Adolescent Behaviors
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      Chewing

      How to address chewing which is one of the most common problem with dogs

      Introduction

      Chewing is a normal behavior for dogs. However, it can become a problem if dogs chew on inappropriate objects, such as furniture, shoes, or electrical cords.

      There are a number of reasons why dogs chew. Some of the most common reasons include:

      • Boredom: Dogs need to chew to keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. If they are not given enough to chew on, they may start chewing on inappropriate objects.
      • Lack of supervision and boundaries: If dogs are not supervised closely, they may start chewing on things they are not supposed to. It is important to set boundaries for your dog and to supervise them closely when they are unsupervised.
      • Anxiety or stress: Some dogs chew as a way to cope with anxiety or stress. If your dog is chewing excessively, it is important to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral problems.
      • Ocd type behavior: Some dogs chew as a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This type of chewing is often very destructive and difficult to treat.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that chewing is a sign of aggression. This is not always the case. Chewing can be a sign of aggression, but it can also be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or OCD.
      • Others believe that there is nothing you can do to stop chewing. This is not true. There are a number of things you can do to address chewing behavior and prevent it from happening in the future.

      Chewing - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      1. If you cannot supervise your dog and prevent inappropriate behaviors such as chewing, then have your dog in a crate or play pen to prevent your dog from chewing.
      2. When teaching your dog not to chew, have your dog under your direct supervision and have a leash or e-collar on them.
      3. Place objects around that typically will trigger your dog's chewing and you can also place toys/bones around that they are able to chew.
      4. If your dog begins to go up to and/or begin to put their mouth on what doesn't belong to them, mark it with "Leave it" or "No" and proceed with a leash and collar correction or e-collar correction.
      5. If your dog engages with what does belong to them, you can mark "Yes" and begin to play with them.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      1. Continue to utilize your crate or play pen when you cannot supervise your dog.
      2. Continue with leash and collar or e-collar protocols on your dog during the reinforcing stage to correct any chewing and remember to continue to mark "Leave it" or "No" when correcting.
      3. To work on the behavior when you are not present, have an e-collar on your dog and set up a video camera where you can see everywhere your dog is. Leave the room or house but make sure you go in range of your e-collar. If your dog attempts to chew anything they shouldn't, correct on e-collar.
      4. Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and bones to keep them occupied.

      Proofing Phase:

      1. Once your dog is listening to your verbal correction, then you can begin to fade out leash or e-collar protocols, but they can always come back if your dog begins to not listen.
      2. If your dog attempts to chew something that doesn't belong to them, mark "Leave it" or "No".
      3. Test your dog alone beginning with small periods of time.
      4. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is left alone without chewing.

      Maintenance Phase:

      1. Continue to reinforce no chewing anytime your dog may attempt to.
      2. If you cannot trust your dog alone without chewing, make sure to utilize a crate or play pen when they are not supervised.
      3. Provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
      4. Have clear boundaries in place at home for your dog.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who chews on furniture when he is bored. His owners tried providing him with more chew toys, but this did not work. They then tried supervising him more closely, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Charlie in a training class where he learned the command "leave it." Now, when Charlie sees furniture that he wants to chew on, he knows to leave it alone.
      • Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who chews on shoes when she is anxious. Her owners tried providing her with more chew toys, but this did not work. They then tried giving her calming supplements, but this also did not work. Finally, they enrolled Sadie in a training class where she learned relaxation techniques. Now, when Sadie starts to feel anxious, she knows how to calm herself down and she does not chew on shoes.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient. It takes time and patience to address chewing behavior in dogs. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately.
      • Be consistent. It is important to be consistent with your training. If you are inconsistent, your dog will not learn what you are trying to teach them.
      • Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when your dog is not chewing on inappropriate objects. This will help them learn that chewing on inappropriate objects is not a good thing.
      • Do not punish your dog for chewing. Punishing your dog for chewing will only make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on redirecting their chewing and providing them with appropriate chew toys.

      Conclusion

      Chewing is a common problem for dogs, but it is a problem that can be addressed with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your dog stop chewing on inappropriate objects and learn to chew on appropriate objects instead.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog only chews when they are bored?
        A: If your dog only chews when they are bored, it is likely a sign of boredom chewing. You can help your dog stop boredom chewing by providing them with more chew toys and by supervising them more closely