IS YOUR DOG CHEWING UP ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS?

A dog wanting to chew on things is an absolutely natural thing for them to want to do. I would like to define what I call "destructive dog chewing" at this time. Your dog(s) chewing up your shoes and household goods, such as sofa skirts or legs on furniture pieces, is not only destructive dog chewing it is also quite irritating besides. There are THREE REASONS WHY DOGS CHEW:
1. Most dogs have an innate need to chew. It's quite fun, it passes time, and it's a self-rewarding (it's YUMMY!), self-reinforcing activity.
2. It is an outlet for their emotions(I am not happy with you, I wanted to PLAY). Chewing provides a high strung, uninterested, or ignored dog a way to vent their feelings. The continuous act of chewing is reassuring to them - it's the canine equivalent of comfort food.
3. This is an avenue for them to burn up energy and provide themselves with a task to do, especially prevalent trait in an under exercised dog.

STOP YOUR DOG FROM CHEWING

Your dog is completely capable of learning not to chew up your belongings. This does require some effort on your part. If you are not willing to invest time in your pet, YOU SHOULD NOT OWN ONE!

Control the environment,dog proof your residence: Manage your pssessions. Step one should be to dog proof your residence. Even with the best-behaved dog in the galaxy, there is absolutely no reason to test their self-control. Know this, dogs investigate the planet with their noses and mouths. Managing your own belongings means taking whatever you don't want them to have in their mouths, and placing them where the dog cannot get at them. Consider the dimensions and dexterity of your dog when deciding where is out of reach. Can your dog jump onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall are they when standing on their back
legs? General chew items in the home consist of trash, shoes, books, clothing, and small plastic appliances (cameras, cell phones, and remote
controls. All food needs to be put firmly away. Do not leave snacks on low tables or even counter tops. You will be astonished at how determined a dog can be with food to be had. Put these temptations into containers or in the pantry or cabinets. This is how to "dog proof your residence".

Do Not Let Your Dog Learn to Enjoy Chewing

Keep your dog from discovering the euphoria of destructive dog chewing chewing. The more times they manage to procure a mouthful of an non approved chew item (chair-leg, slipper) the more readily your pet will go for these items in future. If possible keep them from chewing your things in the first place; it will be a lot easier for the dog to understand what you expect of them. This may mean confining them in a dog-proofed area until you are positive they possess an understanding of the house rules.

Don't Set Your Dog Up to FAIL

Don't set your pet up for failure by clouding the lines between their toys(OK to chew) and yours (not OK to chew). Never give your dog your
old clothes, shoes, or towels etc. to chew and play with. You can't possibly expect them to differentiate between your present shoes and the
old ones you just gave to them five minutes ago.

STOP YOUR DOG immediately when CAUGHT CHEWING

When you catch your pet chewing something they are not supposed to, stop them by producing a loud sound. Clap your hands or make an "aaat-
aaat-aaat" sound. Immediately give the dog a appetizing and approved alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy). The instant your dog takes it in their jaws praise them abundantly. This is the best way to get your dog to realize that chewing "their" toys means praise from you,
but anything else means problem.

Provide Your Dog with a Great Alternative to CHEW ON

Give your dog appealing alternatives to your possessions. If your pet's environment is lacking in attractive, suitable chewing objects, you cannot
blame them for seeking out your belongings. Remember, to most dogs chewing is a vital part of existence. If your dog is an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy(under one year), their desire to chew will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew item buying binge and provide your dog with two or three to play with at a time. Interchanging the existing toys every couple of days keep them newer and interesting to your dog.