Destructive Chewing in Dogs

Many dog lovers return home to find some unexpected damage inflicted on their furniture, shoes or other items by their dog or, more specifically, their dog’s teeth.

it is a normal behavior for puppies to investigate their environment by sniffing, tasting and perhaps chewing on objects throughout the home.

Adult dogs may be destructive chewers because they have separation anxiety, they’re playing, they’re hungry, they don’t get enough exercise, they weren’t properly trained as puppies, etc

It is noteworthy to understand that your dog’s chewing might not just destroy your home and belongings. It could also be dangerous, as many objects present choking hazards, cause gastrointestinal blockages, or break into sharp pieces that can hurt your pup’s insides

Scolding or pulling things out of your dog’s mouth can cause behavior issues to develop.

Reasons For Destructive Chewing in Dogs

There are many reasons why a dog would choose to chew destructively. It could be boredom or attention seeking–or even hunger. Dogs experience many emotions just like we do, and can respond in a negative way when bored, stressed or afraid.

Reasons for destructive chewing include:

Teething

Puppies experience teething for up to 12 months of age. During this time, their jaw can be uncomfortable and tender. Chewing can release the discomfort and is important for the development of their jaw and gums.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs who chew to relieve the stress of separation anxiety usually only chew when left alone or chew most intensely when left alone. They also display other signs of separation anxiety, such as whining, barking, pacing, restlessness, urination and defecation.

Hunger

A dog on a calorie-restricted diet might chew and destroy objects in an attempt to find additional sources of nutrition. Dogs usually direct this kind of chewing toward objects related to food or that smell like food.

Others may include;

• Stress, Fear or Frustration
• Your dog is not getting enough exercise
• Lack of Mental Stimulation
• Lack of Training about what is okay to chew

Managing Destructive Chewing in Dogs

The basic methods are to keep your puppy/dog busy, prevent access to things that you don’t want damaged, and provide your pet with acceptable things to chew.

Most dogs will outgrow the need for constant chewing by the age of 2 or so, but will continue to enjoy chewing when you offer safe objects.

Make sure his chew toys are very enticing and rotate them so they are always new and interesting.

Use positive reinforcement to train your dog what he can chew. When he takes an approved object to chew, praise him. If you catch him with something he shouldn’t have, remove it without comment, provide an acceptable chew toy and praise him for chewing on that.

Visit your vet if you suspect or your dog is showing signs of an ailment. If a medical problem has been confirmed, that problem will be treated first. Usually, treating the illness will resolve the behavioral problem.