My Friendly Pets

Many of us have had dogs that have chewed our favorite shoes or some other valued object. Usually our immediate response is anger, but the dog isn’t necessarily “bad” as dogs chew for a variety of reasons and their behavior can be curtailed if they are trained correctly.

Obviously puppies chew because they are teething and teething makes for some very sore gums. I remember when my daughter was teething and the doctor told me that the pain of teething is so intense that if adults had to experience it, we would commit suicide…not a pleasant thought, but it gives an indication of what teething for a child and/or dog must feel like. If your dog chews as a puppy, it is because his gums are sore and he/she is trying to sooth them. Make sure you have a variety of chew toys
available to help with the soreness of the gums. If your puppy is chewing on things that are off limits then this is the opportune time to train the dog as to what is acceptable and what is not. Don’t give your puppy an old shoe or sock to chew on and expect the dog to be able to later differentiate between old and new shoes or socks. Train your puppy to know what they are allowed to chew by giving them their allowable chew toy and scolding them if they get near something they are not supposed to do. You must be consistent and watch the dog constantly.

Dogs will also chew because they are lonely, bored or suffering from separation anxiety. Again, it is important to pay attention to your dog when you are home. Make sure you give the dog plenty of exercise and stimulation, so if the dog is left alone for an extended period of time, it will be their time to rest and relax. Also, it is advised to leave the dog with a variety of toys or bones and that doesn’t mean a basket full by their bed. Maybe, alternate the chew toys or bones, so that the dog doesn’t become bored and search for something new and interesting to chew.

As with any other behavior issue, chewing on unwanted items can be eliminated if dog owners take the time, effort and energy to train the dog with patience and compassion. Yelling at the dog many hours after the “chew incident” will do little to curb bad behavior. Spend time before to prevent bad behavior rather than taking your frustration out on the dog after their behavior angers you.