Dog parents, we’ve all been there—watching our little puppy bite everything they can grab. It’s not always ideal to keep these naughty tornadoes in a confined crate. That’s why you’re here, looking for an effective way to stop them from chewing furniture and other valuable objects
At PetSitUSA, we’ve dealt with thousands of these cases and are ready to share some tried-and-true tips with you!
In This Article:
Why Does My Dog Chew Everything?
Normal Development or Teething
Just like human babies, little puppies love licking and chewing inappropriate items as a way to explore the surrounding world. You might see this behavior more frequently as the pup starts teething. Munching on things nonstop helps alleviate their sore gums while cleaning their teeth and reinforcing their jaw strength.
That’s an instinctual and normal part of growing up, so there’s little to do to stop them completely. However, you can still diminish its frequency with some tips (we’ll share them in the next part).
It’s Simply Bored or Seeking Some Attention
Pent-up energy can send dogs into boredom, urging them to gnaw things to keep themselves entertained. Chewing can trigger the production of “feel-good” chemicals, like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, allowing dogs to free their suppressed enthusiasm.
Otherwise, your pup might be begging for some attention by biting your favorite shoes or whatever. How long haven’t you petted or played with them? A week, a month, or even longer than you can remember? That could be a red flag!
Hunger or Lack of Nutrients
Do you notice your dog chewing on foods or other look-alikes (that smell like foods)? It might be a sign that your four-legged friend is suffering from hunger or a lack of nutrients. They are looking for other sources of nutrition to make up for the shortage. Though this is not always the case, consider your dog’s meals carefully to ensure a balanced diet.
Stress, Frustration, or Separation Anxiety
Destructive chewing in canines can stem from stress resulting from uncomfortable living spaces or sudden environmental changes. For example, a new pet, a stranger in the house, or a new home can lead to anxiety in dogs. As such, they choose to munch on something to release their stress.
Additionally, being separated from their owner for too long can result in separation anxiety, which is also a trigger of destructive chewing. One clear sign is that the pup becomes panicked and tries to destroy the gate or door when their parents leave home.
Barrier Frustration
If you see your pet making a fuss whenever standing behind a gate or a fence, it might boil down to barrier frustration. Dogs are naturally pack animals and have a strong instinct to protect their territory. When a barrier prevents them from accessing what they perceive as their territory, it can trigger frustration and lead to excessive chewing, barking, and other unwanted behaviors.
Other Health Conditions
Dog biting everything might hint at some health conditions, like oral masses, dental issues, or intestinal problems. If your puppy doesn’t stop biting you even when you’ve tried everything and ruled out other reasons, consider bringing him to a vet for a thorough check-up.
7 Tips To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything
Get To Know Your Puppy And Identify The Cause
When your furry friend develops this inappropriate chewing behavior, get to the bottom of the issue first. Each culprit will require a different approach, so knowing the root cause ensures the best results.
Set Up A Dog-Proof Space
The next thing to do is to keep dangerous objects or other things your pup often chews on out of their reach. Blankets, shoes, throw rugs, pillows, electrical wires, TV remotes, laundry, and paper stuff are the typical triggers of this behavior.
Place these household items far away from your dogs’ room or up high so they can’t access them. Use a baby gate to block the way to your bedroom, laundry room, bathroom, and working room so these naughty munchers can’t “break in.”
Give Them Suitable Chew Toys
Another effective way to prevent your dog from biting is to redirect their attention to other appropriate chew toys. These items are meant to ease the puppies’ sore gums and scratch their itch.
There are countless types of dog toys that they can chew on, but about 3 to 5 items at once are enough. Try different toys to see what keeps your pet engaged the most, and don’t forget to spice up the toy collection so it won’t get bored.
At PetSitUSA, we go for those with soft, safe, and durable materials, like rubber and plastic, in the form of bones or sticks so our lovely pups won’t get choked. Also, the toy shouldn’t resemble household goods (say, shoes) to avoid confusion.
Another thing to keep in mind is to supervise your pup when introducing a new toy to see if it’s interested in that item.
Pro Tip: For teething pups, consider freezing the chew toys. The cold helps soothe their sore gums better.
It’s Time For Some More Exercise!
Each dog needs at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but the sweet spot is about 1 – 2 hours, depending on your dog’s breed. It doesn’t have to be a vigorous workout; some indoor/outdoor playtime or leisurely walks are perfectly acceptable.
Many of our clients’ canines started to gnaw everything around when their owners left them in the house too long. But after several walks and games outside with us, those dogs became calmer and ceased chewing a month later. Some physical exercise can go a long way, making them physically and mentally content.
Use Voice Command and Training
What to do if you catch your dog red-handed? Don’t yell at them just yet! This fleeting moment is the golden chance to correct its behavior.
First, say a serious “No” to your pup, take the item away while saying “Give me,” and offer it a chew toy instead. If they switch to the toy, don’t forget to praise it with motivational sayings like “Good job!” or “Good boy/girl!” or give it some good treats. This voice command can shape discipline and help your dog get used to it.
That’s not the end of the story! Training is a long journey that requires your patience and consistency. Introducing chew toys into their daily routine is recommended to make it a habit for your dogs.
For example, we usually put dog food into a Kong-type or puzzle toy to familiarize the pup with its new toy. For seasoned chewers, we go the extra mile by topping the toy with frozen peanut butter or canned cheese to keep them occupied. As long as you rotate the toys frequently, this tip will work in most cases.
Leave Them In A Soothing and Comfy Environment
You should provide stressed puppies with a comfy and secure oasis. For example, set up a crate with their favorite bed and toys with some fresh water. This safe cocoon allows them to chill and release stress effectively, gradually letting go of their chewing habits.
We sometimes install a calming diffuser or a white noise machine to calm the dog down. If you don’t have these on hand, simply leave the TV or radio on at a low or medium volume while you’re out. The buzzing noise gives an impression that you’re nearby, evoking a sense of security.
Last Resort: Use Deterrent Spray
Some anti-chew sprays with unappealing smells can deter your dog away from your stuff. These deterrents are especially useful for bulky or stationary furniture that you can’t hide away, such as tables, cupboards, chairs, sofas, etc.
However, its potency is rather hit-or-miss. We’ve tried many products, and while some worked, most dogs still gnawed on deterrent-coated things. You have to reapply the spray often to ensure its effectiveness.
Don’t Treat Your Pup Like These!
Don’t chase them or act aggressively: You might freak out, catching your cute little pup devouring an important item. But hold your horse! Don’t chase them and pull the item out of its mouth aggressively. This might trigger its possessive instinct, leading them to bark at or bite you.
Don’t punish them: Scolding them, giving them a fiery stare, hitting, or tying them with a leash is inhumane. These won’t train your pup any discipline and can even backfire.
Don’t muzzle them all the time: Sure, you need to muzzle your dogs whenever going out. But holding their mouth tightly all the time can do more harm than good.
Don’t leave them alone or in a crate for too long: Abandoning a dog is the shortest and cruelest way to stress out a dog. These adorable, vulnerable creatures need our affection and care. Spend time with them, be patient, and they’ll learn what’s not to chew.
At What Age Will It Stop Chewing?
Sadly, canines won’t quit chewing completely. The good news is that this behavior will lessen after their teething stage (around 7 months of age). However, adult dogs need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth clean, strengthen their jaws, or simply kill their boredom. Sometimes, that’s its way of calling for help from you—its parents.
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Conclusion
Chewing is a normal behavior among dogs, but there’s always a reason behind it. Try to trace back to its root cause so you can apply an appropriate approach. While things will improve as puppies finish teething, consistent training is key to keep these friends disciplined.
