Archive for May, 2009

Train Your Dog to Stop Chewing

Every pet owner knows that the chewing habits of a dog can be very frustrating. At one point in your life as a pet owner, you have to stop your dog’s annoying habit of chewing anything it sets its eyes on. Although a puppy or a dog chewing can be perfectly normal and natural behavior for them, don’t let it come to the point where you constantly worry about the welfare of your expensive couch or your $3000 howard miller clocks2.

Why do Dogs Chew?

Dogs chew on just about anything they can find – from shoes to mattresses to doors. So, why do dogs chew? The chewing habits of your dog can root from several different reasons. It can be the product of boredom or loneliness and even separation anxiety. Sometimes when you work long hours each day, your dog gets lonely and bored when left alone at your house. This results in him chewing your belongings.

Another reason is when your dog is teething. Dogs who seek attention or developed a fear normally chew. Furthermore, your dog will chew on something whenever you come home due to anticipation of your arrival. This can be a very dangerous habit for the dog and extremely frustrating for the owners. Luckily there are many techniques that you can do to prevent this from happening.

Prevent Your Dog from Chewing

In treating most dog problems, it is always better to prevent these problems from happening in the first place. Firstly, if you have any kind of antique or expensive furniture in your home like howard miller clocks, vases or carpets, you must remove them for the entire duration of your doggy training.

Next, provide your dog with tasty chew toys that are easily available at pet shops. If you don’t want your dog to destroy your beloved cabinets, better give him or her something else to chew. You can also toss these chew toys around along with some tasty treats for your dogs to help in the training process.

Also, remember to spare some time with your dog. Dedicate at least one hour each day for your dog’s exercise. Play games or teach your dog some tricks. This can do a lot of help with his obedience training.

Learn to Stop the Problem

Once you can’t prevent the habit, you can always stop it. One thing you can do is to coat your furniture with foul tasting and non-toxic substance. If your dog has a liking for your collection of Bulova Clocks, coat the feet of the table or cabinet displaying your collection with some cayenne pepper or bitter apple.

Another method you can try is to firmly say “no” to your dog once you catch him or her in the act of chewing. However, make sure that you provide your dog with something else to chew on. Once you consistently follow the mentioned techniques, your dog will be chewing only chew toys in no time.