Stop Dog Chewing Destruction NOW

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When Dogs Play Alone

When a human is bored and wants to spend time entertaining oneself in a solitary fashion, they have a variety of options to keep them entertained, from reading a book to playing a game. Dogs, however, relieve boredom through a different approach in keeping entertained, from chewing a book to chewing on a game. Dogs chew. It's just a part of life for them. But knowing what to chew on may not always be as obvious an answer.

The Need to Chew

Chewing actually serves an important function. Dogs need to chew in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and to maintain good jaw strength. It is also important for puppies to get chew though painful teething periods. While chewing is important to a dog's well being, destructive chewing is a habit that needs to be controlled and disciplined. There are four steps to lead a dog into more constructive chewing.

The Fours Steps of Chewing

The four steps of stopping destructive chewing are: Prevent, interrupt, redirect, and praise.

• Prevent: It is important for a dog owner to dog proof their home, especially with puppies. Dog owners will be absolutely stunned with the level of creativity that dogs can show in making chewing selections, because anything goes. If an owner can remove it, then it is recommended to do so. It also helps to use a deterrent spray.
• Interrupt: Leave it, Drop it and No are three vitally important commands to teach a dog for any situation. It is important to help a dog learn to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable. This may include leaving out items that are yours to help tell the difference. These commands also help when trying to get a dog to drop something dangerous or foul.
• Redirect: This step teaches a dog which items are theirs, and that they can do with these items as they please (such as chew them to bits). Once an inappropriate item has been removed from their mouth, replace it with an appropriate toy. A dog will prefer certain toys over others, so it is important to figure out which ones are the favorites. Toys such as ropes or rubber balls stuffed with food are usually good for the teeth.
• Praise: An obvious but crucial step, praising a dog for good behavior will get them to repeat more positive and acceptable actions.

Continued Chewing Problems

If a dog is still chewing after attempting to modify their behavior, it could mean that there is a larger underlying issue. Excessive chewing is usually the result of nervous energy. This is usually a sign of lack of exercise. As with people, dogs need exercise and to go outside. Setting up a solid exercise regimen will help to get rid of some of that nervous energy, and well as maintain proper canine health.

Working through the Chewing Phase

Fortunately for dog owners, the chewing stage is usually just a phase that can be grown out of after a while, once they are properly trained in chewing etiquette.

Sources:

http://www.k9calendars.com/articles/dogchewing.htm

Photo Credit: schwa23