We explore tips to stop your dog from chewing everything in sight.
Destructive chewing doesn’t inherently mean your dog is a “bad dog.” In fact, it can actually be a sign of an underlying cause. To rule out any health problems, we recommend taking your dog to the vet to determine if there’s a medical reason they can’t stop chewing. Once you’ve ruled out a medical cause, this type of chewing may turn out to be a behavioral issue and we’ve got a few tips on how to handle it.
If your vet has observed and examined your dog and found no underlying medical issue to speak of that may cause excessive chewing, then you might be wondering, what now? Well, it could actually because by one of the following issues:
This one isn’t actually a problem, but a new dog owner might think so, and we’re here to assure you that it’s normal! Puppies—just like babies—tend to put things in their mouth to help quell the pain of losing and growing new teeth. The chewing distracts from the pain and in this stage of life (which is usually up to about 6 months) puppies might put just about anything in their little mouths, but fear not. You can help them relieve their pain without losing a new pair of shoes.
For example, you could give your puppy ice cubes. The crunch and coolness can help distract and soothe, as would a frozen wet washcloth or toys made specifically for chewing.
Think about it: have you ever needed a piece of gum to tide you over when you’re hungry? It makes sense then that a dog that’s hungry might need to chew on something, too. Dogs that are on calorie-restricted diets may chew up whatever’s in sight in a bid to get rid of the discomfort in their bellies or try to find some other source of nutrition.
There are many signs and symptoms of separation anxiety, including chewing. This usually happens when your dog is left alone and it’s really a way of them saying they miss you and don’t know how to handle those feelings. Luckily for us, there are ways to help your dog overcome their separation anxiety.
Toddlers might suck on their thumbs, and dogs may suckle on fabric. Both are a means of creating self-comfort, and for dogs, it can actually mean they were weaned from their mothers too early. While you can’t rewind the clock and give them more time with their moms, you can help your dog redirect their suckling to an appropriate toy.
Dogs that aren’t mentally and physically stimulated will often find their own entertainment and sometimes that can come in the form of your kitchen table. Try redirecting their attention to puzzle games and other forms of mental stimulation and ensure they get regular exercise.
Destructive chewing doesn’t have to go on forever and neither do the inevitable shifts you might have to make to your lifestyle to accommodate it. Think of some of these tips as being a temporary change for a lasting result.
Think of this tip like you would for a child. It isn’t that you have to inherently change your house and remove all potential chewing victims, but it does mean being smart. For example, if you know your dog has a penchant for chewing shoes, put them in the closet until you’re confident they won’t chew them anymore. Same goes for keeping dirty laundry in the hamper and other loose objects tidied up. Not only is this beneficial for supporting your dog on their journey to chew less, but it's a win-win since your house will be in tip top shape.
As with dog proofing, this is a tip that is helpful for the beginning stages of training excess chewing out of your dog’s daily behaviors. If you’re able to, it's great to watch your dog to prevent them and redirect them to something more appropriate to chew. This constant feedback loop of seeing behavior and correcting—that is, telling your dog “no” firmly and redirecting—it will help recondition your dog.
But, we know not everyone is home all day. In that case, keep your dog in a more confined area like a single floor or room in the house. Only keep appropriate chew items like bones or toys in that space.
Sometimes, dogs might chew on things they shouldn’t because they don’t know what else to chew on. Be sure that you have plenty of approved items they can chew. We also recommend avoiding giving your pet old household items to chew. After all, how are they supposed to know the difference between an old shoe you're okay with them chewing versus a new pair of sneakers?
Dogs need anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours worth of exercise in a day, depending on factors like age, breed, health, and personal preference. We know that boredom can be a cause of unwanted chewing, so being consistent with your pet’s exercise can help curb those behaviors. And exercise doesn’t mean you have to take your dog on a run. It can include swimming, agility training, fetch, puzzle toys, and even just running around the house. Not only can exercise (and other mental stimulation) help curb chewing habits, it also safeguards your pet’s health since exercise is used for managing weight and strengthening muscles.
Never punish your dog for destructive behaviors. In the end, it will only make them fear you or cause their anxiety to worsen. If you happen to catch your dog in the act of chewing destructively, get their attention and redirect them.
Dogs chew, it's a simple fact. Instead of trying to completely get rid of their desire to chew, encourage them to chew things that are meant for it. That means finding what types of chew toys they like the best, whether it be nylon, rubber, plastic, or natural, like rawhide. Giving them access to things they actually like more than a wooden banister will do wonders in shifting this behavior.
Focus on positive reinforcement, not punishment. That means giving them other options to their chewing and getting to the bottom of why they chew in the first place.
Dogs can chew at any age, but the puppy chewing stage usually doesn’t last longer than 8 months.
Providing your dog with appropriate chew toys, redirecting their attention and interest, and making sure they’re properly stimulated are all great steps to ensuring your dog doesn’t chew incessantly or destructively when you leave home.
