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Destructive Dog Behavior

Dogs are exploring the world with their mouths. Chewing can be learned – it is your responsibility to manage the situation as much as possible, so he doesn’t have the opportunity to chew on unacceptable objects.

Taking Control

Take responsibility for your own belongings. If you don’t want it in your dog’s mouth, don’t make it available. Keep everything out of your dog’s reach.

Don’t confuse your dog by offering him shoes, socks, toys or something else and then expect him to obey. Your dog’s toys should be different from household goods.
Until he learns the house rules, choose a “safe place” that is dog proof with fresh water and “safe” toys.
Give your dog plenty of time. Your dog will not behave properly if you don’t teach him alternatives to inappropriate behavior and he can’t learn these in the yard by himself.
Take your dog to an obedience class to teach him important commands, like “leave it.”
This will help your dog burn off some excess energy.
If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn’t, interrupt him with a loud noise and offer him an acceptable chew toy instead. When he takes the toy in his mouth, praise him lavishly.
Have expectations – your dog will sometimes chew up something you value.
Chewing is normal teething behavior. If not, dogs will engage in destructive behavior for a variety of reasons. You must first determine why your dog is being destructive.

Play and Social Isolation

Normal play behavior can result in destruction as: digging, chewing, shredding or shaking
toy like objects.
Your dog may be chewing for entertainment if:

• He’s left alone for long time without any interaction with you or other family members.
• His environment is barren, without playmates or toys.
• He’s a puppy or under 3 years old and he doesn’t have other outlets for his energy.
• He’s a particularly active type of dog who needs an active lifestyle to be happy.

Advices

Play with your dog daily in a safe area if you don’t have a yard. Fetch is a great game that will use all of your dogs energy without wearing you out!
Go for a walk, more than just “bathroom time”. Leash walks are important opportunities to be together. Don’t forget to allow time for sniffing, exploring, instruction and praise.

How To Stop Dog From Chewing?

Teach your dog a few commands and tricks. Practice them daily and take an obedience class.
Provide your dog with lots of toys. Rotate toys to refresh his interest in them. “New” toys are always more interesting than old ones.
Try different kinds of toys. Watch your dog to make sure he won’t tear it up and eat pieces.
Consider the various types of toys that can be stuffed with food. Putting food inside chew toys focuses your dog’s chewing activities on these toys instead of on unacceptable objects.
Make your dog’s favorite chew objects unattractive to him by covering them with heavy plastic, aluminum foil, hot pepper sauce or “anti-chew” product.
Consider a good day care program for two or three days a week to work off some of your dog’s energy.

We wish you a plenty of funny days with your dog!!!

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