Dogs chewing on everything from shoes to furniture is a common issue that many pet owners face. While chewing is a natural behavior, excessive chewing can become destructive. Understanding why your dog chews will help you address the behavior effectively. This guide explains the most common causes of chewing, ways to stop it, and helpful tips for managing it.
Why Dogs Chew: The Most Common Reasons
1. Teething (Puppies 2–6 Months Old)
Puppies chew because their gums are sore as new teeth emerge. Signs include excessive mouthing, drooling, red or swollen gums, and chewing soft items like blankets or slippers. Provide soft rubber or silicone teething toys and frozen chew toys for relief.
2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Dogs need physical and mental activity. Without it, they may chew on furniture, shoes, or other objects out of boredom. Increase walks, playtime, and use interactive toys like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. Rotate toys weekly to keep them engaging.
3. Separation Anxiety & Stress Chewing
Chewing can be a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, especially with separation anxiety. Signs include chewing when you leave, whining, pacing, or chewing personal items for comfort. Solutions include creating a calm space, slow desensitization to alone time, and using calming products such as Luluspot Calming Spray or calming chews.
4. Natural Instinct to Chew
Dogs chew to clean their teeth, strengthen their jaws, and relieve energy. High-energy breeds and power chewers often need appropriate outlets. Provide durable chew toys or dental chews like Luluspot’s Dental Chews to satisfy natural chewing instincts.
5. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs may chew to get attention if they notice it gets a reaction from you. Signs include chewing only when you’re around or looking at you while destroying something. Reward chewing on appropriate items instead of punishing unwanted chewing.
6. Hunger or Nutritional Deficiency
Some dogs chew due to hunger or nutrient deficiencies. Signs include chewing right before mealtime or persistent chewing despite adequate attention. Feed a balanced diet, maintain a proper feeding schedule, and consult your vet if necessary.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything
1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Offer a variety of safe chew toys suited to your dog’s size and chewing strength. Include rubber toys, rope toys, and dental chews. Luluspot’s Durable Chew Toys are ideal for keeping dogs engaged and preventing destructive chewing.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog when they chew on appropriate toys with praise, treats, or playtime. Positive reinforcement encourages good chewing behavior.
3. Redirect, Don’t Scold
Calmly redirect your dog from chewing inappropriate items to a chew toy. Consistent redirection teaches them what is okay to chew.
4. Doggy-Proof Your Home
Reduce temptation by putting shoes and bags away, covering cords, using bitter sprays on furniture, and blocking access to rooms.
5. Increase Exercise and Mental Enrichment
Tired dogs chew less. Provide daily walks, interactive play, and puzzle toys. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.
6. Manage Anxiety with Calming Products
For anxiety-related chewing, calming aids can reduce stress and destructive behaviour. Luluspot’s Calming Chews
7. Consider Crate Training for Safety
When done correctly, crate training provides a safe environment and prevents destructive chewing when unsupervised.
Conclusion
Destructive chewing can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Understanding why your dog chews, whether due to teething, boredom, anxiety, or natural instinct, will help you redirect the behaviour. Provide appropriate chew toys, increase mental and physical stimulation, manage stress, and use positive reinforcement to encourage healthy chewing habits.
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Give your dog the care, comfort, and attention they deserve without the destructive chewing!
FAQ
1. Why does my dog chew everything?
Dogs chew for various reasons including teething, boredom, stress, anxiety, attention-seeking, natural instinct, or nutritional deficiencies.
2. How can I stop my puppy from chewing?
Provide appropriate chew toys, redirect chewing to safe items, use positive reinforcement, and ensure your puppy gets enough exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Can chewing be a sign of anxiety?
Yes. Dogs often chew to relieve stress or cope with separation anxiety. Creating a calm environment and offering comfort can help reduce anxiety-related chewing.
4. Are all chew toys safe for dogs?
No. Chew toys should be chosen according to your dog’s size, age, and chewing strength. Avoid toys that can break into small pieces or cause choking.
5. How do I stop my dog from chewing furniture and shoes?
Redirect your dog to appropriate chew toys, use positive reinforcement when they chew the right items, and remove tempting objects from their reach. Consistency is key.
6. Can dental chews help with chewing habits?
Yes. Dental chews satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts while promoting oral health and reducing destructive chewing behavior.