Is Your Puppy or Dog Chewing You Out Of House and Home? Things You Can Do To Stop It!

Do you have a problem with your dog or puppy chewing things they shouldn`t be chewing?

Many dog owners have had their furniture, shoes, and other non-food items ruined because of this behaviour, but why are they doing this?

For a puppy, it could be that he is bored, wanting your attention, or most times, simply because he is teething, and the same reasons apply to an adult dog, except for the teething. You must first make sure your fur baby is healthy with a quick vet-check. Like cats, dogs can have the condition called Pica, which is the chewing of non-food items.

Once the vet has determined this is not the case, try to figure out why the dog is chewing things. If you have a puppy, know this is normal behaviour as he must cut his teeth and chewing enables him to do this. He could just be curious, so take in to account your dog`s age.

One thing you need to do is make sure the dog or puppy is getting enough exercise. Dogs need to be exercised/walked on a daily basis. Depending on the breed, as to how much as some breeds are much more active than other, but on average, a 30 minute walk each day should be sufficient. You can also play with him by throwing a ball or Frisbee, which will more than likely be more fun for both of you.

Give them their own things to chew, preferably indestructible toys that encourage chewing, there are many chew toys available today that can be bought from your vet or a good pet store, so take some time and find some great indestructible toys for your fur baby.This type of toy will also stimulate their busy mind and help to meet their learning needs.

Some great toy types are the Kong and Solid activity balls, Tuff toys as they can all withstand a strong jaw and you can fill them with treats for your fur babies to get out.

Try a different toy every day, to keep them interested, don’t give all the toys to your puppy or dog at once, change them around each day so they don't get bored with one particular toy. 

Another fun idea is in the hotter months you can freeze some of their favourite foods, or some yogurt or cheese, this will take longer for them to eat and keep them occupied for longer.

Try and keep things you don’t want them to chew away and well out of reach if possible, if not try applying a bitter taste to anything you don`t want chewed, use something like white vinegar, deterrent or lemon juice which can be bought at your local supermarket, place it in a spray bottle and spray those items, this should stop them.

Never give your fur baby attention for chewing something they shouldn’t have, they are bright and will learn that some things get them attention. Just quietly swap it for one of their own toys.