What Causes Dog Chewing?
Like a child, your dog can experience separation anxiety. If he is left alone for too long or if you aren't paying him enough attention, he will start to act out by chewing things.
Most often, dogs chew to get attention. They are just like kids in that they like attention, even if it is bad attention. Get to the bottom of the problem to see what your dog is trying to tell you when he chews.
Destruction from Dog Chewing
The problem may begin with little things like gnawing on your shoes and nibbling on pens, but it can escalate to a more serious problem, particularly if they're trying to whittle down the legs of your kitchen table, eat the cushions of your couch, or tear up your carpeting.
Another problem with dog chewing is that your dog is ingesting a lot of non-food materials. There is the risk of choking as well as possible internal damage from eating non-digestible items.The ironic thing is that your dog will probably get even less attention after tearing up your things. Their destruction can be costly and repairing the damage can be time consuming. You may find yourself distancing yourself from your dog because he's causing you so much trouble, but if his behavior is caused by a lack of attention, you'll only end up making the situation worse. You must find out what is causing your dog to chew and take care of the root of the problem, not just fix what damage he has caused.
Solutions for Dog Chewing
- Make sure to put your things up and that your dog can't reach items that he isn't supposed to play with.
- Provide plenty of toys that are specifically made for dogs, including ones you can fill with food to hold their attention for long periods of time.
- Confine the dog in a crate when you can't be there to watch him and correct his bad behavior.
- Take the dog on daily walks to break his boredom.
- Spend lots of time playing with your dog and giving him the attention he needs.
- Create a den-like environment that the dog can use when he is scared or lonely.
It should contain things that are familiar and comfortable for him and it should be a place where no one else - person or animal - is allowed.
- Don't punish the dog for chewing your things. This can only worsen the problem if he is looking for your undivided attention. Distract the dog from chewing and offer treats and praise when it's deserved.
Your dog is trying to tell you something, and nothing makes a better statement than a pair of $400 pumps turned into chew toys. Before you blame your dog, though, you need to make sure it's not something you're doing - or not doing. With a little time and patience and lots and lots of love, you'll find yourself the owner of a wonderfully well trained dog - not a dog chewing everything in your house.
