Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs, serving multiple purposes throughout their lives. For puppies, it’s a way to alleviate the discomfort of teething as their adult teeth emerge, a phase that typically concludes around six months of age. For adult dogs, chewing helps maintain strong jaws, keeps teeth clean, and provides a vital outlet for boredom and stress relief. However, when this natural instinct is directed towards inappropriate items, it can lead to destructive chewing, a common concern for dog owners. This guide aims to help you understand the root causes of destructive chewing and implement effective management strategies.
Ruling Out Underlying Problems
Before addressing chewing behavior, it’s crucial to rule out specific conditions that might be contributing to it.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often exhibit destructive chewing primarily when left alone. This behavior is usually accompanied by other signs of distress, such as excessive barking, whining, pacing, restlessness, and inappropriate elimination. If you suspect separation anxiety, seeking professional guidance is recommended. You can find more information on recognizing and treating separation anxiety in our dedicated article on Separation Anxiety.
Fabric Sucking
Some dogs engage in licking, sucking, and chewing on fabrics. This behavior may stem from being weaned too early, before seven or eight weeks of age. If fabric sucking becomes a prolonged and compulsive activity that is difficult to redirect, it might indicate a compulsive disorder. 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. For resources on finding professional help, please refer to our article on Finding Professional Behavior Help.
Hunger
When a dog is on a restricted diet, they may chew on objects in search of additional nutrition. This type of chewing often targets items that are food-related or carry food odors.
Managing and Reducing Destructive Chewing
Chewing is a normal behavior, but it needs to be directed appropriately.
Puppy Teething
Puppies chew to explore their environment and to relieve teething pain. Providing puppies with safe chewing options like ice cubes, frozen toys, or damp, frozen washcloths can offer some comfort. Gentle guidance is key to teaching puppies what is acceptable to chew.
Normal Chewing Behavior
Chewing is a fundamental behavior for dogs of all ages, aiding in keeping their jaws strong and teeth clean. Providing a variety of appropriate and engaging chew toys is essential. However, simply having toys is insufficient; dogs need to be taught, in a humane manner, what items are permissible to chew and which are not.
Useful Tips
- “Dog-Proof” Your Home: Secure valuables, shoes, clothing, and books in closets or on shelves. Make it easy for your dog to succeed by removing temptations.
- Provide Ample Chew Toys: Offer a diverse selection of appropriate chew toys and edible chews like bully sticks, pig ears, or rawhide bones. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest. Exercise caution with natural bones, as they can splinter, and be mindful of dogs who may chip their teeth. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about safe chew options.
- Supervise Edible Chews: When offering edible chews, supervise your dog to prevent choking, especially if they tend to swallow large pieces. Separate dogs during treat time to allow them to relax and chew without competition.
- Utilize Puzzle Toys: During times when your dog is most likely to chew, offer a puzzle toy filled with a tasty reward, potentially incorporating part of their daily food ration.
- Use Chewing Deterrents: Apply deterrent sprays to inappropriate items. Introduce the deterrent by letting your dog taste a small amount, which may create an aversion. Reapply daily for several weeks, but remember this is a supplemental tool, not a sole solution.
- Active Supervision: Whenever possible, supervise your dog. If you catch them chewing something inappropriate, gently redirect them to an acceptable chew toy and offer praise. If your dog exhibits aggression when items are removed, seek professional help. Our article on Finding Professional Behavior Help provides guidance on finding qualified professionals.
- Safe Confinement: When supervision isn’t possible, use a crate or a small, dog-proofed room. Provide appropriate chew toys and ensure the space is free of hazards. Remember to compensate with ample exercise and quality time when the dog is out of confinement.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog receives sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation through walks, play, training, and puzzle toys. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing out of boredom.
- Consistency is Key: Avoid confusing your dog by offering old shoes or household items as chew toys. Establish clear boundaries regarding what is and isn’t acceptable.
- Address Specific Habits: For issues like chewing dirty underwear or raiding the garbage, secure these items in closed hampers or inaccessible containers. Many young dogs outgrow these behaviors as they mature.
Lack of Exercise or Mental Stimulation
Inadequate physical activity and mental engagement can lead to boredom, prompting dogs to seek entertainment through chewing. Regular walks, playtime with other dogs, interactive games like fetch and tug-of-war, training sessions, and the use of food puzzle toys are excellent ways to provide necessary stimulation.
Stress and Frustration
Chewing can also be a response to stress or frustration. Situations such as being crated near an incompatible animal, being teased, or feeling confined can trigger this behavior. Avoiding or managing these stressful situations is crucial. Dogs who are prevented from engaging in exciting activities may chew on objects out of frustration. Providing an appropriate toy for them to shake and tear can help manage these moments. For dogs behind fences or gates, a sturdy rope toy can offer a positive outlet. In training classes, having a tug toy readily available can redirect frustration. For shelter dogs, providing chew toys in their kennels and teaching them to solicit attention appropriately can be beneficial.
What NOT to Do
Certain methods are counterproductive and potentially harmful when addressing destructive chewing:
- Punishment After the Fact: Punishing your dog for damage done hours or even minutes earlier is ineffective as they cannot connect the punishment to the past behavior.
- Inhumane Restraints: Avoid methods like duct taping a dog’s mouth shut or tying a damaged object to them. These are cruel, teach nothing, and can be dangerous.
- Excessive Crating: Do not leave your dog in a crate for extended periods (over six hours) solely to prevent chewing.
- Muzzling for Chewing Prevention: Muzzling is not an appropriate solution for managing destructive chewing.
By understanding the reasons behind chewing and implementing consistent, positive training methods, you can effectively manage and reduce destructive chewing behaviors in your dog. Remember that patience and consistency are vital for success.
