Stop My Dog from Chewing on Everything
You have had a long day and just want to go home and relax. What you see when you open the door is enough to make you cry.
Your dog has made a chew toy out of your sofa cushion. Enough is enough, it is time to get your puppy's chewing under control.
Training your puppy to stop chewing up everything in sight is a very important step in the whole training process. Dogs are naturally curious, and when bored, LOOK OUT! They will seek out and destroy, when given the opportunity, and most often, it will turn out to be your favorite shoes. Other tempting items are cords and cables, clothes and furniture.
Here are a few measures you can take to get the chewing under control...
Do not leave anything lying around that requires investigation by your puppy. It is too easy for you to not notice that shoe next to your bed or the towel hanging out of the laundry basket. Look at a room, as if through the eyes of your dog. You would be amazed at what you will see that would make a great chew toy. There are many dangers in your home, as well, that you probably don't even think about. But trust me, your dog will find them. The thought of electrocution from a cable or cord is not a pleasant thought. Also, as non-threatening as they seem, some plants, if eaten by your pet, can be toxic.
Get down to your dogs level (yes, on your hands and knees). I think you will be surprised at the temptations you will see at his level. This is your opportunity to get everything you can out of his reach. Think of it as baby proofing your home. If you cannot get certain things up and out of the way, like cables or cords, you can purchase an anti-chew spray for wires, furniture, etc. If possible, unplug as may cords and cables as you can.
When your pet is left alone be sure you leave him with chew toys. Do not give your dog items from around the house to chew on, such as an old shoe, piece of clothing or a rag. Doing this is like giving him a green light to chew on anything and everything in your house.
Puppies need both mental and physical activities. Do not allow your puppy to get bored. They have lots of energy and are always looking for ways to entertain themselves. Chewing seems to be the activity of choice. Start teaching him some basic tricks and that will take care of the mental exercise. As for the physical exercise, that's easy; play fetch or just let him run around in the yard while you are out there with him. Once he is pooped out, a good nap comes easy.
Make a trade for the forbidden item he is chewing on with one of his toys. When he accepts the trade, and begins chewing on the item, give him lots of affection and praise. Whatever you do, DO NOT ever hit or scream at your dog. That will just lead to more problems in the future. Your pet will learn much better with positive training and reinforcement.
Patience is what you will need in any training exercise. Also, be consistent with your training so there are no mixed signals. The last thing you want to do is confuse your dog.
Your dog has made a chew toy out of your sofa cushion. Enough is enough, it is time to get your puppy's chewing under control.
Training your puppy to stop chewing up everything in sight is a very important step in the whole training process. Dogs are naturally curious, and when bored, LOOK OUT! They will seek out and destroy, when given the opportunity, and most often, it will turn out to be your favorite shoes. Other tempting items are cords and cables, clothes and furniture.
Here are a few measures you can take to get the chewing under control...
Do not leave anything lying around that requires investigation by your puppy. It is too easy for you to not notice that shoe next to your bed or the towel hanging out of the laundry basket. Look at a room, as if through the eyes of your dog. You would be amazed at what you will see that would make a great chew toy. There are many dangers in your home, as well, that you probably don't even think about. But trust me, your dog will find them. The thought of electrocution from a cable or cord is not a pleasant thought. Also, as non-threatening as they seem, some plants, if eaten by your pet, can be toxic.
Get down to your dogs level (yes, on your hands and knees). I think you will be surprised at the temptations you will see at his level. This is your opportunity to get everything you can out of his reach. Think of it as baby proofing your home. If you cannot get certain things up and out of the way, like cables or cords, you can purchase an anti-chew spray for wires, furniture, etc. If possible, unplug as may cords and cables as you can.
When your pet is left alone be sure you leave him with chew toys. Do not give your dog items from around the house to chew on, such as an old shoe, piece of clothing or a rag. Doing this is like giving him a green light to chew on anything and everything in your house.
Puppies need both mental and physical activities. Do not allow your puppy to get bored. They have lots of energy and are always looking for ways to entertain themselves. Chewing seems to be the activity of choice. Start teaching him some basic tricks and that will take care of the mental exercise. As for the physical exercise, that's easy; play fetch or just let him run around in the yard while you are out there with him. Once he is pooped out, a good nap comes easy.
Make a trade for the forbidden item he is chewing on with one of his toys. When he accepts the trade, and begins chewing on the item, give him lots of affection and praise. Whatever you do, DO NOT ever hit or scream at your dog. That will just lead to more problems in the future. Your pet will learn much better with positive training and reinforcement.
Patience is what you will need in any training exercise. Also, be consistent with your training so there are no mixed signals. The last thing you want to do is confuse your dog.
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