How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Things

How would it feel to have a dog that doesn't chew on anything? Sorry, your dog has a natural urge to chew. A dog's mouth is used in place of hands. They use their mouths to pick up and...

How would it feel to have a dog that doesn't chew on anything? Sorry, your dog has a natural urge to chew. A dog's mouth is used in place of hands. They use their mouths to pick up and examine objects, or to move things from one place to another. Training your dog to chew on his stuff and not to chew on your things is not as difficult as you think. Your dog will be easier to train than you expect, because he likes to please you. Let me share some easy steps to help you.

When Leaving Your Dog Home Alone.

Keeping your dog in a confined space, such as a bathroom, a closed off room, or outside may be necessary until your dog is trustworthy. Of course you want to make sure that you pick up and put away all personal stuff that your dog is not allowed to chew on. Especially anything with your scent on it. Don't give your dog an old shoe or flip-flop to chew on, this will only confuse him about what is his and what is yours. Don't forget about items that he can reach by standing up or jumping on top of something else to reach.

Supply Your Dog With Chew Toys.

It is important to provide many different toys for your dog, and it also helps to rotate them out now and again. You can usually get large knuckle bones or thighbones from your butcher. To sterilize the bones boil them for half an hour. You can soak raw hides in several flavors of soup and let them dry. Another terrific idea are toys like Kong that have treats inside.

Teething Takes a Long Time.

Dogs have a very long teething process, starting around a few weeks old, up to almost 2 years old. This is the most active time, but hang in there it will get better. If your dog spends a lot of time alone, chances are he will be an active chewer most of his life.

Dog Training For Success.

It is up to you to train your dog appropriate, and inappropriate chewing. If you come home and discover your dog has destroyed something of yours, reprimanding him will not help with the training. For example you come home and find an object of yours that he destroyed, even though he's looking at you as if he's guilty he's really only reacting to you and your anger. Only use training when you catch him in the act. Now is the time to use your training commands, followed by giving him one of his chew toys. Praise your dog as soon as he takes the chew toy from you.

We have talked about dogs being home alone, chew toys, teething, and training. Take the time to train your dog, and you and your dog will both be happier. Thank you for reading my article, John

Article Tags: Chew Toys