Most dogs appear to have personal preferences when it comes to chewing. While some dogs chew out of boredom, others enjoy the activity. In either scenario, it is unquestionably an issue that requires an immediate fix when the process goes out of hand.
Chewing and Destructive Chewing are similar in practice. The only difference is the time period. Destructive chewing ends when the whelp reaches six months of age. On the other hand, regular chewing carries on from cubhood to the adult phase.
3 Main Reasons Why Dogs Chew
- The majority of dogs like to chew. It's enjoyable, kills time, and provides a satisfying experience.
- An anxious, bored, or lonely dog can release emotions by chewing, whereas a worried dog finds solace in chewing repeatedly.
- When dogs don't receive adequate exercise, they chew to relieve their stress and anxiety.
3 Strategies to Stop Chewing
You should train your dog to stop chewing on your belongings. However, it requires extensive training and management.
- Dog-Proofing
Manage your possessions when your dog is bound on destructive chewing. In other words, dog-proof your house! There is no reason to make your dog undergo a self-control test. After all, dogs use their tongues to explore the environment. Remove all chewable things from your dog’s access and save them for later use.
- Prevention
Avoid letting your dog discover the fun of inappropriate chewing. It will target those objects that are soft or fit for its mouth. Some examples are chair leg, a cushion, or a running shoe. It's far simpler for your dog to comprehend your expectations if you can stop it from eating your belongings in the first place. Keep it in a dog-proofed area until you are certain that it is aware of the home rules.
- Regular Exercise
Some canines don’t get adequate exercise which compels them to find other ways to entertain. One of them is chewing objects. Take your dog on outings, off-leash it for some time, play tug and fetch games, feed meals in food puzzle toys to prevent the chewing process.
What Should ‘Not be Done’
Below are some pivotal factors which you should not apply on your dog:
- Don’t use duct tape on the dog’s mouth
- Don’t tie an object on your dog
- Don’t muzzle your whelp
- Don’t scold or punish your canine
- Don’t leave your dog in a vacant place for long periods.
Bottom Line
The main difference between chewing and destructive chewing is the time period; destructive chewing ends after six months of age. Those dogs that don’t get adequate exercise or live in a disturbed environment adopt the ‘chewing mechanism’. An anxious or humdrum dog will also act in the same way.
One of the solutions is dog chews, a time-consuming activity for your whelp. It will keep your belongings safe from damage, and you won’t have to dog-proof the entire house. Other solutions include regular exercise, a female friend, or a changed environment.