Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs, serving various purposes from exploration and teething relief in puppies to maintaining jaw strength and dental hygiene in adult dogs. It also acts as a vital outlet for boredom, anxiety, and frustration. However, when this instinct is directed towards inappropriate items, it can become a frustrating and destructive behavior for pet owners. This article delves into the common causes of destructive chewing and provides practical, humane strategies to manage and redirect this behavior, ensuring a harmonious relationship between you and your canine companion.
Ruling Out Underlying Issues
Before implementing management strategies, it’s crucial to identify if destructive chewing is a symptom of a more significant behavioral problem.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often exhibit chewing behaviors primarily when left alone. This is frequently accompanied by other distress signals such as excessive whining, barking, pacing, restlessness, and house-soiling. If you suspect separation anxiety, seeking professional guidance is recommended. learn more about separation anxiety.
Fabric Sucking
Some dogs develop a habit of licking, sucking, and chewing on fabrics. This behavior is sometimes linked to being weaned too early. If the fabric sucking is persistent and difficult to interrupt, it may indicate a compulsive behavior. In such cases, consulting with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB), or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with specialized experience is advised.
Hunger
A dog on a calorie-restricted diet may resort to chewing objects to find additional sources of nutrition. This type of chewing is often directed towards items that smell or are related to food.
Strategies for Managing Destructive Chewing
Understanding the root cause of chewing is key to implementing effective solutions.
Puppy Teething
Puppies naturally explore their environment through chewing, and this is often exacerbated by the discomfort of incoming teeth. Similar to human infants, puppies experience a teething phase that typically subsides by six months of age. Offering puppies frozen toys, ice cubes, or chilled washcloths can provide relief. Gentle guidance is essential to teach puppies to restrict their chewing to appropriate items like their own toys.
Normal Chewing Behavior
Chewing is a fundamental activity for dogs, contributing to strong jaws and clean teeth. Whether for enjoyment, stimulation, or anxiety relief, dogs have a natural inclination to chew. While the behavior itself is normal, the target of their chewing may not always be appropriate. Providing a variety of suitable chew toys is important, but dogs also need to be taught, in a humane manner, what is acceptable to chew and what is not.
Helpful Tips for Managing Chewing:
- “Dog-Proof” Your Home: Secure valuables and keep tempting items like shoes, clothing, and books out of reach. Making it easy for your dog to succeed is paramount.
- Abundant Chew Toys: Offer a diverse selection of appropriate chew toys and inedible chew bones. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest. Use caution with natural bones, as some intense chewers can chip teeth or break off pieces. Always consult your veterinarian regarding safe chew options.
- Edible Chews: Provide safe edible chews like bully sticks or pig ears, but supervise your dog to prevent choking hazards, especially if they tend to swallow large pieces. Ensure your dog is relaxed and not competing with other dogs when consuming edible chews.
- Puzzle Toys: Utilize puzzle toys filled with treats or a portion of your dog’s daily food ration during times when chewing is most likely. This provides mental stimulation and a rewarding chewing experience.
- Deterrents: Apply chewing deterrent sprays to inappropriate items. Introduce the taste gradually to help your dog associate the unpleasant flavor with forbidden objects. Consistent reapplication is necessary, but remember that deterrents are only one part of the solution; teaching your dog what can be chewed is equally important.
- Supervision and Redirection: Supervise your dog closely and redirect inappropriate chewing by removing the item and offering an acceptable chew toy, followed by praise. If your dog exhibits possessiveness or aggression when items are removed, seek professional help. Finding Professional Behavior Help.
- Crate Training (Limited Duration): When direct supervision is not possible, a crate or small, dog-proofed room can prevent access to inappropriate items. Ensure the confinement area is safe and equipped with suitable chew toys. Adequate exercise and quality interaction are crucial when a dog is confined.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Insufficient physical and mental engagement can lead to boredom and destructive chewing. Daily walks, playtime, training sessions, and interactive toys are essential for a well-balanced dog.
- Consistency in Rules: Avoid confusing your dog by allowing chewing on certain household items (e.g., old shoes). Establish clear boundaries regarding what is acceptable to chew.
- Hygiene Items: Securely store dirty laundry and dispose of sanitary items in inaccessible containers to prevent dogs from chewing potentially dangerous items. Most puppies outgrow these behaviors as they mature.
Lack of Exercise or Mental Stimulation
Boredom is a significant driver of destructive chewing. Ensure your dog receives ample physical activity through walks, play, and training, as well as mental stimulation via puzzle toys and interactive games.
Stress and Frustration
Environmental stressors, such as being crated near an incompatible animal or being teased, can trigger chewing. Avoiding situations that cause your dog distress is key. Dogs that are prevented from engaging in exciting activities, like chasing a squirrel or participating in sports, may express frustration through chewing. Providing an appropriate toy for them to redirect this energy can be beneficial.
What NOT to Do
Certain disciplinary methods can be counterproductive and even harmful:
- Punishment After the Fact: Punishing your dog for chewing after the event has occurred is ineffective, as they cannot associate the punishment with the past behavior.
- Inhumane Restraints: Never use duct tape to close your dog’s mouth or tie damaged objects to them. These practices are cruel and do not teach your dog anything constructive.
- Excessive Crating or Muzzling: Extended periods of confinement or using a muzzle solely to prevent chewing are not recommended and can lead to further behavioral issues.
By understanding the reasons behind destructive chewing and employing consistent, positive reinforcement strategies, you can guide your dog towards appropriate chewing habits, fostering a happier and more peaceful home environment. For more advanced behavioral concerns, always consult with a qualified professional.
