Dogs are naturally curious animals that enjoy chewing and biting on things.
When left alone, many dogs may cause trouble by making holes in cushions or chewing on chair legs. Not only can this damage your furniture, but there’s also the worry that they might swallow the things they’ve chewed on.
Ideally, we want to correct such chewing habits.
In this article, we will discuss how to address your dog’s chewing habits and the reasons why they might be chewing in the first place..
Things Dogs Want to Chew
To prevent your dog from chewing on things, the best solution is to keep items that might attract them out of their reach.
So, what kinds of things do dogs prefer to chew on?
In this section, we’ll introduce some common household items that are likely to attract your dog’s attention.
electrical cords
One of the most common items that dogs tend to chew on is electrical cords, such as those from electronic devices. Just like how rope toys are popular, long items can stimulate a dog’s hunting instincts.
Particularly, charging cables for phones and games are used frequently and are often left plugged in or forgotten on the sofa. Additionally, many electrical cords, like those for TVs or electric blankets, are immovable, making them easy targets for dogs.
If a dog chews on an electrical cord while it’s in use, there is a risk of electric shock, so caution is necessary. To prevent this, store cords in places where your dog cannot access them, or use cable boxes designed to deter chewing, keeping them out of your dog’s sight.
Stuffed animals and cushions, etc
Next, dogs often chew on stuffed animals and cushions. These items are made of soft materials, making them easy for dogs to grab with their mouths. Additionally, the fact that stuffing can come out of them is another reason why dogs are tempted to chew on them.
Dogs also tend to chew on fabric items like slippers and shoes. To prevent this, make sure not to leave important shoes or slippers out, and consider taking measures to keep your dog from accessing the entryway on their own.
furniture and sofas
Dogs may chew on not just small items, but also on larger pieces of furniture such as sofas and chairs.
In particular, the legs of chairs and sofas are often targeted, and some dogs may leave bite marks on all the chairs in the house. There are even dogs that dig into walls and chew on peeling wallpaper.
While it’s important to keep items tidy to prevent your dog from chewing on them, there are things you can’t easily move. Therefore, understanding the underlying causes of your dog’s chewing habits and addressing them fundamentally is also crucial.
Why do they bite people?
There are various reasons why dogs develop chewing habits.
Since dogs can’t tell us why they chew, it’s up to us as owners to understand the causes by observing their environment and behavior.
Here, we’ll outline three main causes of chewing habits.
Stress and Anxiety
One reason dogs chew on various objects is due to stress or anxiety. Just like humans, dogs can accumulate stress if they are not getting enough exercise or are living irregularly.
Additionally, being in an unfamiliar place or being separated from their owner can cause anxiety.
When dogs experience stress or anxiety, they may exhibit destructive behaviors such as barking, chewing, or damaging things. It’s important to ensure that your dog gets appropriate exercise, sufficient sleep, and has a relaxing environment to help manage their stress and anxiety.
Developing a Habit
Another reason dogs chew on things is that the act of chewing itself can become a habit. Even if the initial cause of chewing is removed, if the chewing behavior has become a habit, it can be challenging to stop.
If dogs are bored, they may chew on furniture or sofas, so it’s important to engage with them and keep them entertained to prevent boredom.
Teething
A common cause in puppies is “teething.” Puppies typically transition from baby teeth to adult teeth around 5 to 7 months of age. During this time, they may feel discomfort or itchiness in their mouths.
While this is a temporary issue, if not addressed, it can lead to a persistent chewing habit. Therefore, early intervention is necessary to manage teething-related chewing.
Measures to Address Dog Biting Habits
So, how can you stop your dog from biting?
For owners struggling with chewing habits, we recommend trying the two methods described below.
These methods may not work immediately for every dog, but with persistence, they can lead to improvement. Therefore, it’s advisable to try them patiently and consistently.
Stress Relief
For dogs experiencing stress or anxiety, the best solution is to relieve their stress through exercise and play.
The amount of exercise required varies by breed, but small dogs generally need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. If you can’t take them outside often, make sure to play with them indoors.
Additionally, creating a calm environment for your dog is important. Lower the volume of the TV or music and create a dedicated space where your dog can feel safe and relaxed. This safe haven will help your dog feel secure.
Playing with Toys
To satisfy a dog’s chewing urge, using toys is an effective method. One great option is a Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy, which not only engages your dog’s chewing instincts but also provides mental stimulation through rewards.
When choosing toys, it’s important to pick ones that suit your dog’s needs. For puppies and senior dogs with weaker jaw strength, select smaller and easy-to-grip chew toys.
Toys come in various materials such as silicone, fabric, and wood. Since dogs have different preferences, choose the material that your dog likes best.
Also, ensure the toy is the right size. If it’s too large, your dog might become frustrated and stressed, and if it’s too small, there’s a risk of choking. Pay special attention when selecting toys for puppies and large breeds.
Some dogs prefer being praised by their owners over playing with toys. If your dog plays well with a chew toy, be sure to give them plenty of praise.
Summary
For us as pet owners, a dog’s chewing habit can be quite troublesome.
However, chewing can also be seen as a sign from your dog. It might indicate that they want:
- More exercise
- More playtime
- Stress relief
To better understand and address your dog’s needs, make sure to take the time to engage with them when they display troublesome behavior. This way, you can better respond to their needs and help them find healthier outlets for their instincts.
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