Five Easy Ways to Prevent Your Dog Or Puppy From Destructive Chewing
Most dogs, especially puppies, will chew and destroy something you love, and most of the time its something not easily replaceable. I remember when I first got Choco, my now 2 year old mini dachshund, who loved to chew on my $400 rug. Well, it wasn’t until he completely destroyed one corner of the rug that I decided to take matters into my own hands. I researched various dog training books and videos and eventually came across Secrets to Dog Training where I learned the proper techniques to stopping destructive chewing. The following is what I learned.
There are three basic reasons why many dogs chew:
- For one dogs are simply born with the instinct to chew, because it is furn, and it passes the time, especially if they are indoor dogs that live in a small apartment or condo.
- Chewing also provides an outlet to sooth any anxiousness.
- However, the biggest reason for excessive chewing is caused by an under exercised dog.
So here are some positive training techniques to prevent any further destructive chewing:
1. Control your surroundings by managing your own possessions. Your first step in preventing your dog from chewing should be to puppy-proof your home. Puppy-proofing your home involves taking whatever you do not want your dog to get a hold of and make it inaccessible. Putting your valuables in a closet, or in a storage bin is also an easy and cheap way to protect your valuables.
2. Don’t blur the boundaries between your dog’s toys and your possessions, therefore, do not offer your dog any old shoes or towels to chew and play with.
3. Always remember to provide your dog or puppy with lots of alternatives. Have a specified area of where you keep a few of his favorite toys.
4. A big key to success is to spend lots of time in active supervision. Your dog can not learn what you expect of them if they are in a crate, because they need the opportunity to explore the boundaries.
5. When you do catch your puppy chewing, immediately interrupt them by making a loud noise and tell them sternly, “NO.” Then, immediately your dog an appropriate chewing alternative and give them some love and attention.
Always remember to keep your expectations realistic because there is likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by your dog’s curiosity.
For more information on “Secrets to Dog Training” and dog training tips, check out The Perfect Dog.