We adore our pups, but we just don’t understand why they love to chew on our shoes, wires, etc. How can we get them to break this habit? Here are some tips.
Create a Soothing Environment
Dogs often chew on things around the house because they’re stressed. You can ease this stress by creating a soothing environment. A calming diffuser, a white noise machine, or the distant sound of music or TV may ease your dog’s feelings. Do some trial and error to see what works for your furry friend.
Give Your Dog Physical and Mental Exercise
Another common reason dogs chew on items around the house is boredom. They need something to entertain themselves! But your pup can’t be bored if they’re tired. This brings us to our next suggestion: Give your dog physical and mental exercise so they’d rather nap than chew! Daily walks, outdoor time, sniffing, lick pads, Kong toys, and more help with stimulation.
Dog-Proof Your Home
A great way to keep your dog away from items you don’t want destroyed is to dog-proof your home. This will help show your fur baby what areas are fair game and what things should be left alone. Use a pet gate to keep them in a “safe” area with a bed, a water bowl, and toys.
Create a DIY Spray to Deter Them
If your efforts are unsuccessful, consider purchasing or making a deterrent spray. Spray a DIY apple cider vinegar spray (one part apple cider vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle) on areas you don’t want your dog to chew on.
Consider Professional Training
Sometimes, the things you’ll do as a pet owner won’t phase your dog. This is when you may want to consider hiring a professional to alleviate the situation. During training sessions, your pup will be introduced to effective methods to prevent chewing. Remember: obedience and behavior changes take time, so patience is necessary.
Do you have any tips for stopping your dog from chewing on things? Share them with us in the comments below!