Expert Advice to Stop Dog Chewing Once & for All – Effective Tips in 5 Articles!

Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Kunthida

Even though chewing is natural and healthy, that does not mean that the dog should be given carte blanche and allowed to chew everything in sight.

Stop Dog Chewing – How To Train Your Dog Not To Chew

It is vital for every dog to learn the difference between the things it is OK to chew on, like toys and ropes, and the things that are off-limits, such as carpets, shoes and other items.

Chewing is something that comes naturally to every dog.

Every dog feels the instinctual need to sharpen its teeth and hone its biting skills.

Chewing on the right things, like specially designed chew toys, for instance, can even help the dog clean his teeth and remove plaque.

When working with a new puppy, it is advisable to keep the puppy in a small, puppy-proofed room for at least a few weeks.

This is important not only to prevent chewing but to properly house train the puppy as well.

Older dogs should also be confined to a small area at first. Doing this allows the dog to slowly acquaint him or herself to the smells and sights of the new household.

When you set up this small, confined area, be sure to provide the puppy or dog with a few good quality chew toys to keep him entertained while you are not able to supervise him. Of course, the dog should also be provided with a warm place to sleep and plenty of fresh clean water.

As the dog is slowly moved to larger and larger portions of the home, there may be more opportunities to chew inappropriate items.

As the dog is given freer access to the home, it is important to keep any items that the dog or puppy should not chew, things like throw rugs, shoes, etc. up off of the floor.

If you forget to move something and come home to find that the dog has chewed it, resist the urge to punish or yell at the dog. Instead, distract the dog with one of its favorite toys and remove the inappropriate item from its mouth.

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The dog should then be provided with one of its favorite toys. Praise the dog extensively when it picks up and begins to chew its toy.

This will help to teach the dog that it gets rewarded when it chews certain items, but not when it chews other items.

Teaching the dog what is appropriate to chew is very important, not only for the safety of your expensive furniture and rugs but for the safety of the dog as well. Many dogs have chewed through dangerous items like extension cords and the like.

This of course can injure the dog severely or even spark a fire.

Most dogs learn what to chew and what not to chew fairly quickly, but others are obviously going to be faster learners than others. Some dogs chew because they are bored, so providing the dog with lots of toys and solo activities is very important.

It is also a good idea to schedule several play times every day, with one taking place right before you leave every day. If the dog is thoroughly tired after his or her play session, chances are he or she will sleep the day away.

Other dogs chew to exhibit separation anxiety. Many dogs become very nervous when their owners leave, and some dogs become concerned each time that the owner may never come back.

This stress can cause the dog to exhibit all manners of destructive behavior, including chewing soiling the house. If separation anxiety is the root of the problem, the reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog assured that you will return.

This is best done by scheduling several trips in and out of the home every day, and staggering the times of those trips in and out. At first, the trips can be only a few minutes, with the length slowly being extended as the dog’s separation anxiety issues improve.

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Tips On Eliminating Your Puppy Bad Habits Of Whining, Excessive Barking, And Chewing

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases, the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the dog.

Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.

Anyone who owns a dog or puppy will eventually run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to properly communicate just what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases, the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the dog.

Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.

Whining, howling, and excessive barking

Let’s start with one of the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies.

While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematic.

This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips for dealing with excessive whining, barking, and howling include:

• If your puppy or dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most puppies and dogs will whine when they need to do their business.

• It is important to teach a dog or a puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.

• Always strive to make the puppy or dog as comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.
• If the dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?

• Do not reward the puppy or dog for whining. If the dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the dog every time it whines.

• After you have ensured that the dog’s physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the dog for inappropriate behavior.

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Problem Chewing

Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing puppy from growing into a chewing dog.

Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not.

Give Him Chewing Toys

Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.

The puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and the puppy should be effusively praised every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.

Another great strategy is to encourage the puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you.

Every time the puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.

Practice Good Housekeeping

It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the puppy has access free and clean is important.

Keeping items out of reach of the puppy will go a long way toward discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the puppy’s area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that the area has been properly puppy-proofed.

If the puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the puppy and quickly replace the item with one of its toys. After the puppy has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.

Try booby trapping items the dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce, or other nasty but non-toxic items.

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Are Kuranda Dog Beds the Answer to the Chewing Dog Owner’s Prayers?

Did Chomper get the best of his bed again? Have you heard about Kuranda Dog Beds; they offer several solutions for dog owners of chew-happy doggies!

Got a precious doggie who loves to gnaw on his bed to the point of no recognition — and then look at you with these big eyes asking “where do I sleep now?” Kuranda USA offers a patented solution for your rambunctious pooch!

The Kuranda dog bed sports a patented design featuring a protective poly resin or aluminum sleeve which is also the frame that the fabric slides into.

This protective sleeve leaves no corner gaps or fabric exposed so there is nothing to chew…or so the dog owner thinks. There are times when a persistent chewer will work his way from the fabric, which is inaccessible, to the corners.

There they will meet up with reinforced PVC corners that can stand up to some of the most persistent chewers but in the rare instance, they don’t have a one-year’ chew proof’ guarantee that comes standard with each bed.

Kuranda guarantees the structural integrity of the frames and any or all parts will be replaced including corners and legs even the 40 oz. Vinyl and Cordura fabrics are guaranteed for one full year.

With three excellent choices in materials to choose from how does one decide? There are advantages to each fabric. First, the vinyl weave is likened to the fabric used in patio furniture; it is breathable and allows water to drip through it.

This feature alone allows it to stay cooler than the other two fabrics. However, there is always a catch, it is the least durable and is not recommended for jumping, chewing, or roughhousing dogs.

Cordura is a tough nylon canvas that is similar to the fabric used for horse blankets and backpacks. Cordura fabric is twice as durable as the vinyl weave however, it is not porous so water will puddle on this bed and it does not breathe.

Then we have the 40 oz. vinyl which is the most durable and highly recommended for the digger, scratcher, chewer in your life! This sturdy fabric is thick and smooth with a very easy-to-clean surface. It is like Cordura will not breathe and will puddle if rained on.

So has Chomper met his match? Kuranda dog beds are cot-style beds that lift your precious pet off the ground between six to nine inches depending on the size of the bed. Many people are perplexed about which frame to get aluminum or poly resin?

The answer to that question depends on the dog. The aluminum bed is the strongest and most durable especially for kennels, doggie day spas, or veterinarian offices. The around the home dogs will be more than pleased on either the poly-resin or the aluminum beds.

Kuranda also offers wooden framed dog beds which are nice looking and quite comfortable but are strongly not recommended for chewing dogs or for outdoor use.

Because Kuranda dog beds are cot style there is a space beneath the bed which helps keep his sleeping space sanitary. Oh, that reminds me I haven’t mentioned how to care for and maintain the Kuranda dog bed.

Convenience is the name of the came for care and maintenance simply hose it down, little soap and water for any persistent stains and the bed is back in action. Kennels and Veterinarian offices swear by the convenience and durability of this extremely functional, durable, and innovative pet bed.

Rest assured this dog bed provides a comfortable destination for your dozing dog and helps him ‘knock the habit’ of chewing well, if only on his bed anyway!

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Stop Dog Chewing – Upset Dog Owner

Dogs have some of the strongest jaw muscles found in any mammal. A rawhide bone can be untied by a Golden Retriever of average size in a matter of minutes. The rawhide bone can actually be torn apart in the same length of time. What a shame they may damage furniture the same way Too!

Based entirely on their behavioural traits, different dog breeds will exhibit various chewing behaviors and preferences.

Dog owners need to comprehend why their pets chew on whatever they see inside or outside of a house. They must pay close attention to items that are only used for chewing for this reason, among others. Yet sometimes training a dog to comprehend that can be very challenging.

Younger dogs and puppies are undoubtedly oblivious to what they are chewing. Dogs can be trained by their owners to avoid chewing on things they are supposed to stay away from, though.

Simple measures to prevent dog chewing

First and foremost, it’s crucial to emphasize that a little foresight can help avert a variety of issues.

Because of this, it is advisable to store things like shoes, laundry, and other items out of reach of dogs. It is a good idea to keep children’s toys apart from the dog’s toys to prevent mix-ups.

Also, a great deal of appealing toys that the dog can chew on can be kept in various places, both indoors and outside. Depending on the breed, some of these objects might include rawhide bones, plastic bones, and hard rubber. Giving a dog a real bone, such as a chicken bone, is not advised since it could shatter and cause internal injury.

Unique Toys to Prevent Dogs from Chewing Furniture

Thankfully, there are a ton of unique toys that can be utilized in their place. Many will even have treat-holding hollow interiors. The dog will frequently need to exert some effort to get the goodie that is the object of the game at the center.

This will keep the dog busy and give them a good mental and physical workout that motivates them to keep going for their prize.

If your dog tries to chew on anything inappropriate, try talking to it very firmly. But refrain from yelling at the dog or spanking it. It can be challenging to avoid yelling, but in order to maintain a positive owner-pet relationship, one must consider different ways to express dissatisfaction.

Use the Leash to Stop Dog Chewing

Take some time (daily if necessary) to put the dog on a leash and place an inappropriate object in front of it to assist it learn certain habits. If the dog approaches the object, aggressively jerk the leash in that direction and command it with a firm NO!

Keep in mind that the leash must always be jerked sideways rather than pulling the neck back. Despite the neck’s powerful muscles, the throat is often injured. The jerking motion is a form of reinforcement rather than punishment.

A dog could have a propensity to chew on exterior objects including fences, chairs, plants, and other things. By covering the surfaces that the dog likes to chew with homemade mixes like cayenne pepper, such behavior can be controlled. Bitter apples are another ingredient in several commercial products that deter dogs from chewing on anything.

To successfully educate a dog, one must be persistent, patient, and consistent. The goal is to stop a dog from adhering to its normal behavioral pattern rather than to reinforce a new learning pattern.

Another effective method for keeping your dog entertained is to draw his or her attention to another appropriate object. It’s important to stay vigilant, and remember to remain composed even if your dog decides to destroy your brand-new carpet. It can be taken away or replaced, but once lost, your bond with your pet cannot be restored.

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