Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs, serving various purposes from teething relief in puppies to maintaining oral hygiene and relieving boredom in adult dogs. However, when this instinct leads to destructive chewing of household items, it becomes a significant concern for dog owners. This article will explore the common causes of destructive chewing and provide practical strategies to manage and redirect this behavior.
Ruling Out Underlying Issues Causing Destructive Chewing
Before addressing chewing behavior, it’s crucial to rule out potential underlying issues that might be contributing to it.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often exhibit destructive chewing as a coping mechanism for stress and distress when left alone. Other signs include excessive vocalization, pacing, restlessness, and inappropriate elimination. For comprehensive information on managing separation anxiety, please refer to our dedicated article on Separation Anxiety.
Fabric Sucking
Some dogs engage in licking, sucking, and chewing on fabrics. This behavior is sometimes linked to early weaning. If fabric sucking is prolonged and difficult to interrupt, it may have developed into a compulsive disorder. In such cases, seeking professional guidance from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB), or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with specialized experience is recommended.
Hunger
A dog on a calorie-restricted diet may chew on objects in an attempt to find additional food sources. This type of chewing is often directed towards items that smell or look like food.
Strategies for Managing and Reducing Destructive Chewing
Effective management of destructive chewing involves understanding the dog’s needs and providing appropriate outlets for their natural behaviors.
Puppy Teething
Puppies chew to explore their environment and to alleviate the discomfort of incoming adult teeth. This phase, which typically lasts until around six months of age, can be soothed by offering frozen toys, ice cubes, or wet washcloths. Gentle guidance during this period is essential to teach puppies which items are acceptable to chew.
Normal Chewing Behavior
Chewing is a healthy and normal activity for dogs of all ages, helping to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. Providing a variety of appealing chew toys is crucial. However, simply offering toys is not enough; dogs need to be taught the difference between appropriate and inappropriate items to chew.
Helpful Tips for Managing Chewing:
- “Dog-proof” your home: Secure valuable items, store shoes in closets, and keep laundry in hampers to prevent access to inappropriate chew targets. This makes it easier for your dog to succeed in chewing only appropriate items.
- Provide ample chew toys: Offer a rotation of engaging chew toys and natural chews like bully sticks or pig ears. Exercise caution with natural bones, as some dogs may chip teeth or splinter them. Consult your veterinarian about safe chew options for your dog.
- Utilize edible chews: Edible chews can be very satisfying, but supervise your dog to prevent choking hazards. Ensure they have a relaxed environment to enjoy these treats without feeling the need to compete.
- Engage with puzzle toys: Offer puzzle toys filled with treats or food during times your dog is most likely to chew. This provides mental stimulation and an appropriate outlet for chewing.
- Use taste deterrents: Bitter-tasting sprays can discourage chewing on specific items. Apply them to objects you want your dog to avoid. Consistent reapplication is necessary for the first few weeks. Remember that deterrents are only one part of the solution; teaching your dog what they can chew is equally important.
- Supervise and redirect: Closely supervise your dog, especially during the initial stages. If you catch your dog chewing an inappropriate item, gently redirect them to an appropriate chew toy and offer praise. If your dog exhibits possessive aggression when items are removed, seek professional help.
- Utilize confinement when unsupervised: When direct supervision isn’t possible, use a crate or a designated safe area. Ensure the area is free of inappropriate chew items and provide plenty of engaging toys. Regular exercise and quality time outside of confinement are essential.
- Ensure sufficient exercise and mental stimulation: Boredom is a common trigger for destructive chewing. Regular physical activity, training sessions, and interactive play can significantly reduce the likelihood of chewing inappropriate items. Consider activities like best way to train a dog to stay to keep your dog mentally engaged.
- Avoid confusing your dog: Do not offer old shoes or household items as chew toys, as this can confuse your dog about what is acceptable.
- Address household item chewing: Chewing on dirty laundry or garbage can be dangerous. Secure such items in closed containers to prevent access. Many dogs outgrow these specific behaviors as they mature.
Lack of Exercise or Mental Stimulation
Dogs deprived of adequate physical and mental stimulation often seek ways to entertain themselves, with chewing being a common outlet. Engaging your dog in daily walks, playtime, training classes, or utilizing food puzzle toys can provide the necessary outlets for their energy and intellect.
Stress and Frustration
Stressful situations, such as confinement near an unfamiliar or disliked animal, or being teased, can lead to chewing. Avoiding such triggers is key to reducing stress-related chewing. For example, if your dog is frustrated by seeing other animals through a fence, providing them with a durable chew toy can help redirect their energy. Teaching your dog impulse control through methods like how to teach dog sit and stay can also be beneficial.
What NOT to Do:
- Do not punish after the fact: Dogs cannot connect punishment with actions that occurred minutes or hours earlier.
- Avoid inhumane methods: Do not use duct tape to close a dog’s mouth or tie a damaged object to your dog. These practices are cruel and ineffective.
- Limit crate time: Extended periods in a crate (over six hours) are not a humane solution for preventing chewing.
- Do not muzzle to prevent chewing: Muzzling is intended for safety during specific situations and is not a long-term solution for chewing behavior.
By understanding the root causes of destructive chewing and implementing consistent, positive training methods, owners can effectively manage and redirect their dog’s chewing behavior, leading to a more harmonious relationship. For further guidance on teaching specific commands that can aid in overall obedience, explore resources on how to make my dog sit and stay or how to make a dog sit and stay. Even young pups can learn basic commands, so consider exploring train your puppy to sit and stay.
