Home Based Dog Training

Healthy Dog Chewing

Chewing is not a problem and thus should not be treated like one. It is a very natural habit of every dog on this planet.
The right training and a few precautions successfully reduces the dog chewing and the damages caused by it. Never to forget, any loss occurred due to dogs chewing is not his mistake; it is your fault.
To treat the issue, you must be aware of the causes behind it.

Reason Behind Chewing

•  Lonesomeness

Dog is a social animal. He loves to play, go out on walks, and interact with other people in family and friends. If left alone for long hours, the dogs suffer from boredom and become restless. As they cannot count the stars, they chose to chew. They may pick any item, whether your shoe, magazine or any thing from your kitchen collection. It is their way of releasing stress and energy and any healthy dog will do so in these circumstances.

• Lack Of Attention

Even if the dog is not alone at home, he becomes anxious if he feels unattended. Like for example, if you are continuously busy with some important phone call for long hours, your dog tends to become apprehensive and fearful and hence will start to chew.
 

•  Teething

When your small puppy completes his four moths of age, he began to shed his baby teeth and grow the elder ones. Like the human babies, the puppies also suffer from a lot of irritation in their gums and get much relieved on chewing.
 

• Abhorrence

No living being can stand hatred. The dogs that are being scolded more than often, feels being disliked and develops chewing in the form of behavioural problem.

 

•  Attention Seekers

These innocent creatures do not understand when you are busy and when you can play. Your dog will expect the family members to play with him till the time he is asleep. Many dogs tend to chew to seek the attention of their master.

•  Chewing Naturally

Even in the absence of any of the above mentioned scenario, the dog may get into chewing. Canines to dog are same as hands to man. A dog identifies holds and characterizes every object through his mouth only. The chewing helps the dog to keep his teeth and gums strong and healthy. And thus is will not be unjust to say, chewing is the dog’s need and proper dog chewing is ours.
 

Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

•  Puppy Proof Place

On the day you plan to bring home the pup, make your house puppy proof. That means, keep all the chewable accessories far away from the reach of your pup. Keep the shoes in closed shoe racks, socks in locked closet, kitchen utensils in drawers and small decorative items in the locker!

• Environmental factors

If situations like boredom or anxiety is the cause behind chewing, treat it before it becomes a behaviour hazard of your beloved pet.

1.  Spend a good amount of time with him.
2.  Why to scold when he can get mould?
3.  Train him to stay at his kennel or crate in your absence.
4.  Tell him “No” every time he picks on the wrong item and praise him when chews the correct toy.

• Chewable Supplies

Now that you have made the dog’s favourite chewing item inaccessible, you need to supplement the same. Give your dog a generous number of chewing toys.

•  Consult Vet

If dog’s chewing habit does not reduce even after taking the above mentioned measures, take your dog to the vet to ensure he is not having any gum ailments.

Tips

1.  Do not give the dog your old shoes or socks to chew as he cannot differentiate between the old and the new ones.
2. Take him for long walks. This will help him release his energy and will keep you fit.
3. Do not give him any breakable or choking toy. It could be injurious.
4. In your absence, leave them in cosy places. It gives the dog a secured feel and reduces his anxiety.

 


Toy Wonders

Correct toys can completely transform the chewing habit of the dog.

•  Generous Supply

Litter your dog’s room with variety of rubber toys, like rubber bones, chewing rings etc, all of different shapes and sizes. Encourage your dog to play with them regularly.

•  Hidden Rewards

Pick a few hollow fill toys and hide treat like cheese or liver portions or food inside it. This trick engages the dog for long hours thus taking care of his chewing needs. Spreading some favourite butter over the toys also encourages him to play with and chew them. Soak the kong toys or long marrow bones in soups of different flavours and allow you dog to enjoy the last drop of its taste.

• You Play, They Play

Hide the toys and make your dog find them. This technique develops his interest in his toys.

• Pat and Praise

Always praise them when they pick the correct toy to chew. This will help him to associate the toys with the good things and will play with them in your absence also, thus leaving the rest of the house untouched.

•  Tricky Tricks

If you find your dog picking some undesirable chewing stuff, shoot a squirt from the water pistol at him. Make him feel that it has come from the object and he will immediately leave it.

Tips:
1. Sterilize the dog’s toys for half an hour in the boiling water before giving it to the dog. In ensures dog’s good health.
2. Do not let your little pup run free every where in the house until he becomes aware of chewable items. This will surely reduce the chewed damage!