Finding your favourite shoes with teeth marks or discovering the corner of the couch has become a chew toy is never ideal. While it can be frustrating, chewing is a normal behaviour for dogs. The key isn’t stopping them from chewing altogether, it’s helping them chew the right things.
If your dog has developed a habit of chewing household items, these simple tips can help.
Give Them Something Better to Chew
Dogs need an outlet for their natural urge to chew, so make sure they always have something that’s theirs.
Long-lasting chews, natural chews and durable chew toys are all great options. If your dog starts heading towards the table leg or your favourite pair of thongs, calmly swap the item for one of their own toys instead.
The more often they choose their own chews, the more they’ll learn what’s theirs and what’s not.
Keep Them Occupied
A bored dog will often find ways to entertain themselves, and that’s usually when the chewing starts.
Interactive toys, puzzle feeders and treat toys are an easy way to keep your dog busy, especially if they’re home alone for part of the day. Even hiding a few treats around the backyard or spending ten minutes practising basic commands can help keep their mind occupied.
Make Sure They’re Burning Off Energy
Sometimes chewing is simply a sign your dog has energy to spare. Regular walks, games of fetch or time at the dog park can all help burn off that extra energy before it turns into unwanted behaviour around the house.
Every dog is different, so finding the right balance of exercise for their age, breed and personality is important.
Reduce the Opportunity to Chew
If your dog has a habit of stealing shoes or chewing cushions, try removing the temptation while they’re learning. Keep shoes in the cupboard, tidy up children’s toys and leave plenty of dog toys where they’re easy to find. The less chance your dog has to practise chewing the wrong things, the quicker they’ll develop better habits.
Reward the Good Choices
When you see your dog chewing one of their own toys, let them know they’re doing the right thing. A bit of praise or the occasional treat helps reinforce that they’ve made a good choice.
If you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, simply swap it for an appropriate toy and move on. Telling them off after the damage is done is unlikely to help, as they won’t understand why they’re being corrected.
When Is Chewing a Concern?
Most chewing is perfectly normal, but if your dog suddenly starts destroying everything in sight or seems anxious whenever they’re left alone, it could be worth speaking with your vet. Changes in behaviour can sometimes point to stress, anxiety or another underlying issue that needs attention.
Final Thoughts
You probably won’t stop your dog wanting to chew and that’s completely normal. By giving them plenty of suitable chews, keeping them active and making sure they have enough to do throughout the day, you can help protect your belongings while keeping your dog happy and occupied.