Dogs love to chew things.
Almost all dogs, especially puppies, love to chew. Canines are a predatory species, and the wild relatives and ancestors of the domestic dog spent much of their time gnawing on prey for sustenance. Household dogs receive nutrition from the food their owners give them, but the gnawing instinct is still deeply ingrained. Some dogs grow out of the chewing stage, while others continue to destroy shoes, furniture and just about everything else within reach.
Excessive Chewing
Chewing is a normal behavior for most young puppies. They are at a teething stage, and chewing relieves pain and helps new teeth surface. Also, dogs explore the world with their mouths. However, dogs must learn the difference between acceptable and unacceptable items to chew. Excessive chewing beyond the puppy stage could stem from pain, fear, boredom or other causes.
Medical Causes
If an adult dog suddenly develops a chewing compulsion, he may be trying to alleviate mouth pain. Examine the dog's mouth carefully, checking for things like broken teeth, gum swelling or discoloration, a foreign object stuck in the mouth, or injuries to the tongue, cheeks, lips or roof of the mouth. Have the dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you see anything out of the ordinary.
Other Causes
Non-medical causes of excessive chewing include boredom, separation anxiety and fear. A dog left alone for too long will find some way to entertain herself, usually by chewing anything within reach. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety also chew as a compulsive act. This can happen when a dog is introduced to a new home, is away from her owner for long periods, upon the death of another pet in the household or when she is removed from a familiar situation. Fear also causes excessive chewing. A dog may exhibit fear-based chewing during a stressful situation, such as a thunderstorm or a loud argument.
Behavior Training
Dogs learn by action-consequence associations. When you find your dog chewing on something other than his toys, resist the temptation to yell. To dogs, yelling is the equivalent of excited barking. Yelling or chasing makes the dog think you want what he has, and he perceives that you are competing for the "prize." Instead, quietly remove the object from the dog's reach and use a word such as "no" in a calm but firm voice. Reward your dog with praise or treats when he chews on acceptable objects.
Safe Alternatives
Provide your dog with plenty of acceptable items to chew. These items should be safe, sturdy toys specifically designed for dogs. Many dogs enjoy toys with squeakers or other noisemakers. Several dog toys on the market require problem-solving skills and can help keep your dog entertained while you are away. Fill these toys with treats and let your dog figure out remove them. Some dog toys can be torn or broken easily and present a choking hazard. These types of toys should only be used under supervision.
Schedule daily walks and play time with your dog. A tired dog is less likely to misbehave.
Tips
Dog-proof your house as much as possible. When you are not home, confine your dog to a specific area. Remove all undesirable chewable objects from the area and replace them with safe dog toys.
For furniture and other large objects, purchase a spray-on product that is non-toxic but tastes very bitter to dogs. Follow all label directions carefully.
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