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How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything (and What to Give Them Instead)
You’ve had a long and tiring day and you can’t wait to get home to your furry friend. Maybe you’ll even take him for a walk, since he probably missed you as much as you missed him. But when you open the door, you’re greeted by a scene of destruction: your new shoes are shredded, your couch has a hole in it, and your wooden furniture has bite marks all over it.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many dog owners struggle with their dogs’ chewing habits, especially if they’re not puppies anymore and can’t blame it on teething. So why do dogs chew everything in sight, and how can you stop them from ruining your stuff? Let’s find out.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Dogs use their mouths to explore the world and to satisfy their natural instincts. Chewing is also a pleasurable activity for dogs, as it releases endorphins that make them feel good. Plus, chewing can help relieve stress and boredom, which are common triggers for destructive behaviour.
Some dogs may chew more than others due to factors such as breed, age, personality, health, diet, and environment. For example, some breeds are more prone to chewing than others, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Pit Bulls. Younger dogs may chew more because they’re curious and energetic, while older dogs may chew more because they have dental problems or cognitive decline. Some dogs may chew more because they have separation anxiety, while others may chew more because they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation.
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything
The first step to stop your dog from chewing everything is to understand why he’s doing it and address the root cause.
Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Dog-proof your home
The easiest way to prevent your dog from chewing your stuff is to keep it out of his reach. Put away anything that could be tempting or dangerous for your dog, such as shoes, clothes, books, wires, plants, etc. You can also use deterrent sprays or bitter apple on items that you can’t move or cover.
- Provide appropriate chew toys
Dogs need to chew, so make sure you give them something that’s safe and satisfying for them. Choose chew toys that are durable, non-toxic, and suitable for your dog’s size and chewing style. You can also rotate the toys every few days to keep them interesting for your dog.
- Reward good behaviour
Whenever you see your dog chewing on his toys instead of your stuff, praise him and give him a treat. This will reinforce his positive association with his toys and encourage him to keep chewing on them.
- Exercise and stimulate your dog
A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to chew everything in sight. Make sure you provide enough physical and mental activity for your dog every day, depending on his age, breed, and energy level. You can also use interactive toys or puzzles to keep your dog busy and entertained when you’re not around.
- Manage separation anxiety
If your dog chews excessively when you leave him alone, he may have separation anxiety. This is a serious condition that requires professional help from a veterinarian or a behaviourist. Some ways to help your dog cope with separation anxiety include creating a safe and comfortable space for him, leaving him with familiar scents or items, playing calming music or white noise, and gradually desensitizing him to your departure cues.
What to Give Your Dog Instead of Your Stuff?
Now that you know how to stop your dog from chewing everything, you may be wondering what to give him instead of your stuff. Well, we have some great recommendations for you from our online pet store Marmaduke Pets!
We have a wide range of dog chew toys that are designed to satisfy your dog’s chewing needs and keep him happy and healthy. Here are some of our best-selling products:
This bone-shaped toy is made of durable nylon infused with real bacon flavour that will drive your dog crazy. It has a unique wishbone design that allows your dog to grip it easily and chew it from different angles. It’s also available in different sizes for different breeds.
This classic toy is made of natural rubber that can withstand even the most powerful chewers. You can stuff it with treats, peanut butter, or kibble to make it more enticing and challenging for your dog. It also bounces unpredictably, making it a great toy for fetch and play.
This toy is made of Zogoflex, a proprietary material that is recyclable, latex-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. It has a bone-like shape that is easy for your dog to hold and chew. It’s also dishwasher-safe and floats in water, making it a versatile toy for indoor and outdoor use.
These are toys that are made of durable and non-toxic materials that can withstand your dog’s chewing efforts. They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and flavours to suit your dog’s preferences and needs. Some of our best-selling chew toys are:
This is a fun and interactive ball that has a smiley face design and can hold treats inside. It’s made of soft but strong rubber that bounces and floats, making it ideal for fetch and play.
This is a bone-shaped toy that is made of tough nylon that can help clean your dog’s teeth and massage his gums. It has a textured surface that adds more interest and stimulation for your dog. It also comes in various flavours, such as bacon, chicken, and peanut butter.
This is a classic toy that is made of natural rubber that can withstand even the most powerful chewers. You can stuff it with treats, peanut butter, or kibble to make it more enticing and challenging for your dog. It also bounces unpredictably, making it a great toy for fetch and play.
This is a mat that has a textured surface that you can spread with soft foods, such as yogurt, puree, or wet food. It encourages your dog to lick the food off the mat, which provides mental stimulation and calms him down. It also helps clean his tongue and improve his oral health.
These are wipes that are specially formulated to clean your dog’s teeth and gums without brushing. They contain natural ingredients, such as baking soda, peppermint, and aloe vera, that help freshen your dog’s breath and prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Relevant Questions About Your Dog’s Chewing (and How to Answer Them)
If you have a dog, you probably know how much they love to chew on things. Chewing is a natural and healthy behaviour for dogs, but it can also cause problems when they chew on the wrong things, such as your furniture, shoes, or plants. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that dog owners have about their dogs’ chewing habits, and we’ll give you some tips and recommendations on how to prevent and correct destructive chewing.
Should Dogs Chew Bones?
Many people think that bones are a natural and safe treat for dogs to chew on, but this is not true. Bones can be very dangerous for dogs, as they can break their teeth, injure their mouth, gums, and tongue, cause choking, or get stuck in their digestive tract. Bones can also splinter and puncture your dog’s internal organs, leading to serious infections or even death.
Therefore, you should never give your dog bones to chew on, especially cooked bones, as they are more brittle and prone to splintering. Instead, you should provide your dog with safe and durable chew toys that are designed for their size and chewing style. You can also give your dog dental chews that are specially formulated to clean their teeth and freshen their breath.
How Do You Scold a Dog for Chewing?
When your dog chews on something he shouldn’t, you may feel angry or frustrated and want to scold him or punish him. However, this is not an effective way to stop his chewing behaviour. Dogs don’t chew on things out of spite or malice; they chew on things because they are bored, anxious, curious, or teething. Scolding or punishing your dog will only make him more stressed and confused, and it won’t teach him what he should chew on instead.
The best way to correct your dog’s chewing behaviour is to redirect his attention to something more appropriate and rewarding. For example, if you catch your dog chewing on your shoe, you can say “no” firmly and calmly, then take the shoe away and give him his favourite toy instead. Praise him and play with him when he chews on his toy, so he learns that this is what you want him to do.
You should also make sure that you provide your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation every day, so he doesn’t feel bored or anxious. You can also use interactive toys or puzzles to keep him busy and entertained when you’re not around.
Never Punish Your Dog for Chewing (How to Communicate Better with Your Dog)
Chewing is a natural and healthy behaviour for dogs, but it can also cause problems when they chew on the wrong things, such as your furniture, shoes, or plants. You may be tempted to scold or punish your dog for chewing up something you value, but this is not an effective way to stop his chewing behaviour. In fact, it can make things worse by increasing his stress and anxiety.
Dogs don’t chew on things out of spite or malice; they chew on things because they are bored, anxious, curious, or teething. They also don’t understand human language or emotions very well, so they can’t connect your angry reaction to their chewing action. Instead of punishing your dog for chewing, you should try to understand why he’s doing it and how to prevent it in the future.
One of the best ways to do that is to improve your communication with your dog. Dogs are very expressive animals that use their body language, vocalizations, and gestures to communicate with us and with each other. By learning how to read and respond to your dog’s signals, you can build a stronger bond with him and teach him what you expect from him.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and recommendations on how to communicate better with your dog and how to stop his destructive chewing behaviour.
How to Communicate with Your Dog Through Voice
Dogs may not be able to speak human words, but they can understand some of them if you teach them properly. According to canine behaviourist Dr. Stanley Coren, a dog can learn around 165 words with regular training. However, it’s not just the words that matter, but also the tone and pitch of your voice.
Dogs are more likely to pay attention to high-pitched or excited tones than low or quiet ones. This is because high-pitched sounds are more stimulating and rewarding for dogs, while low-pitched sounds are more threatening or boring. You can use this to your advantage when you want to get your dog’s attention, praise him, or motivate him to do something.
For example, if you want your dog to come to you when you call him, you should use a cheerful and enthusiastic tone that sounds like “a six-year-old girl at Disneyland”, as professional dog trainer Shoshi Parks suggests. This will make your dog associate coming to you with something fun and positive. On the other hand, if you want your dog to stop doing something or calm down, you should use a firm and calm tone that sounds like “a kindergarten teacher”, as Parks advises. This will make your dog respect your authority and follow your command.
You should also avoid yelling at your dog or using harsh words like “No!” or “Bad!”. This will only scare or confuse your dog and make him more stressed or defensive. Instead of telling your dog what not to do, you should tell him what to do instead. For example, if your dog is chewing on your shoe, you can say “Leave it!” and then give him his own chew toy instead.
How to Communicate with Your Dog Through Body Language?
Dogs are very good at reading body language, both of humans and other dogs. They can tell a lot about our mood, intention, and confidence by looking at our posture, facial expression, eye contact, and gestures. By being aware of our own body language and learning how to interpret our dog’s body language, we can communicate more effectively with our canine friends.
One of the most important aspects of body language is eye contact. Eye contact can mean different things depending on the context and the intensity. For example:
– Constant eye contact from your dog is a sign of trust and affection. It means he loves you and wants to connect with you.
– Brief eye contact from your dog is a sign of attention and curiosity. It means he’s interested in what you’re doing or saying.
– Avoiding eye contact from your dog is a sign of politeness and submission. It means he respects you and doesn’t want to challenge you.
– Staring eye contact from your dog is a sign of alertness and aggression. It means he’s ready to fight or defend himself.
You should also pay attention to other parts of your dog’s body language, such as:
– Tail movement: A wagging tail usually means happiness or excitement, while a tucked tail means fear or submission. A stiff tail held high means alertness or dominance.
– Ear position: Ears forward mean interest or attention, while ears back mean fear or submission. Ears flat mean aggression or defense.
– Facial expression: A relaxed mouth and soft eyes mean contentment or friendliness, while a tense mouth and hard eyes mean stress or anger. A panting mouth and squinty eyes mean excitement or playfulness.
You can use your own body language to communicate with your dog as well. For example:
– To show your dog that you’re friendly and relaxed, you can smile, blink, and tilt your head slightly.
– To show your dog that you’re confident and assertive, you can stand tall, look him in the eye, and use clear gestures.
– To show your dog that you’re calm and soothing, you can lower your body, avoid direct eye contact, and speak softly.
How to Communicate with Your Dog Through Leash
Another way to communicate with your dog is through the leash. The leash is not just a tool to restrain or control your dog, but also a way to guide and teach him. By using the leash properly, you can improve your dog’s behaviour and make your walks more enjoyable for both of you.
The first thing you need to do is to choose the right leash for your dog. There are different types of leashes, such as:
- Standard leash:
This is a simple leash that is usually 1.2m long and made of nylon or leather. It’s good for basic training and everyday walks.
- Retractable leash:
This is a leash that has a mechanism that allows you to adjust the length of the leash. It’s good for giving your dog more freedom and flexibility, but it can also be dangerous if not used carefully.
- Slip leash:
This is a leash that has a loop that goes around your dog’s neck and tightens when he pulls. It’s good for correcting unwanted behaviours, but it can also be harmful if not used correctly.
- Harness:
This is a device that goes around your dog’s chest and back and attaches to the leash. It’s good for preventing choking and neck injuries, but it can also encourage pulling if not fitted properly.
You should choose the leash that suits your dog’s size, temperament, and training level. You should also make sure that the leash is comfortable and secure for both of you.
The next thing you need to do is to teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash. A loose leash means that there is no tension or pulling on the leash, and that both of you are walking at the same pace and direction. A loose leash will make your walks more pleasant and less stressful for both of you.
To teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash, you can use these steps:
– Start by walking with your dog in a familiar and low-distraction environment, such as your backyard or living room.
– Hold the leash in one hand and some treats in the other hand. Keep the treats close to your side where you want your dog to walk.
– As you walk, reward your dog with treats every few steps when he stays by your side and keeps the leash loose.
– If your dog pulls on the leash or wanders away from you, stop walking and wait until he comes back to you or loosens the leash. Then reward him with treats and resume walking.
– Gradually increase the distance and duration of your walks, as well as the level of distraction. Always reward your dog for walking on a loose leash.
We have a wide range of leashes that are designed to satisfy your dog’s needs and keep him happy and healthy. Here are some of our best-selling products
This leash is a simple and versatile option that can be used as a collar or a leash. It has a metal ring that can be attached to your dog’s regular collar or harness, or to another ring on the leash to create a slip collar. It’s made of strong webbing with reflective stitching for safety. It comes in variety colours and five adjustable sizes: small (24-36cm), medium width 16mm (32-44cm), large width 20mm (40-56cm), extra-large width 25mm (50-70cm) and extra extra large width 40mm (53-80cm)
This leash is a classic and stylish option that looks like a climbing rope. It has a strong and secure locking carabiner that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness. It also has a comfortable tubular webbing handle that won’t chafe your skin.
These are just some of the amazing dog chew toys and leashes that we have at Marmaduke Pets. You can browse our website for more options and find the best one for your dog. We also have other products for your dog’s health, grooming, training, and fun.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about how to stop your dog from chewing everything. Remember, chewing is natural for dogs, but you can teach them to chew on the right things and keep them happy and healthy. Remember, the right leash depends on your lifestyle and your dog’s needs.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us anytime. We’d love to hear from you!
Happy chewing!
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