How to Keep Your Dog from Chewing

A young Beagle chews on a real bone. Focus is on near eye.

If your dog exhibits classic chewing behavior, there are ways to remedy the situation. The most effective techniques to stop a dog from chewing begin with thorough attention to his habits. This will lead to the development of a more personalized approach to solving your dog's chewing problems.

Discover the reason behind your dog's chewing. If your puppy is teething, offer something to soothe his gums. If he is stressed or bored, provide solutions to these issues.

A puppy's growing teeth and gums require stimulation and relief from the pain associated with teething. To keep your shoes, furniture, and other valuables intact, give your young puppy a teething toy or treat specially designed to help with this uncomfortable experience. If your dog is displaying symptoms of boredom or stress, try to spend more time together to help him relax. Regular exercise and playtime will ensure that an energetic animal is left with less pent up excitement to take out on your belongings. A restless dog often chews to gain extra attention and distraction can work wonders.

Remove the object of the chewing in order to deter further destruction of clothing, furnishings, and other temptations. If removal is not possible, try a bitter chew-deterrent in spray form.

All dogs require repetitive and effective obedience training before they can be expected to follow the rules you set within your home. While a puppy or new dog is learning your rules regarding chewing and behavior, it is often necessary to remove objects of temptation from the dog's reach. If your dog prefers to chew on furniture or anything else that is difficult to move, spray a bitter solution on the object of the dog's attention. This will not harm your pet but usually tastes bad enough to stop chewing immediately and in the future.

Keeping your dog from chewing is possible with attention and preventative measures