him puzzles and interactive toys to play with.
What if I see my puppy or dog chewing?
If your dog or puppy starts to chew on something he shouldn’t, use these steps and tips to redirect him:
- Get your dog or puppy’s attention and redirect him to an appropriate chew toy or item. Have appropriate chew items available all around the house so you can easily find something to redirect him to.
- If needed, put your dog in his safe area if you can’t supervise him.
- Teach your dog a 'leave it' cue, so you can ask him to turn away from something before he takes it in his mouth.
- Above all, be patient, as you might have to repeat these steps many times. Remember that your pup likely just doesn’t know any better and needs time to learn. Puppies have significant needs to mouth and chew items for months as they grow.
Need help?
If you’re struggling because chewing is overly damaging to your items or your dog’s health, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical distress, then hire a positive trainer to help.
