Chewing Dog Problem - How to Stop Dog from Chewing Behavior

The jaw muscles of a dog are perhaps the strongest they possess. A larger sized dog can untie, or chew off, the knot in a rawhide bone within minutes. Getting them to chew only on those is the challenge!

Each breed, and individual character within the breed, creates different inclinations and certainly different chewing problems. But the fact is most dogs will chew something from in or around the house that they weren’t meant to. To prevent and stop dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t is a continuing struggle.

Young dogs, especially puppies, are more likely to suffer from chewing dog problems, they will chew without discrimination about what object they choose. But even at an early age, young puppies can be trained not to chew on things the owner would like to keep intact.

Prevention is always preferable to cure. Keep objects that you don’t want destroyed out of reach of the dog. Keep children's toys separated from the dog's. This of course suggests that the dog has some toys, which is beneficial as toys can help to control chewing behavior.

Attractive indoor and outdoor toys help to ensure your dogs’ attention remains away from things you don’t want it to chew. Some dogs prefer rawhide bones while others like hard rubber or special plastic 'dental' bones. Real bones are not usually recommended. Large beef bones can be given, but chicken and pork bones can easily fragment and cause injury.

There are many special kinds of toys available for your dog. Some will even have a hollow area which can hold a treat. The dog normally has to work to get to the treat and that’s the idea. Working for the treat keeps them occupied and they get a workout followed by a reward.

Yelling or severe physical punishment when an inappropriate item is taken by the dog is not beneficial. Instead, a sharp tone or mild tap is the best technique. While you might be frustrated after scolding the dog for what feels like the millionth time, you need to control your temper in order to keep the balance.

To instill specific habits, practice daily if possible by leashing the dog and showing it an unsuitable item. If the dog moves towards the object, pull the leash sideways and command ‘No!’

Remember to pull sideways, and never backwards because while a dog’s neck muscles are strong, their throats bruise easily. The intention of the movement is to inform and not to punish.

If the dog is inclined to chew on things outdoors, try one of the commercial mixes or a home recipe created to dissuade this behavior. Some cayenne pepper paste or ‘bitter apple’ placed on the leaves of plants will often stop chewing behavior immediately.

Successful behavior training comes down to patience, persistence and consistency. Stopping dog from chewing behavior is one of the most challenging as you're trying to teach the dog NOT to do something, as opposed to teaching it to DO something.

As removing the instinct entirely is not possible, the best alternative is to use redirection. Remain in control of your temper, even if they’ve just chewed on something they weren’t meant to. Things can be replaced, but a good relationship with your pet, once broken, can’t.

         

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