With your dog’s sharp and pointy teeth, of course all chewing are
destructive but what I am referring to destructive chewing is the
inappropriate chewing behavior of your dog focused on your own
possessions and household items (carpets, bed, clothing, slippers, etc.)
instead on his own chew toys. You need to know how to prevent the
destructive chewing behavior of your dog.
It is a natural desire for dogs to chew. Some dogs chew because they
find it pleasurable and some dogs chew out of nervousness, boredom and
loneliness. Chewing is an outlet for his emotions and it is comforting
and soothing for him. As a pet owner it is your duty to prevent the destructive chewing behavior of your dog.
Dogs are naturally intelligent creature and you can teach them to stop their destructive chewing behavior. All you need are the right techniques and a little effort. Here are some tips:
Dog proof your home. This is one way to prevent the destructive chewing behavior
of your dog. Dogs naturally explore things with their mouth and it is
your duty to dog proof your home. Put things (books, camera, remote
controls, cell phones etc.) out of his reach. Consider if he can climb
or jump to reach the desired object and place your things out of his
reach. Do not leave food on the table that he can reach and always clean
your plates and do not leave food scrap on the sink.
Confined him in a dog proof area. This will prevent him from destructive chewing behavior.
Make him understand that shoes, pillows, furniture, etc. are off limits
and illegal to chew. Confined him in his own dog proof area until he
understands that there are house rules that he needs to follow and
chewing your possessions is not allowed.
Do not confuse your dog. To prevent him from destructive chewing behavior,
do not offer him your stuffs that you no longer use like old clothes,
shoes etc. to chew and play with. He cannot distinguish the difference
between your old stuffs and the stuffs you are still using. Just make
him understand that all your stuffs are off limits and illegal to chew.
Give him tasty alternative to your stuffs. Buy him a few chew toys
that he can play or chew. There are certain ages for dogs that chewing
behavior are more pronounced especially when he is teething. Giving him
chew toys and rotating different toys every few days will keep things
new and exciting for him and prevent him from destructive chewing behavior.
Give signals and warnings when you caught him chewing your stuffs. Clap your hands or say “No” to stop him from his destructive chewing behavior.
Then hand him his chew toy and as soon as he chew the appropriate
alternative, praise him and let him feel that you are happy for his
obedience.
Keep your expectations realistic. Always remember that your dog is
not perfect and it will take time for him to learn everything and stop
his destructive chewing behavior. You have to expect that there will be at least one or few incidents where your stuffs will be damaged by his curiosity.
Do you want to put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog
behavior problems and slash your dog obedience training time in half by
using techniques that give you immediate results? For more information
on how to stop your dog’s behavior problems like destructive chewing behavior visit Secrets to Dog Training
