The Dog Has to Stop Chewing Everything

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How do You Stop Your Dog From Chewing Every Single Thing in Sight?

We all love our precious dogs.  We have to stand by our dogs and love them through every thing that they do or go through No Matter What.  Sometimes our precious dogs have an annoying behavior problem that drives us crazy or causes harm to our property or belongings.  Dog Chewing is very high on the list for annoyances.  It is normal for your dog to need to and want to "Chew" to some extent.  But, what do you do if your dog chews every single thing in sight?  This matter needs to be handled with the right training method and positive reinforcement.


Did you know that most dogs find chewing "enjoyable and pleasurable"?  Some dogs even use chewing like babies use pacifiers.  Some dogs do not even have a desire for chewing any thing.  Just like some babies have no desire to use a pacifier.  Now, some dogs that like to chew stick to appropriate chew items.  These items are more then likely chewable doggie items that you provide for your dog.  Many dogs stick to just those items for chewing and everything is hunky-dory.

 

Then, there are those doggies who do not stick to the chewable items that you provide them.  It even seems as though...they choose anything but, what you provide for them.  This type of dog chewer can become very destructive.  Destructive Chewing is very hard for the dog owner to deal with.  It can be frustrating, inconceivable, and push the owner to wits end.  With this type of chewing...All chewing becomes destructive.  This form of chewing is also, inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on Your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews.  One common fact is that there is usually a reason or reasons behind this chewing.  Now what could these reasons be? 

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The Three Main Reasons why Dogs Chew:

Natural Desire:  As I mentioned before.  Chewing is natural for some dogs.  It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if the dog is chewing on something that tastes good.)

 

Pure Boredom/Anxiousness:  Some dogs get extremely bored easily.  Some dogs even become anxious.  This especially happens when their owner is away for long periods of time or their owner becomes to busy for them.  Dogs get very lonely.  At this point, chewing is the outlet for their emotions.  Remember, Chewing at this point, is their Pacifier.  To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing - it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food.  Also, with anxious dogs, this is sometimes developed into "Separation Anxiety".

 

Under Exercised:  Some dogs have lots of energy and require exercise by walking, playing in the back yard, ball fetching, Frisbee fetching, or other forms of high activity to release their energy.  If they do not receive the type of exercise that they need then, they will often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.

Are you or anyone that you know having issues with dog Chewing?

Maybe you know of a different behavorial problem with a dog. Even a Cat!

Share with us about any type of pet that has some sort of issue. Lets see what we can come up with.

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How to Stop Destructive Chewing

Who is going to take the Intuitive?

Your dog can and will learn to stop chewing things that are not appropriate.  It really depends on YOU.  It is so important to be consistent and to use The Positive Reinforcement Method.  Stay tuned to this website as we will explore The Positive Reinforcement Method in more detail with in many posts.

 

1.  Dog-Proof Your Home:  It is time for You to take control of the situation.  You need to manage your personal possessions.  Know where your personal possessions are.  Make sure you put them in a safe place where you know doggie can not get to them.  What ever you do not want in your dog's mouth needs to be Unavailable.  Consider where you put these Un-appropriate items.  Can your dog get to them by jumping, climbing, or leaping to something else to get to the possessions?

 

Some common possessions or Not Appropriate Chew items that should be put up are:

Books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, kid's toys, crayons, pencils, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.  All food needs to be put securely away.  Be sure to not leave snacks on low tables or counter tops.  You can be sure that your precious Big or Little dog will find a way to get to them.  Even rinse you dishes if you are unable to wash them at that moment.  Dogs have a keen smell.

 

2.  Prevent your dog from doing any sort of Not Appropriate Chewing:  Do this right from the start.  Do not give in to them chewing any inappropriate item.  If you let them do this at any point, they will enjoy it and continue trying.  It will also be harder to train them later.  Preventing Bad Chewing early will make things a lot easier for doggie to understand what you expect of him/her.  It may be necessary to Confine doggie in a dog proof area until you are confident that your doggie understands the house rules you have set.  Be consistent and repetitive.  Say "bad Chew" and then immediately give and say "good Chew".  Do this all the time when your dog picks up a "bad chew" object.  Read more correction methods in #6.     

 

3.  Do not set your dog up for Failure:  What I mean is, be careful what you offer them for "ok chew".  They can become very confused with "ok chew items" and "bad chew items" if you offer items that even resemble the "bad chew".  Make since?  Don't offer your dog old Not Appropriate objects like: socks, slippers, or items that they were once not allowed to chew.  That is so confusing for a dog.  It is impossible to expect doggie to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one he/she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.

 

4.  Always provide plenty of "ok chew" items:  Make these "ok chew" items very accessible.  It is important to provide doggie with a variety of attractive and appropriate chewing objects.  Take a trip to the dog section at your local pet center.  You have to remember that Most Dogs Need to Chew.  What chew items will you get for your dog? 

Ideas for your Toy and Chew Shopping Spree:


Squeaky toys that are durable and do not tear easily, Stuffed pets that are durable for dog chew, and very safe bones and dental bones. One of the best bones is sold in pet stores like PetSmart.  They are actual bones with flavor or smell good and tasty stuffing in the center of the bone.  Dogs love them.  If you can find a durable one, it will last them all day.  Be careful with what you pick.  Rawhide and other chews can cause intestinal problems with you doggie.  Also be careful with stuffed toys that have eyeballs, noses, and stuffing that can come out and get swallowed by your dog.

 

Rotating the available toys and chews every few days will keep things novel and interesting for him/her.  Just make sure that toys and chews are Always available.

 

5.  Spend Quality time with Active Supervision:  Don't keep your dog penned up in the doggie proofed area such as a crate or run to long.   It gets horrible and boring for them.  They can not Be the Best that They Can Be penned up all the time.  They long for their companion, their pack, their family.  They long for attention.  It is important to remember "why you wanted your dog in the first place".  Hopefully, the reason was not to keep him/her penned up and confined all the time.  Your dog learns from You!  Your dog will not and can not learn what you want him/her to learn if they are confined to a dog-proof-zone all the time.  Every dog needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so he/she can understand what's appropriate and what's not.

 

6.  "Bad Chew" Corrections:  Earlier we spoke of being consistent and repetitive.  This must be pursued for success.  When you catch your dog in the act of "bad chew", immediately, interrupt by making some sort of loud noise and say firmly. "no chew" or "bad chew".  Pick your phrase and stick with it.  Be consistent with your very short phrase or word.  The loud noise can be:  a clap of your hands, one quick shake of a soda can with rocks inside, or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah!" noise.  Then, immediately, hand doggie a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative.  Wait until your dogs jaws are around the "ok chew" object then, praise lavishly.  There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing "his/her" toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

 

I have to tell you that a Squirt Bottle marked water, works really well for training.  Just one quick stream spray to the dog gets his/her attention fast.  Don't squirt in the face or eye area...that is way too harsh.

 

This can be done with a positive and productive attitude.

Attractive and Appropriate Chew Items for Dogs

Variety of Chew Toys

Why go to the store when you can get what you want shipped to your home.
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Now, lets continue the Appropriate Dog Chew Suggestions

But now, let's all Vote on what You feel is the Funnest, Safest, And Most Soothing For the Dog.

If you have a suggestion, please add it and vote on it.

Grriggles Spare Tires BLUE - SMALL

Grriggles Spare Tires BLUE - SMALL

Grriggles is a great chew toy for dogs that never more...0 points

A Toy Box and Puppy Payground in One

A Toy Box and Puppy Payground in One

Introducing a fun twist on a functional idea a sof more...0 points

Everlasting Treat Large Liver

Everlasting Treat Large Liver

Made with specially formulated ingredients that ar more...0 points

JW Pet Company Tough By Nature Ruffians Chicken Dog Toy Assorted Colors

JW Pet Company Tough By Nature Ruffians Chicken Dog Toy Assorted Colors

Latest craze in dog toys. 100% natural rubber.Sque more...0 points

KONG Stuff-A-Ball, Small

KONG Stuff-A-Ball, Small

KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy - Available Online at PE more...0 points

Bar-B-Chew Large Cob Bone

Bar-B-Chew Large Cob Bone

The Bar-B-Chews are fun chew toys from Nylabone in more...0 points

Hurley Indestructible Dog Toy - Small Aqua Blue

Hurley Indestructible Dog Toy - Small Aqua Blue

The Hurley is a revolutionary dog toy that is so d more...0 points

KONG Puppy Binkie

KONG Puppy Binkie

KONG Puppy Binkie Dog Toy - Available Online at PE more...0 points

Dental Chew Dog Toy, 2 Pk

Dental Chew Dog Toy, 2 Pk

Conditions gums, exercises the jaw and also is a g more...0 points

Vo-Toys Rope n Ball 8in Tug for Tiny Tails

Vo-Toys Rope n Ball 8in Tug for Tiny Tails

Two toys in one. Tennis ball for chewing and rope more...0 points

Pet Stages Dental Rope Chew

Pet Stages Dental Rope Chew

PetStages toys are designed specifically for the a more...0 points

Petstages Multi Rope Chew

Petstages Multi Rope Chew

MULTI ROPE CHEW0 points

Pet Qwerks Small Hairball Toy (Color may vary)

Pet Qwerks Small Hairball Toy (Color may vary)

Features: Make fun jingle bell sounds. Molded from more...0 points

Organic Dog Treats - Organic Sweet Potato Dog Chews (Large) - Product of the USA

Organic Dog Treats - Organic Sweet Potato Dog Chews (Large) - Product of the USA

Organic Sweet Potato Chews are made with Organic S more...0 points

Multipet Curly Pets Dog Toy, Monkey

Multipet Curly Pets Dog Toy, Monkey

Wooly Monkey that will never require a perm. Soft, more...0 points

Loofa Dog 12

Loofa Dog 12" Plush Dog Toy, Colors May Vary

MULTIPET INTERNATIONAL #47712 12" Loofa Dog Toy more...0 points

Hartz Quackers Plush Duck Dog Toy (Colors Vary)

Hartz Quackers Plush Duck Dog Toy (Colors Vary)

This plush mallard not only looks realistic, but s more...0 points

Coleman Supersized Bear Trophy Dog Toy

Coleman Supersized Bear Trophy Dog Toy

Super Size, Black, Bear, Animal Trophy Dog Toy, Ov more...0 points

Mallard Migrator Bird Plush Dog Toy

Mallard Migrator Bird Plush Dog Toy

Our Migrators are so realistic they could fly away more...0 points

Air Kong Squeaker Dumbbell Dog Toy, Large

Air Kong Squeaker Dumbbell Dog Toy, Large

Combine the durability and fun of a tennis ball, w more...0 points

Coleman Supersized Moose Trophy Dog Toy

Coleman Supersized Moose Trophy Dog Toy

Textile Dog Toy Approximate Size 23 X 13 X 7 Each more...0 points

AKC Classic Plush Rabbit, Large

AKC Classic Plush Rabbit, Large

American Kennel Club Plush Rabbit is a toy designe more...0 points

Coleman Super Sized Raccoon Tail Dog Toy

Coleman Super Sized Raccoon Tail Dog Toy

Coleman Bushy Tail Dog Toys are made with high qua more...0 points

KONG Material Dog - Lamb, Medium

KONG Material Dog - Lamb, Medium

Imagine my surprise at the Trade Show I went to wh more...0 points

Charming Earl Rooster, Large

Charming Earl Rooster, Large

Conceived in the back of an old pick-up truck in M more...0 points

KONG Material Dog - Snake, Large

KONG Material Dog - Snake, Large

What sets Dr. Noys' Material Dog Toys apart from t more...0 points

AKC Classic Plush Rabbit Small

AKC Classic Plush Rabbit Small

Officially licensed by the American Kennel Club. D more...0 points

Multipet Duckworth Baby Splish Dog Toy

Multipet Duckworth Baby Splish Dog Toy

Soft fluffy duck that entertain your pet for hours more...0 points

SET OF SIX - Skinneeez Stuffingless Dog Toys

SET OF SIX - Skinneeez Stuffingless Dog Toys

Skinneeez Stuffingless Dog Toys. Bring out your do more...0 points

Jones Natural Chews 7in Center Bone Shrinkwrap

Jones Natural Chews 7in Center Bone Shrinkwrap

Your pet will not be able to stop till this bone i more...0 points

Sterilized Natural Beef Bone Extra Large 6

Sterilized Natural Beef Bone Extra Large 6"

USDA inspected beef shin bone (the hardest beef bo more...0 points

Jones Natural Chews 2in Center Bones 1 pk Shrinkwrap

Jones Natural Chews 2in Center Bones 1 pk Shrinkwrap

Your pet will not be able to stop till this bone i more...0 points

Jones Natural Chews L Bone Dog Bone Bulk

Jones Natural Chews L Bone Dog Bone Bulk

Tasty natural treat for dogs. No preservatives or more...0 points

Beefy Knuckle Bone - Made in USA - All Natural Dog Treat - Dog Bone

Beefy Knuckle Bone - Made in USA - All Natural Dog Treat - Dog Bone

These large knuckle bones are all natural. They ar more...0 points

Eco-Dog All Natural Bone with Rope - 10 in.

Eco-Dog All Natural Bone with Rope - 10 in.

100% Natural Dog Toys are great for green-consciou more...0 points

Round Knot Dog Bone, 7

Round Knot Dog Bone, 7" Natural

Hartz rawhide all natural bone is manufactured in more...0 points

Using Positive Reinforcement Will Always Bring Positive Results.

Remember to be realistic.

Things and mistakes will happen at times.  Something very important to you might even get chewed and destroyed.  But, you got this precious dog for your companion.  You have to remember that you are not perfect either.  You are still loved through your mishaps, and you can continue to love, support, and rear your dog the way he/she needs to be raised.  In the beginning of getting to know each other, your doggie is still learning the ropes.  He/she has to learn what your rules and expectations are.  Be patient yet consistent and your expectations will be filled.

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behaviors (like chewing), check out Secrets to Dog Training.

It's the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog's learning.
You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:


Secrets To Dog Training/Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Please leave your comment and opinion.

It begins a great discussion.

Thank you for reading my article. I love hearing opinions.

Kami Snoeberger

xpectmorepetcare@gmail.com

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  • JziE Apr 26, 2009 @ 11:20 am | delete
    hahaha, nice advice mate
  • XpectMorebizsolutions Apr 23, 2009 @ 11:42 am | in reply to reasonablerobinson | delete
    I am so glad that this lens was helpful to you. Thank you for leaving your comment.
    Kami
    XpectMore
  • reasonablerobinson Apr 22, 2009 @ 3:33 pm | delete
    We've just been to view labrador puppies this very evening! How appropriate. This lens should be a useful resource. We're just trying to decide on a name...Bradley, Berkley (ha ha), Freud...are contenders at the moment!
  • Kay Apr 18, 2009 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    This information has been very helpful. I have learn some great new things to try with my dog. Awesome Job. I am going to rate you 5 stars.

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