destructive chewing in dogs and how to fix it

Dealing with Destructive Chewing in Dogs

It is completely normal for puppies around the age of six months and thereabouts to chew on anything that it can get its teeth on. Items that are especially appealing to them include, but are not limited to shoes, furniture, rugs and plastic items that are hard enough. The reason behind this behavior is teething. Just as babies go through a teething phase when their teeth erupt, puppies also go through teething when their adult teeth start to come out to replace their baby teeth. Just like babies, the puppies’ teething will eventually go away when he does not feel the uncomfortable and sore feeling that usually comes when teeth are about to come out. 

Destructive chewing in adult dogs is a problem because this is not part of their normal behavior and there must be a cause why they do this. It is advisable to find out what the cause or causes are for this behavior in your grown dog. Experts have narrowed down several reasons why dogs become destructive chewers. Read through the probable causes and see which ones fit your scenario. You will be able to address the issue directly and correct the behavior of your dog before it gets out of hand.

Probable Causes for Destructive Chewing

One very possible cause for this behavior can be boredom or the lack of stimulation. Most dogs are eager to learn but may not be fully utilized to their full potential. Dogs that belong to the working breed have a higher inclination to become bored if they do not have anything to do for the whole day. This is because their genes and instinct are geared to work and to do things. Other breeds of dogs feel lonely when they are on their own and this may push them to do naughty things such as chewing on the carpet or the furniture and making a big mess. They are actually entertaining themselves because they feel bored and lonely.

Anxiety can also be the cause of destructive chewing and other destructive behavior in adult dogs. A big change in his life may have caused him to be anxious and afraid. Exposure to something which he does not particularly like or something that he is uncomfortable with can make him anxious, thus triggering the regression to puppyhood behavior. Stress and frustration can also be the cause of his chewing.

Lack of attention and company has also been cited as a possible cause for destructive chewing behavior in full grown dogs. Dogs have their own wants and needs just like us. Many of the domesticated dogs today yearn for human company as much as they like being with fellow canines.

Another probable reason for chewing is hunger. Some dog owners like their dogs to be as healthy as them and often restrict their food intake to maintain an average weight. All this is well and good if the “diet” is approved by your vet and meets the basic needs of your dog in terms of nutrition. Dogs often chew on things which they believe as nutritious or as something that they can eat. Your four legged friend has age old instincts when it comes to coping with nutritional needs. Do not be surprised to see a nutritionally deprived dog eating grass or plants to supplement themselves. The problem with this is that not all things can be digested by dogs or are healthy to eat, they just smell good.

Fixing Destructive Chewing

Before you run out of shoes, slippers and furniture, it is best to realize the issue of destructive chewing in your full grown dog and fix it. Ignoring the behavior is a longshot which does not usually work and may even cause the issue to escalate. Come to terms that your dog may have a problem and try to solve it for him since dogs are usually dependent on humans when it comes to these kinds of issues.

Do not hit your dog or inflict any kind of pain on him when you return home and see your $200 shoes all chewed up. Experts suggest taking away the ruined shoes and “claiming” them. Since you are considered the leader of your canine friend, it is important to stake your claim on things. A clear way of staking your claim is to appear dominant while firmly and clearly saying no when you get the shoes. Appearing dominant is different from appearing threatening so please be careful doing this since a male dog might try to rise to the challenge if he feels threatened.

Please do not leave your dog in a crate or tied up in the yard for hours on end. Both can cause him to be more frustrated and even turn him aggressive towards you or anybody else. 

If he has been chewing on the furniture, you might want to consult your vet or pet store supplier regarding taste deterrents which you can apply on the furniture legs. You might like to store some of your more expensive area rugs and other things which might catch his attention, while you are trying to fix the issue of destructive chewing.

This being said, it would be a good idea to get him some things of his own to chew on and vent his frustrations on. Providing a chew toy, can be a way that he feels that he owns something. Try to emphasize that these things belong to him and play with him using the toys. Follow his lead when it comes to what he wants to do with the toy. If he takes them away from you and tries to hide them, let him. He is also staking his claim on it.

Addressing the Behavior

Please note if the destructive chewing behavior happens only when you are out. If this is the case, he might be bored and might just need some form of stimulation. You might like to arrange a walker for your dog for the most part of the morning so he can be stimulated with the sights and sounds of the city as well as associate with other dogs. He will also be tired from the walk and be less prone to destructive behavior when he gets home. If you do not like the idea of a walker, try to give him an interactive toy which may entertain him for a few hours. Some toys can be loaded with food and he will need to shift the position of the toy in order for the food to come out bit by bit. Natural bones which are specifically chosen as chew toys as well as rawhide toys can also offer hours of chewing entertainment for your buddy. Edible chews may need to be given only when you are there to supervise your dog, these can be a choking hazard if he bites off a large portion.

If your dog is chewing even when you are at home, he might be anxious or stressed out about something or he might be frustrated about something. You will know if your dog is anxious, stressed out or frustrated because his behavior will be different from his usual self. He might act skittish or nervous about a lot of things or he might even be menacing even with you. Try to think back to what might have caused this; maybe you just transferred to a new place or his canine buddy might have moved or passed away. If this is the case, pay more attention to your dog to reassure him that all is well.

You might also think that he is actively seeking your attention when he destroys things and chews on them. He might bring you the ruined item or be proud of what he has done. If he does this, allot a half hour or an hour of play time with your dog for the morning and another hour of just bonding and grooming at night. Dogs love to be groomed and petted.

If you have your dog on a strict diet, he might be lacking some nutrients which your special diet might not supply. Consult your vet or a dog nutrition expert regarding healthy and nutritious foods. You might be asked to supplement his diet with the vitamins and minerals which it lacks. These will be able to curb his need for the missing vitamins and minerals. Once you see an improvement on his chewing behavior, stick to the supplements.

Please bear in mind that destructive chewing behavior and other kinds of destructive behavior in dogs need to be addressed for their mental health and well being. Observe your dog and try to help him as much as you can. If you are busy at work, it will benefit your canine buddy to have someone with him at home even if this is just the cleaning lady or a dog walker. You might also ask some of your friends and relatives to drop by your place once in awhile to check on him.

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