If your doggie´s a chewer, that´s not surprising. All dogs love to chew. Some love it a lot, and we need to steer their chewing in a constructive, or at least less-destructive, paths. If your dog has dog toys and chews, but is still going after things like wallboard, a couple of possible motivations may be in play:
- Nutritional deficits may well be inspiring your dog to chew on weird stuff. Schedule an appointment with your pet´s doctor. Advise the veterinary staff that you want to discuss your dog´s bizarre chewing habits so that they can schedule in a large enough time slot with the vet.
- There may be too little space for your dog, which is especially true for larger breeds. A dog that is confined too much may start chewing on things, all sorts of things, in frustration and loneliness. An anxious dog will also comfort themselves with chewing. Once your dog is trained, confining them to a small, boring space is difficult on your dog. If your dog isn´t trained, you may want to pen them, which will be discussed below.
- Until your dog knows the difference in chew targets, you should confine them in a safe place with food, water, and toys, especially when you can´t supervise them. As they learn the rules, you can allow them greater freedom. In addition, you should make sure that you are letting them mingle with you when you are in the house. Even a crate-trained dog shouldn´t spend all their time in the crate.
- There may be too little space for your dog, which is especially true for larger breeds. A dog that is confined too much may start chewing on things, all sorts of things, in frustration and loneliness. An anxious dog will also comfort themselves with chewing. Once your dog is trained, confining them to a small, boring space is difficult on your dog. If your dog isn´t trained, you may want to pen them, which will be discussed below.
Although all dogs chew, your dog can be taught to chew their toys instead of your stuff. If they´ve been chewing on the wrong things for a while, it may take some time to re-train your pet. Persistence and patience are your watchwords in fostering your pet´s good behavior.
Dogs are social animals, and they take their cues from their human family. Be sure that you are socializing with your dog enough for both of your sakes!
