Destructive Chewing and Dogs

Puppy chewing is normal behavior and the cause is gum pain. Chewing alleviates gum pain and subsides around six months. Chewing in an adult dog is a sign of nervousness, anxiety, stress or boredom.

The whys of destruction

Dogs chew for attention. Negative attention is still attention. Young adult dogs and puppies need training, mental stimulation, exercise and positive attention from owners. If a puppy or young adult dog is craving attention, and walking through the house carrying a shoe causes drama, such as a game of chase, the dog will continue to do this behavior because it satisfies a need. The dog is not trying to be destructive, but saying they want to play.

Dogs chew out of boredom

Boredom can be fixed by providing stimulating mental activities and training sessions throughout the day as well as proper chew toys in a proper environment. Dogs naturally forage and will go looking for something to do or to eat. Redirecting this natural instinct into constructive play periods satisfies the dog's needs and ends destructive chewing behavior.

Dogs chew when stressed or anxious

Being alone can cause a dog to become stressed or anxious. Chewing then becomes a way to get rid of built up energy, much like a person twirling their hair, doodling or nail biting. Extreme cases of stress or anxiety require a behavior trainer or behaviorist.

Dogs chew because it is natural

Dogs use their mouths for everything, just as people use their hands. They pick up, carry, taste and chew. If chewing feels good the dog will continue to do it. Teaching a dog what is proper to chew on is key to changing behavior. Dr. Ian Dunbar has a great technique titled "Error less Chew Toy Training" in his books "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" and from the newsletter Dog Star Daily.

How to prevent excessive chewing

Puppy and dog proof the home.

Supervise and provide off-limit areas.

Provide a safe zone where the dog can chew on acceptable toys and bones without interruption. Setting a specific time of day to chew, one the dog can look forward to, is another way to keep attention away from inappropriate chewing.

Provide exercise and mentally stimulating activities, to include a training time.

Train the dog or puppy as to what they can chew on. Chewing on toys such as Kongs, Nylabones, etc. can be as tiring as a 30-minute walk and keep a dog satisfied. On the market there are hollow, sterilized bones to which you can stuff treats into the ends. There are rope toys providing a different type of tactile sensation and much more. Just pick up any dog toy catalog, or walk into any pet store and there are aisles of satisfying chewing for a dog.

Reward behavior wanted, meaning reward not chewing on household items. Whenever the dog is chewing on their own toys, reward them with a tidbit and praise.

What if dog is already chewing on something

Trade for the object by providing a favorite toy, a piece of food or redirecting behavior with a favorite activity.

Be calm and don't resort to loud voice tones, chasing or creating drama. Create a positive reward-based environment for best results. Instead:

Turn head away and instead of heading straight for the dog, slowly arc out and around or in s-curves. These patterns are calming to dogs and are not confrontational. Pretending you don't notice and not creating negative drama will allow you to get increasingly closer before the dog notices you are there. At that time, you can do a trade, toss a yummy treat or toy to redirect attention while you pick up the object, or get dog involved in his favorite game of ball or Frisbee as you or someone else takes the object and moves it away.

Teaching the dog or puppy the right behavior, what you want them to do and what you want them to chew on will go a long way toward avoiding destructive chewing.