How to stop a dog from chewing on everything?

We’ve all seen videos of pet owners shaming their pets. You know them: the owner comes home, and at the door he is met by a joyful dog wagging his tail. They enter the living room and – oh no! – the sofa is mysteriously torn to shreds! Stuffing scattered everywhere! The owner is just horrified. What could have happened? Who is to blame? Why do dogs chew on everything?

Find out why your dog chews on things around him and how you can safely trust him with your socks (as well as plants, books, furniture, and toilet rolls).

Chewing and separation anxiety

The first thing to do is find out why your dog is having destructive behavior. One of the main reasons is the fear of separation. Most pets look at you with sad puppy eyes when you leave the house, but a separation anxiety dog ​​will not only pout and whine when you leave him alone.

A dog with separation anxiety may cause mischief in the house or destroy everything around it, such as knocking over a trash can or tearing its bedding. She might even get hurt while trying to escape. Anxious dogs may still bark, drool, or refuse to eat or drink. Many puppies with separation anxiety do not like being caged. Talk to your veterinarian about how to help your pet overcome separation anxiety.

Why do dogs chew on everything?

Another reason could be boredom. Just imagine: you are at work all day, and your dog is sitting at home alone and waiting for you to return. Wouldn’t you be bored?

To combat her boredom, you can offer her chew toys or toys with food hidden in them. Keep them out of your dog’s reach so you can surprise him with something new or unpack his favorite chew toy before you leave. Just like with your cat, you can purchase a food-filled puzzle toy that will keep your dog active and busy while keeping you calm. Just remember to fill the toys with a daily serving of healthy dog ​​food, not a treat.

Finally, teething puppies chew on everything, thus relieving pain. Just as small children put everything in their mouths, puppies taste everything. New textures! New scents! New impressions! So much joy! To prevent your four-legged toddler from looking bashfully at a house slipper torn to shreds, provide him with enough chew toys that are strong and suitable for his age and try not to leave him unattended for a long time.

Chewing Tips

How can you stop your dog from chewing on things? There are two more options – put her in a cage or give her a separate room that she cannot damage. You need to start cage training your dog while he is still young. Act consistently. Make sure your active puppy gets enough time to go for walks. If he chews on any objects in front of you, in addition to his toys, you can teach him a simple “no” or “fu” command.

If you are away for a long time, consider hiring a dog sitter or taking your pet to a dog hotel. With these two options, your dog will stay active and be able to interact with people while you’re away, and you’ll keep the walls of your house intact for a long time to come.

If none of these help, you can try making a bad-tasting spray to stop your dog from chewing on certain objects (such as his favorite chair leg). The Cuteness website suggests mixing a weak solution of white vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Never spray the product on the body of an animal! Keep adjusting your dog’s behavior to reinforce what you want to teach him.

Tire the dog

The most important thing you can do to prevent your dog from destructive behavior is to provide him with plenty of exercise and surround him with love! Getting enough exercise and interacting with your dog when you are at home can make a big difference in how he behaves when you are away. After all, who doesn’t want to lay back and take a relaxing nap after an active walk near the house or a workout in the backyard?

What you should not do is punish your dog after a misdeed. Your dog may look ashamed in your viral video, but it is actually responding to your voice and demeanor. Punishing a dog at the time of his “crime” can be effective, but if you tell him “no” a few hours after the offense, he will not be able to connect the punishment with his bad behavior.

We know that dogs with destructive behavior can wreak havoc on a home. Think about why your dog is ruining everything, and offer him some alternatives that will help him throw out his boundless energy without harming you.