Destructive Chewing

Pet Care

Destructive Chewing

There are many different causes for a dog's destructive behavior, such as chewing. Many of the dog's problems, unfortunately, can be traced back to the situation that we have put them in. Imagine finding yourself alone all day, day in and day out with little or nothing to occupy your mind or hands (paws? You would be a little frustrated too. Your dog finds that chewing relieves anxiety and stress that is brought on by the long hours home alone. You will find the following list helpful in determining what the cause of your dog's destructive behavior is and some helpful hints on how to alleviate the problem. Please use a crate or cage to confine your dog or puppy when you are not home.

The dog doesn't know what he is allowed to chew.

Everyone knows that dogs chew, but does the dog know what he is actually allowed to chew on? Are you sure? Did you ever teach him exactly what toys are his and which toys are yours? If you’re not sure now, read on and give it a shot.

You can't leave a few hundred toys, balls, and bones strewn throughout the house hoping your dog is going to chew on the "right" thing. "Murphy's Law" should have taught you a long time ago this is never the case. Collect all the dog's toys, and put them away. Then for several days, sit down on the floor with your dog and a few (no more than five) carefully selected toys. Plays with your dog by throwing a toy and saying "Rover, get your toy!" Every time the dog touches the toy, act as if this action was the greatest thing you ever saw. Clap your hands and praise the dog with "Good dog! Get your toy!"

HINT: You will get the job done faster if you dog gets very little attention from you or other family members in between these training sessions.

After you can say, "get your toy" to your dog and the dog will return and grab one of his toys, ready for a good romp and play with you, you are ready to punish the dog for chewing on the "wrong" items.

When I'm home, I don't puppy proof my house so my dogs will not get into anything. I "puppy disaster" the house. In the living area of your house, take as many different things that your dog has been known to chew and couldn't resist, spread the items all over the floor. Next, let your dog enter the room and sit back and wait for him to so much as put one little wet nostril on an item that you set out. Watch TV, read a book, but keep a close eye on the dog. When the dog touches on of the "wrong" items, shoot up out of your chair and scream "Nooooo!" You dog is going to be a little startled by your actions and is going to be looking for something to get him out of trouble in a hurry. Run to where you keep his toys and say enthusiastically, "Get your toy!" Get your toy!" Then proceed to play with your dog for a short period of time with that toy. Try the whole scenario over and over until your dog walks through the living room, around the wrong items like it is a minefield. He will, you'll see. It does not take that long either.

The dog will now know that he sets you off by chewing on anything other than his toys, and you will play with him for touching the appropriate items. Don't forget to reward the proper behavior at all times. If your dog is lying there chewing on his toys, like a good dog should, tell him. Do not just wait for the dog to make a mistake so you can punish him.

Your dog is feeling frustrated by your behavior.

You just know that your dog is going to destroy your house the minute you walk out the door, so you tell him, "Please be good, I'll be back soon. Don't you chew on anything, you bad dog." You are emphasizing your departure by saying these things to your dog. Don't do it. I have two very simple rules for avoiding adding stress to your dog: Never say Goodbye. Never say Hello.

I know it's hard, but for your dog's sake you have to strive for this. Get up 1/2 hour earlier than usual. Walk, feed, and play with your dog all you want, until 1/2 hour before your departure from the house. Thirty minutes before you leave, do not talk, pet, or even look at your dog. He no longer exists.

When it is time to leave, stand up and get out of the house with not so much as a peep. Don't worry. In the 1/2 hour that you were ignoring your dog, he settled down, relaxed and started to nap. Good.

On your arrival home, walk in the door and do not acknowledge your dog. You can let your dog out to relieve himself, but otherwise give him a totally neutral reception. After the dog has calmed down, you can calmly crouch down and pay attention to your dog. You're glad to see him, and to say he is glad to see you is an understatement. However, relieving the stressful anticipation of your departures and arrivals is the key to stopping a frustrated dog from chewing.

Giving your dog the wrong types of chew toys.
Never give your dog anything that he can destroy easily. Socks, old shoes, and frequently, rawhide encourage destructive behavior. If your dog spends a great deal of time shredding toys, you will know you have a problem. Choose toys that cannot be dismantled.

Ok, so your dog has a chewing problem. He is frustrated, confused or simply bored. He is not mad at you. He is not spiteful or seeking revenge, no matter how it appears at that time. Reduce stress, clarify what is his to chew, and confine the dog to a crate or cage when nobody is present to supervise his activities. You will see a great deal of improvement in a short period of time.

 

If you are experiencing difficult behavior with your puppy or adult dog, please contact us.  Most problem behaviors can be corrected.  We want to help and encourage a happy and healthy relationship for you and your dog for many years to come.

 

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