Dogs are known for their curious (and often mischievous) behaviors like chewing!
From your shoes to your couch, newspapers, electrical wires, and even
baseboards in your home, it may seem your dog wants to destroy your home!

But there is good news!

Your dog’s chewing behaviors can be addressed – and redirected – with the right approach! Keep reading below to learn more.

First, your dog’s chewing behavior is completely normal and is typically due to 4 reasons. Let’s explore those reasons below along with ways to manage – and even discourage – this destructive behavior!

1. Teething and Exploration

Just like human babies, puppies go through a natural teething phase where they chew on objects to relieve their discomfort. Your shoes, furniture, toys, and even baseboards may appeal to them due to their texture and the soothing sensation on their painful gums. If you have a puppy who is teething, make sure they have appropriate toys (including chill and freeze toys) to help them relieve any gum discomfort during this period. (Remember, this doesn’t last forever, typically 4 to 5 months and ending by 6 months of age). Sources: WCRAH.com and ASPCA.org

Additionally, puppies and adult dogs are naturally curious creatures, and chewing (along with their nose) helps them explore and understand their surroundings. This is a natural and primal behavior. Providing appropriate chew toys and ensuring a safe environment can positively redirect this behavior! (Source: DDFL.org)

2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Dogs are intelligent animals requiring daily mental and physical stimulation. When left alone for extended periods – or without sufficient enrichment – bored dogs will often resort to chewing to pass the time or alleviate boredom. To combat this, engage your dog with:

• Regular exercise/walks. (Hire a dog walker for extra walking time too!)
• Interactive toys (use a variety of tastes, odors, and textures); and
• Play sessions.

A well-stimulated and exercised dog is much less likely to resort to destructive chewing! (Source: AKC.org)

Learn about effective ways to keep your dog distracted
and entertained in our first blog post.

3. Anxiety and Stress

When dogs are anxious or stressed, they may exhibit destructive behaviors. Your dog’s anxiety or stress may come from:

• Changes in the environment or routine. (Source: VCAHospitals.com)
• Separation from their owners (“separation anxiety”).
• Loud noises or uncommon, disruptive activities.

If your dog has suddenly begun to chew, identify the source of stress and work towards alleviating it. Effective solutions to help manage anxiety-related chewing include providing:

• A comfortable and secure space.
• Appropriate toys and engagement.
• Exercise.
• Calming aids.
• Professional advice.

Dogs may also seek out your shoes, clothing, underwear or socks because your scent helps comfort and relax them. So, keep all clothing out of reach to prevent your dog from choking or creating an obstruction by ingesting any clothes.

4. Lack of Training

Proper training plays a significant role in shaping a dog’s behavior. If a dog hasn’t been taught appropriate chewing habits, they may choose items in your home as a target. (Source: HumaneSociety.org)

It’s never too early to:

• Do consistent training with positive reinforcement.
• Redirect unwanted chewing to appropriate chew toys/bones.
• Establish clear boundaries for acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
• Curbing any undesirable chewing.

If you lack the knowledge or time, invest in formal obedience training for a well-behaved pet. (I can help!)

The Final Word

Understanding the reason(s) behind your dog’s desire to chew (and destroy) is the first step in finding a solution. Reasons may include:

• Teething.
• Exploration.
• Boredom or lack of stimulation.
• Anxiety or stress.
• Lack of training.

Once the issue(s) has been identified, take positive and proactive measures to redirect unwanted behavior by:

• Providing appropriate chew toys.
• Providing regular mental and physical stimulation.
• Addressing anxiety/stress triggers.
• Implementing training techniques.

Remember, chewing is a completely natural behavior for your dog! Never yell or punish him for doing what comes naturally to him. Instead, with patience and time (and possibly a professional), learn how to create a harmonious living environment for both you and your beloved canine companion.

Puppies and bored or anxious dogs often get into trouble when there is too much pent-up mental and physical energy. Remember, a tired dog equals a happier dog (and owner)!

I can help!

From puppy training to obedience training (with positive reinforcement), I can address specific canine behavioral issues, challenge your dog to learn new tricks, or just tire him out with proper stimulation and exercise!

Keep our Home Pet Sitting in mind too!

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