Chewing Prevention

It is best to give your dog or puppy chewable items that are intended for dogs. Select items that meet the needs of your dog for size and toughness and that are not easily destroyed. Toys of materials that are common around the home such as fabric, leather or wood are not good materials because your dog will not discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate items such as clothing or furniture. Avoid stuffed toys; they encourage hard biting, and encourage chewing of fabric. If you choose to use stuffed toys, choose only ones that have an intact squeeker, they will help your dog maintain a softer bite.

Nylabones, Bite-a-Bones, Gumabones, Sterilized beef and buffalo bones, tuff toys, Kongs, Compressed Rawhide and similar products are quite suitable and well accepted by dogs. Such products are available at most pet stores.

Encourage your dog to chew on such toys by playing with them with the toys. Do not expect your dog to just "know" what he is supposed to chew on. Praise him for just having the appropriate object in his mouth, or showing interest in it. Make the chew item an object of attraction and interest between you and your dog.

A toy box is a good way to keep you dog interested in proper items. You can make a toy box from a plastic crate or old bucket. Praise your dog for going to the box. Rummage around in the box of toys frequently. Let your pup watch you pick up the toys and put them in his toy box. Rotate toys in order to keep his interest. Treat each newly added toy as a new treasure.

Any time your dog demonstrates an interest in chewing on an inappropriate object, distract him with a hand-clap, a rap on a table, or some other sound distracter. Your dog must not see you make the noise. The noise will distract him, then immediately call him to you and go rummage in the box. Encourage him to choose toys out of the toy box, but let him pick the proper thing up and carry it away.

If you find your dog chewing on a forbidden item, instead of scolding, hitting, or shouting, develop your leadership role more firmly by immediately asking the dog to do push-ups: "sit" then "lie down" then "sit", then "lie down". These doggie push-ups work well in correcting a chewer constructively and emphasizing your leadership role.

Pulling things from your dog's mouth will lead to a dog who steals or gets ahold of items just to gain your attention. Or worse, it can lead to a dog who eats or swallows things in order to "hide" or keep the evidence, leading to costly veterinary bills, or even death. Select toys that are not easily ingested. Scolding only serves to create a secretive chewer and escalates the problem by making a dog more insecure and confused.

Teach your dog to perform basic obedience routines such as "sit", "lie down", "come", and "stay". This will keep his mind busy, even when you are not with him.

Institute the Learn-to-Earn program by stopping all idle fondling and free petting. Ask your dog to "sit" or "lie down" for any petting. Pet for 3 to 5 seconds at a time. Practice having your dog follow you around the house to establish you as leader.

Avoid handling objects prior to leaving your home. Your dog may focus on these items due to your strong scent. Make departures and homecomings very calm. Ignore the dog for 5 to 10 minutes prior to leaving and upon coming home. This will reduce anxiety related to chewing.

If at any time you are having problems or questions, please contact our office immediately so we can assist you before the problem escalates.

S. Hall 1994