Controlling Dog Chewing Problems

When you leave the house do you return to find your pup or dog has been busy chewing on your stuff? If this is happening in  your house, you will want to train him not to do that anymore.

If we think about it, it is pretty easy to understand why puppies and younger dogs can be so destructive. We should use ability to understand why a puppy is chewing to help control the damage.All  puppies go through a teething process and chewing things helps them deal with the discomforts of teething. Puppies and young dogs up to age 3 are definitely going to have more chewing urges than an older dog. However, a dog of any age may chew just to be doing something to  pass the time. Your dog may be doing some chewing just because he is bored or lonely and under-exercised. Whichever reason is relevant to your dog or pup, you can learn some easy ways to control dog chewing.

Here are some tips on how to stop dog chewing problems at your house.

• The very easiest method is to dog-proof your house by keeping your pet outside in the enclosed yard-at least when you are away and can’t supervise what he’s getting into. If you prefer to keep your dog inside while you are away, make sure to keep those smaller chewable items he likes somewhere out of reach from your pet. Closing all the houses inner doors is a simple and common sense way to eliminate many of the temptations from your dog’s reach. Keep your shoes in a closed closet. Likewise keep your remote controls, books, cell phones, etc., out of reach by putting up on a higher shelf. Of course, be certain to keep all your foodstuff put away in the cabinets and out of reach. For a larger size dog, obviously you will have to put things higher up to keep out of his reach. Since your dog can stand up on his hind legs, make sure you consider that when putting something tempting away.

• Give your pet a few alternative items to work out his chewing needs on.Get your pet some chew toys as a preferable alternative to your shoes. My pets have a chew toy called the Kong, and this has become their favorite chewable. the Kong is an odd shaped ball like toy with a hollow center that I like to put peanut butter into. My dogs will spend a long time trying to get at the treat inside. Because of its odd shape,the Kong  also bounces like crazy when you throw it, and makes a great fetch toy. It is a good idea to have a variety of chew toys so he doesn’t get bored with only one toy. Just make sure he has his toys to chew and you will find that his chewing up your things will be much less of a problem.

• If you catch him in the act of chewing something that is off limits, like your cell phone, you should immediately stop your dog from chewing it. One way to do this is to make a loud clapping sound with your hands and say “no” in a firm (but not angry) voice. This serves to get his attention. He’ll know he is doing something you don’t like. Be sure not to hit or yell at your doggy. The point is to correct him, not to scare him. Instead of yelling, stay calm and exchange whatever hie is chewing on and replace it with his Kong or other chew toy. As he accepts the new toy in his mouth, give him lots of praise. He’ll start to get the idea that while some things are OK to chew on,  others aren’t. Dogs are smart, and it won’t take log before he recognizes that he gets praise and a reward for acting appropriately. Sort of like us people. Be sure not to punish your dog for something he chewed earlier while you were not at home. Don’t correct your dog’s behavior unless you catch them in the act of digging something prohibited. Dogs live in the moment, and of course won’t understand why you are mad if he is not doing anything wrong when you are correcting him. By correcting him after he has already stopped the problem activity, you will only confuse your doggy, not help solve the problem.

I sure hope these tips will help you save your things from the sharp teeth of your puppy or dog. For more advice and tips on training and problem solving for your dog please click here www.BehaveDoggy.com.

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