Chew-Proof Your Home: Solutions for Dogs That Won’t Stop Biting

Summary:

Destructive chewing is a common problem with dogs, often caused by boredom, anxiety or teething. This guide has practical solutions to protect your home including providing chew toys, exercise and deterrents. By understanding the reasons and implementing these solutions you can redirect your dog’s chewing habits and have a peaceful home.

Introduction: When Chewing Becomes a Problem

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs but becomes a problem when your belongings are the target. Whether it’s gnawed furniture legs or shredded shoes, understanding why your dog chews destructively is the first step to prevention.

Understanding Destructive Chewing

• Teething: Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of emerging teeth.

• Boredom: Lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead dogs to find their own entertainment through chewing.

• Anxiety: Stress or separation anxiety can manifest as destructive chewing.

• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs chew to get a reaction from their owners.

• Hunger: Dogs on calorie restricted diets may chew objects in search of extra nutrients.

How to Chew-Proof Your Home

1. Provide Chew Toys

Offering chew toys can redirect your dog’s chewing to acceptable items. My Mutt Life has a range of durable and fun toys:

• KONG Classic Dog Toy: A tough rubber toy that can be stuffed with treats to keep your dog occupied.

• Nylabone Power Chew: Designed for aggressive chewers, this toy helps clean teeth and control plaque.

• Benebone Wishbone: Made with real flavours like bacon, this chew toy is tough and tasty.

2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Regular physical activity and mental challenges can reduce boredom induced chewing. Add daily walks, play sessions and training exercises to your dog’s routine.

3. Deterrents

Applying safe deterrent sprays to items you don’t want your dog to chew can be effective. Products like bitter apple sprays are designed to discourage chewing through unpleasant tastes.

4. Dog-Proof Your Home

Keep valuable and dangerous items out of your dog’s reach. Use baby gates or crates to block access to certain areas when unsupervised.

5. Redirect and Reward

If you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t be, calmly redirect them to a chew toy and praise them when they chew on it.

When to Get Help

If your dog continues to chew despite your efforts, consult a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist. They can give you specific solutions to fix the behaviour.

Conclusion 

Now you know why your dog chews and how to protect your belongings and keep your dog happy and healthy.

Shop our full range of tough dog toys and enrichment products at My Mutt Life.