How to Train Your Dog to Not Chew Everything
Reasons Why Your Dog Might Exhibit Chewing Behaviors
First and foremost, you should consider why your dog might exhibit chewing behaviors to begin with. There are a variety of reasons why this might be the case, including: Teething - When your dog is a puppy, he or she will go through a teething stage that causes them to chew more frequently than they might have otherwise. Anxiety or Stress - Sometimes, dogs get anxious or stressed out by their environment and use chewing as a means of finding some relief from that stress. Excessive Energy - It may also be the case that your dog is simply experiencing an excessive amount of stress. This can also lead to chewing behaviors.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Everything
You now know that there are many different reasons why your dog might be inclined to chew. However, you still want to know what types of steps you can take to keep them from doing so. Among the things that you can do are:
1) Offer Better Chewing Options
Your dog may respond well to chewing on items that are designed for them to chew on. Options such as tennis balls, dog-safe chew treats, or rubber toys can all be viable options that are worthy of your consideration.
2) Use a Redirect Strategy
Your natural instinct might be to yell at your dog if you catch them chewing on something that they are not supposed to. However, this is likely to simply cause confusion for your dog. Instead, you should consider a strategy of redirection. This means you should direct your dog towards items you are okay with them chewing.
3) Use Products That Make Furniture Unappealing
There are products available to you that will make furniture less appealing for your dog to chew on. Certain types of sprays make the taste of the furniture less appealing to a dog and may discourage them from trying to chew on the furniture in the future. Also, you can try to take away items that might be tempting for your dog to chew on (such as your shoes) to help ensure that your dog doesn't take the opportunity to nibble on your shoes.
4) Take Your Dog Out for Regular Exercise
Another thing that you want to keep at the top of your mind is the fact that your dog needs and deserves regular exercise. Try to incorporate routine exercise into their daily life to make them less destructive overall. Among the things that you can do to ensure that your pup gets plenty of exercise are:
- Playtime - Engage with your dogs in small acts of play such as fetch or a quick game of chase.
- Daily Walks - Most dogs love to go on walks, and they are a great way to help your dog get a little more exercise while also increasing your own step count.
- Training Sessions - If you have the time and resources, it can also be a good idea to sign your dog up for some training sessions as well. This will allow them to get even more energy out and learn to manage their energy better.
5) Work With Them on Anything Causing Them Anxiety
In some cases, the root cause of the problem is the fact that your dog is anxious about something. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or some other form of anxiety, then you need to work with them as soon as possible to address that issue. You might consider crate training them, gradually increasing the time you are away from the house, and even leaving interactive toys for your dog to engage with while you are gone.
Is It Bad for Dogs to Chew on Sticks?
Since you are already thinking about your dog chewing, you may naturally arrive at a question about how safe it is for a dog to chew on sticks. The reality is that it can be potentially risky for dogs to chew on sticks, and that is not a risk that you should take. The reasons? According to the American Kennel Club, sticks can pose the following threats:- Bacteria, which may be harmful to your dog, can exist on the sticks and cause health issues for them
- Sticks can get stuck in the dog's gums or digestive tract
- Splinters from the sticks may cause mouth injuries
For these reasons, and plenty more, it is best to avoid giving your dog a real stick to chew on. It is a habit that you ought to try to break them of as soon as possible.
Enjoy Pet-Friendly Living Where You Can Train Your Dog to Not Chew Everything
Looking for an ideal place to call home? If you need a space that is suitable for yourself and your dog, then you need to check out the pet-friendly townhomes available at West Winds Townhomes in Columbia, SC.
Not only will you have a comfortable place to call home, but there are plenty of nearby dog parks to enjoy with your furry friend, including:
NOMA Bark Park (for members only)
You and your pet can also enjoy the cozy amenities, such as an on-site walking trail, which gives your dog the space he or she needs for daily walks to help manage their energy levels. If you have been looking for the perfect place to relax at the end of a long day, please consider the pet-friendly West Winds Townhomes today.