How to stop your dog from chewing on everything

Dogs do everything with their teeth that we do with our hands. It is their preferred tool for exploring the world around them. And this means that everything that is of interest to them, they try to chew or chew.

In some dogs, this behavior becomes a real devastating problem, and its solution is part of proper dog care.

Dogs chew on objects for a variety of reasons:

• Puppies chew on things because they are teething.
• This may come from boredom or instinctively.
• The dog may chew on things as a result of anxiety if he finds the environment uncomfortable or if he is left alone.

Identifying the causes. In order to fix this problem, you need to find out the causes of its occurrence:

• If your dog chews on everything in the house, whether you are around or not, it may be due to boredom. She probably needs more exercise and activity to make the most of her excess energy. Buy special toys – this will help stop your dog from chewing on things.
• The reason may lie in the anxiety caused by separation. Dogs gnaw and scratch things, trying to get out of the place where they were left alone. This behavior can also be a reaction of the dog’s nervous system to your absence. This is probably the most difficult situation, because it is based on anxiety that needs to be addressed. Animal behaviorists use socialization, addiction reduction, and containment techniques to correct separation anxiety. Ask your veterinarian if you should refer your dog to such a specialist.

Apply Discipline Correctly. The only way to wean your dog from chewing things is to catch him “at the scene of the crime.” If you find a shoe ruined by a dog an hour after he “worked” on it, the dog will not be able to relate the punishment received to what he did. The dog may look guilty when you show him a damaged item, but this is just a display of submissive behavior.

Catch a dog in the act. If you catch the dog at the moment when he gnaws something, be sure to stop him with some command or in a loud voice. If she listens to you and leaves the thing alone, give a special toy. If your dog starts chewing on the toy, be sure to praise and express your approval.

Chewing toys are different. The first step should be to choose the right toys for your dog to chew on. Never choose toys that look like something your dog shouldn’t chew on. If you give him old shoes or clothes, the dog will not be able to tell the difference between them and new shoes and clothes.

Use repellent sprays. There are special sprays for applying to various things so that the dog does not gnaw them. Such foods have a taste or smell that is unpleasant (but not harmful) to a dog and imperceptible to humans.

As always, a veterinarian should be consulted for further advice and guidance.

Also check out the following resources:

• Recommendations for exercise and physical activity for dogs
• Help a dog who is afraid of thunder and fireworks