Does your pup love to chew? If so, you have joined the millions of dog owners who have sacrificed everything from couches to shoes to their teething or chew-happy dogs. What do do about this situation? Here are some quick tips on how to help save your house from your chewy dogs.
Keep the Dog Busy.
Keep the dog busy with chew toys. Kong and other toymakers have toys with small holes in them that you can hide treats or kibble inside. This keeps the dog busy and interested in the food rather than a non-tasty object.
Give Teething Dogs Washcloths.
Just like toddlers, teething dogs need to chew on something. Buy some cheap washcloths from somewhere like the dollar store, soak it in water, then freeze it. When its frozen, give it to your dog to chew. Just be sure that small dogs dont get cold too quickly with a large cloth.
Give Teething Dogs Flavored Ice.
Ice feels good on those teething gums, so give your dog tasty ice cubes. Just mix some low sodium beef or chicken broth with water, then place in ice cube trays. After a few hours they will freeze. This treat is especially good in the hot summer.
Keep Cords Away.
If your dog is teething, hide your charging cords, drape cords, phone cords and other wire items that may be dangerous. Be sure you keep electric cords out of the dogs sight.
Put Away Your Things.
Humans need to exercise some responsibility as dog owners for keeping objects out of your dogs mouth. Dont leave your shoes laying around the living room, because to dogs they look like lovely toys. Put away phones and cords so the dog cant walk over and chew them up. Although not everything can be put away, many personal items dont belong on the floor or tabletops.
Exercise the Dog Mentally and Physically.
Non-teething dogs may still chew everything in sight, partially out of sheer boredom. If your dog is exhibiting signs of boredom, he needs more exercise and attention. Make sure he has plenty of toys that keep him active mentally. Spend time tossing the ball or stick with your dog for extra exercise. Dont skip out on walks.
Teach the Dog What to Chew.
If you catch the dog chewing something she isnt supposed to, interrupt with a loud sound like a clap. Immediately remove the item and then give the dog something that is appropriate for her to chew, like a rawhide bone. If you are consistent, your dog will learn what she can and cant chew.
Make Items Unpleasant.
Sometimes the dog is just too tempted by certain items, like furniture, to leave them alone. As a last resort, make these items very unattractive to bite. There are taste deterrents you can spray on your furniture, like Bitter Apple, that will repel the dog immediately.
Dont Punish After the Fact.
If you come home and find something chewed, its natural to be angry. However, the dog may have done that damage hours ago and wont understand why you are angry. Punish the dog if you catch him in the act, not for things that happened earlier. Animals always associate punishment with whatever is happening to them right now. Disciplining the dog after the fact only confuses him.