Getting a new puppy is such an exciting and enjoyable process! They bring added love, joy and happiness into our lives and become a much-loved family member. However, they do come with some downsides and them attacking your favourite pieces of furniture, shoes or clothing is definitely one of them! Especially when your pup is left alone, you may have noticed that they seem to want to chew everything in sight and somehow know which items are your favourite and attack these more! To prevent this, you need to determine why your pup is chewing constantly and how to prevent it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide; we’ll cover everything you need to know about why dogs chew things they shouldn’t and how to stop it for good!
Why Does Your Pooch Chew Things They Shouldn’t?
The age of your pup may determine why they want to chew your household items. However, it’s important to rule out any health problems your dog may have first, before trying other methods to stop it. For many dogs, chewing household items is a way to cope with anxiety and stress. Much like humans, when dogs feel anxious or frightened, they want to release their tension onto something else – hence the chewing! Your dog excessively chewing may also be a sign that he or she is experiencing nutritional deficiencies, so we always recommend that you take your pooch to the vet to get thoroughly tested for these things if you’re concerned.
However, for many dogs, they’re simply doing what comes naturally to them. For puppies, chewing things is often a way for them to cope with the pain of teething. Biting down on fabric or hard surfaces helps the teeth to break through, relieving any tension that they’re currently feeling in their gums.
For older dogs, the process of biting down is actually a natural instinct that many dogs have. Ultimately, it strengthens their jaws and keeps their teeth strong and healthy. In the wild, this would ensure that they were ready for any fights from potential predators, whilst also maintaining healthy teeth that would reduce the risk of any infection.
How to Stop It
Although it may be a perfectly natural thing for your dog to do, it doesn’t mean that it’s any less of a nuisance for you! Luckily, there are a few ways to stop your dog chewing on things that they shouldn’t!
Use “Leave It”
Nobody likes telling their pooch off, but sometimes, it really is necessary. Simply adopting a stern tone of voice will demonstrate to your dog that they’ve done something wrong, and in time, they will be less inclined to do the same. Dogs also respond better to commands that end with a short, sharp sound, so teaching them to “leave it” can be quite effective. However, we’re sure many of you have tried this method without success - especially if you have a particularly stubborn dog! Thankfully, there are a few other methods that you could try…
Buy Chew Toys and Give Plenty of Rewards
If your pooch has nothing of their own to chew, it’s no wonder they’re chewing bits of furniture, shoes, or clothing! Buying your dog chew toys will encourage your pup to use these to bite on, instead of your possessions! In addition to this, it’s important that you reward your dog for chewing their toys, so they can see the direct comparison between the reaction they get from chewing household items to chewing their own toys. In time, this will make your dog only want to use their toys, as they understand it is the right thing to do!
Invest in Chew Deterrent Spray
If you’re looking for an instant fix, investing in a chew deterrent spray will ensure your pooch stays away from your precious items for good! Pretty Pooch Chew Repel has a bitter lemon taste that can be sprayed on most materials and surfaces. Its natural lemon taste will not leave any foul odours around your house, it will simply deter your pooch from wanting to gnaw on the treated areas! Our Chew Repel is also extremely effective at stopping your dog from chewing any bandages they may have from recent accidents or surgeries, making sure the wound remains covered and protected until it has had enough time to recover!
Spend Quality Time with Your Pooch
As previously mentioned, chewing can be your dog’s coping mechanism for stress, anxiety and even boredom! Making sure that your pooch has plenty of time to have quality time with you is sure to decrease their levels of boredom and anxiety, as they can play and cuddle with you! All dogs deserve the best care and attention and doing so will ensure your dog has a healthy and happy life, which may reduce the amount of time they spend gnawing on the items they shouldn’t!
Browse Our Range of Products
To find out more about our Chew Repel or any of our grooming products, browse our website today. Our Chew Repel is second to none and all of our grooming products are suitable for all dog breeds, and designed with sensitive skin in mind!
