When you own a pooch there are times when you need to deal with the mass destruction of slippers, bed and toys as they chew it. Although it has been said that dogs have a great sense of smell, one of their favorite ways to take out information is through their mouths. If the chewing is done appropriately through items like Kong Chew Toys then it can be the right way of doing things. But as it is often the case, appropriate chewing needs to be taught to the furry pal. Hence, you need to manage the situation in such a way that your doggy does not have the opportunity to chew unacceptable objects.
Reasons For Dogs To Chew
Puppies have the tendency of exploring their world by putting things in mouth. They teethe for approximately 6 months, which results in pain and discomfort in their teeth and gums. Chewing objects not only soothes the gums but also facilitates teething. Not only puppies, but even adult dogs engage in destructive chewing and there are several reasons for it. Before dealing with the problem, it is important to understand the exact reason for chewing in dogs. The first thing that you need to ensure is that the dog is not destroying things to spite you.
Let us now look at several reasons for which dogs destroy things:
If the destructive chewing is due to fear and separation anxiety the best thing to do is to consult a professional and get things sorted out.
Let us now look at some of the ways to stop the inappropriate chewing habit in dogs:
Make Only Those Things Accessible To The Dog That Are Appropriate For Chewing
There are certain things that you do not want in your dog's mouth. Ensure that those things are not made available to the furry companion to pick up. If he/she sees the thing lying around, most definitely he/she will try to pick it up and chew it.
Divert Their Attention By Giving Them Toys
Giving them toys is just like giving rewards/treats. But that is not the case. Remember, your pooch cannot distinguish between household items and toys. So, if you do not give them something to chew they will get a hold of a shoe and consider it as a chewable toy.
Never Leave The Dog Free
Supervision of the doggy is of utmost importance. If you leave him freely in the house you will be asking for trouble and he/she will destroy the items. Hence, keep the furry pal in a dog-safe room by providing an ample supply of water and food. Also, keep his/her favorite toys in the room. If the doggy is crate trained, you can leave him/her in the care for shorter periods.
Give Him/Her Quality Time
Your dog adores you and thinks that you are the best thing in his/her world. Hence, ensure that you devote ample of quality time to him/her. Remember, your doggy will not be able to train himself/herself. You need to train him to the behavior that you deem appropriate for the house.
Give Plenty Of Exercise To The Pooch
It is important to provide plenty of mental and physical exercise to your furry companion. Remember, dogs need activity to keep them amused and happy. It also ensures that they are tired and sleepy when the night comes. So, you do not have to worry about their sleeping habit. The best way to distract your pooch from chewing something that he should not is by making a loud noise like a clap. This will distract the pup and then you can give him/her their favorite chew toy followed by a lot of praise when they take the toy and play with it.
Have His/Her Favorite Toys Around
There might be some favorite toys of your furry pal. Ensure that you give them at these toys wherever they go. Kong Toys are great as you can stuff them with kibble or paste and then give it to the furry pal.
Put a Deterring Taste On Items That You Do Not Want Your Furry Pal To Chew
Cover furniture, walls, etc. with a deterrent taste that will put off the dog from chewing on a particular item. While trying this technique, observe your doggy carefully. There are certain dogs that will chew the item irrespective of the deterring taste. Always re-apply the deterrent as it can wear off quickly.
Never Chase The Doggy When He Has An Inappropriate Item In His/Her Mouth
If you run after a doggy when he/she has an unsuitable item in his/her mouth you are giving him/her an opportunity to have fun. The best thing to do in such a situation is to call him/her over and then give him/her a treat as a reward to put down the object.
Never discipline or punish your furry pal once they have destroyed an item because it is probably too late. Dogs live in the spur of the moment, so, if you punish them for an act that they did 5, 10 or 15 minutes ago they will not understand the reason for the action. There are certain dog owners who believe that their dogs are giving a guilty look once they have done something wrong. But actually the guilty look is a submissive behavioral act that occurs when they feel threatened.
Read more Pet Related Blogs at : http://www.canadapetcare.com/blog/
Reasons For Dogs To Chew
Puppies have the tendency of exploring their world by putting things in mouth. They teethe for approximately 6 months, which results in pain and discomfort in their teeth and gums. Chewing objects not only soothes the gums but also facilitates teething. Not only puppies, but even adult dogs engage in destructive chewing and there are several reasons for it. Before dealing with the problem, it is important to understand the exact reason for chewing in dogs. The first thing that you need to ensure is that the dog is not destroying things to spite you.
Let us now look at several reasons for which dogs destroy things:
- He/she is feeling bored
- He/she craves for attention
- He/she was not taught what can be chewed and what cannot be chewed during puppy-hood
- His/her behavior is fear related
- He/she suffers from separation anxiety
- Due to his/her breed
If the destructive chewing is due to fear and separation anxiety the best thing to do is to consult a professional and get things sorted out.
Let us now look at some of the ways to stop the inappropriate chewing habit in dogs:
Steps To Curb Inappropriate Chewing In Dogs & Puppies
Make Only Those Things Accessible To The Dog That Are Appropriate For Chewing
There are certain things that you do not want in your dog's mouth. Ensure that those things are not made available to the furry companion to pick up. If he/she sees the thing lying around, most definitely he/she will try to pick it up and chew it.
Divert Their Attention By Giving Them Toys
Giving them toys is just like giving rewards/treats. But that is not the case. Remember, your pooch cannot distinguish between household items and toys. So, if you do not give them something to chew they will get a hold of a shoe and consider it as a chewable toy.
Never Leave The Dog Free
Supervision of the doggy is of utmost importance. If you leave him freely in the house you will be asking for trouble and he/she will destroy the items. Hence, keep the furry pal in a dog-safe room by providing an ample supply of water and food. Also, keep his/her favorite toys in the room. If the doggy is crate trained, you can leave him/her in the care for shorter periods.
Give Him/Her Quality Time
Your dog adores you and thinks that you are the best thing in his/her world. Hence, ensure that you devote ample of quality time to him/her. Remember, your doggy will not be able to train himself/herself. You need to train him to the behavior that you deem appropriate for the house.
Give Plenty Of Exercise To The Pooch
It is important to provide plenty of mental and physical exercise to your furry companion. Remember, dogs need activity to keep them amused and happy. It also ensures that they are tired and sleepy when the night comes. So, you do not have to worry about their sleeping habit. The best way to distract your pooch from chewing something that he should not is by making a loud noise like a clap. This will distract the pup and then you can give him/her their favorite chew toy followed by a lot of praise when they take the toy and play with it.
Have His/Her Favorite Toys Around
There might be some favorite toys of your furry pal. Ensure that you give them at these toys wherever they go. Kong Toys are great as you can stuff them with kibble or paste and then give it to the furry pal.
Put a Deterring Taste On Items That You Do Not Want Your Furry Pal To Chew
Cover furniture, walls, etc. with a deterrent taste that will put off the dog from chewing on a particular item. While trying this technique, observe your doggy carefully. There are certain dogs that will chew the item irrespective of the deterring taste. Always re-apply the deterrent as it can wear off quickly.
Never Chase The Doggy When He Has An Inappropriate Item In His/Her Mouth
If you run after a doggy when he/she has an unsuitable item in his/her mouth you are giving him/her an opportunity to have fun. The best thing to do in such a situation is to call him/her over and then give him/her a treat as a reward to put down the object.
Never discipline or punish your furry pal once they have destroyed an item because it is probably too late. Dogs live in the spur of the moment, so, if you punish them for an act that they did 5, 10 or 15 minutes ago they will not understand the reason for the action. There are certain dog owners who believe that their dogs are giving a guilty look once they have done something wrong. But actually the guilty look is a submissive behavioral act that occurs when they feel threatened.
Read more Pet Related Blogs at : http://www.canadapetcare.com/blog/
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