It’s natural for all dogs to chew, especially puppies. The desire to investigate interesting objects and the added discomfort of teething is a great motivator for chewing. Usually this phase of chewing comes to an end when a puppy reaches six months of age. It’s a great recommendation to supply your puppy with enough appropriate toys that can help them through this phase of chewing. Gently guiding your puppy in teaching it to discern between their own toys and inappropriate objects to chew on goes a long way in keeping your puppy from destroying valuable objects, such as shoes, television remotes and other beloved objects.
Older dogs chew in order to keep their jaws strong, their teeth clean, to combat boredom and to relieve frustration and anxiety.
Understand your pup
We need to keep in mind that dogs are curious creatures, and that they investigate with their mouths because they don’t have hands. Odours that dogs find most attractive are those of their humans, this is often why dogs will chew up a pair of shoes or socks.
Remember as well that your pup cannot distinguish between chewing on a wooden stick in the garden or on your favourite and forbidden piece of wood, like a chair or a table leg.
Separation anxiety
Some dogs develop separation anxiety when their owners are not around. This can cause unwanted chewing, digging and destruction. A lonely dog, which is left alone without a human or a furry friend all day, especially in an unstimulating environment, can become destructive because of boredom. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals and many suffer when left on their own. If your dog is lonely and bored at home, consider taking it to a doggy day-care or hiring a dog walker to spend some time exercising it during the day.
Some dogs develop anxiety disorder because of the following reasons:
• Change of family – being abandoned to a shelter or given to a new family can cause huge upset in a dog because a dog loses an important person and family members who have been there since puppyhood.
• Schedule changes – should a pet parent usually work from home and suddenly start a job that keeps them away from home for long hours, the change might cause the dog loneliness and anxiety.
• Moving – a change in environment can make a pet feel insecure and it’s important to provide them with items such as blankets and toys that have familiar smells.
What not to do
Do not punish or scold your pup. Anxious behaviours, like destructive chewing, are not a result of spite or disobedience, but a response to stress. Should you punish your dog, it can lead to further problems. Every new puppy owner should be aware that a certain amount of destructive chewing is to be expected. Also, don’t forget, dogs live in the moment. If you scream at them sometime after they have destroyed something they will not understand. Catching them in the moment and reprimanding them gently is the best way to go. With the correct guidance there is no reason to shout at your dog. Avoid confusing your dog by giving it old or unwanted shoes, socks or any unwanted household items. Your dog cannot distinguish between which shoes are okay to chew on and which are not.
What to do
Make sure you puppy-proof your house and that you keep valuable objects out of their reach. Also make sure they have enough of their own toys around and that they learn the difference between what is theirs to chew and what is not.
Keep clothing and shoes in a closed cupboard, books and other valuables out of their reach. Provide your dog with plenty of playtime, mental stimulation and exercise.
If you have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, make sure you work these times in to fight boredom. Praise your dog for its good behaviour, especially when you see your pup chewing a dog toy. This teaches your dog that chewing is not wrong, but that chewing the incorrect things is wrong.
It’s also important to know that dogs don’t chew out of spite. Although it can be frustrating for puppy parents when a dog chews up something valuable, keep in mind that they do not know any better. It’s up to us to guide them and help them to understand the difference between your favourite shoes and their favourite chew toy.
Provide your dog with interesting and appropriate toys; be aware of toys that can be ripped apart and become a choking hazard. If you are unsure about giving your dog a raw hide toy that it might choke on, rather let it chew on it under your supervision. Also be careful of giving your dog bones that can become a choking hazard, chicken bones can be particularly dangerous and should much rather be avoided as they splinter and can easily get stuck in their throats.
Most of all, have patience with your dog. Ultimately dogs want to please their owners and receive praise and it’s up to us to provide them with the correct training.
That’s it for this week, from me, Vinkel and Koljander. Paw five! Woof!
