How To Stop Your Dog’s Chewing and Destructive Chewing
Our furry friends bring so much joy to our lives, but sometimes their playful habits like chewing and digging can turn our homes into a bit of a mess. Dogs naturally chew to explore their world and soothe their teething pains, and they dig to find a cool spot or bury their treasures. While these behaviours are perfectly normal, they can lead to chewed-up shoes and flower beds that look like they’ve been hit by a mini-tornado. But don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll share some pawsome dog training tips to help you manage and reduce your pup’s chewing and digging. From fun toys and tasty treats to clever training tricks and creating doggy digging zones, we’ve got all the advice you need to keep your home intact and your pup happy. Let’s dig to the bottom of these issues, and turn those mischievous moments into good behaviour!
Understanding these Problematic Behaviours
Natural Instincts
Chewing and digging are deeply ingrained behaviours in dogs, rooted in their natural instincts. Chewing serves multiple purposes for our canine companions. For puppies, it helps relieve the discomfort of teething. For adult dogs, chewing is a way to explore their environment and keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. It’s also a natural stress reliever and can prevent boredom. However, when dogs lack appropriate chew toys or outlets, they might turn to furniture, shoes, or other household items, leading to destructive behaviour.
Digging is another instinctive behaviour that can puzzle and frustrate pet owners. Dogs dig for various reasons: to create a cool, comfortable spot to lie down, to hide their possessions, or even to attempt an escape from the yard. In the wild, dogs would dig to find food or to create a den for their puppies. While your pet might not need to forage or den, the instinct remains strong. If your yard is their playground, they might dig to entertain themselves, particularly if they lack sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
Boredom and Anxiety
Stopping chewing and digging often means addressing boredom or anxiety. Dogs are intelligent, active animals that need plenty of physical exercise and mental engagement to stay happy and healthy. When they don’t get enough stimulation, they may resort to these behaviours as a way to cope with their pent-up energy or stress. For instance, a dog left alone for long periods without toys or activities may start chewing on furniture or digging up the garden as a way to pass the time and alleviate loneliness.
Anxiety can also trigger these behaviours. Separation anxiety, in particular, is a common issue where dogs become distressed when left alone. Chewing and digging become their way of self-soothing. Recognizing the signs of boredom and anxiety is crucial. Providing ample exercise, interactive toys, and mental challenges can help mitigate these issues. Ensuring your dog feels secure and engaged will not only curb destructive behaviours but also lead to a happier, healthier pet.
Dog Training Strategies to Curb Chewing
Chewing is a natural and necessary behaviour for dogs, but it becomes problematic when they start chewing on inappropriate items. Here are some effective strategies to help curb your dog’s destructive chewing:
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the best ways to stop chewing is to ensure your dog has a variety of appropriate chew toys. These toys should be safe, durable, and interesting to your dog. Toys like rubber bones, nylon chews, and interactive toys filled with treats can keep your dog engaged and satisfied. Regularly rotate their toys to keep them exciting and prevent boredom.
Use Deterrent Sprays
Deterrent sprays can be effective in making furniture and other household items less appealing to chew. These sprays are usually safe for pets and have a bitter taste that encourages them to stop chewing. Apply the spray to any areas or objects your dog tends to chew.
Train and Reinforce Positive Behaviour
Dog training is essential in teaching your pup what is acceptable to chew. Use commands like “leave it” and “drop it” to guide your dog’s behaviour. When your dog chews on appropriate items, reward them with praise or treats to reinforce the positive behaviour. Consistency is key; ensure all family members follow the same training methods to avoid confusing your dog.
Ensure Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A well-exercised dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical activity through walks, playtime, and other exercises. Mental stimulation is equally important; engage your dog with puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games that challenge their mind and prevent boredom.
Supervise and Redirect
Supervision is crucial when your dog is loose in the house. Keep an eye on them and redirect their chewing to appropriate toys if they start chewing on furniture or other inappropriate items. Consistent redirection helps reinforce the idea of what is acceptable to chew.
Crate Training
Crate training can be an effective way to prevent destructive chewing when you cannot supervise your dog. Ensure the crate is a comfortable and positive space for your dog, filled with appropriate chew toys. Use the crate as a safe haven for your dog, rather than a form of punishment.
Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog’s chewing persists despite these measures, it may indicate underlying anxiety or medical issues. Consulting a veterinarian can help determine if there are any health concerns contributing to the behaviour and provide further recommendations.
Dog Training Strategies to Curb Destructive Digging
Destructive digging can be a frustrating issue for pet owners, but understanding and addressing the root causes can help manage this behaviour. Here are several effective strategies to curb your dog’s destructive digging:
Provide a Designated Digging Area
Creating a designated digging area in your yard can help satisfy your dog’s natural urge to dig without ruining your garden. Choose a spot and encourage your dog to use it by burying toys, treats, or even bones in that area. Praise and reward your dog when they dig in the designated spot. This method not only gives your dog an acceptable place to dig but also helps reinforce positive behaviour.
Increase Exercise
A tired dog is less likely to dig out of boredom or excess energy. Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise through daily walks, runs, and playtime. Engaging in activities that challenge your dog’s stamina and strength can significantly reduce the likelihood of destructive digging. Incorporate fetch, agility training, or even running alongside a bike to help expend their energy.
Offer Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Dogs that are mentally engaged are less likely to dig out of boredom. Provide your dog with puzzle toys, interactive games, and training exercises to keep their mind active. Activities like obedience training, scent work, and problem-solving games can help satisfy their need for mental engagement.
Use Barrier Solutions
For persistent diggers, barrier solutions can be effective. Consider burying chicken wire or hardware cloth just below the surface of the soil where your dog tends to dig. You can also place large rocks or garden edging along fence lines and other areas to discourage digging. These physical barriers can make digging more difficult and less appealing for your dog.
Supervise and Redirect
Supervision is key when your dog is in the yard. If you catch them digging in an inappropriate spot, gently redirect them to their designated digging area. Consistently guiding your dog to the correct location helps reinforce where digging is acceptable. Pair this redirection with praise or treats to encourage the desired behaviour.
Modify the Environment
Adjusting the environment can reduce the appeal of digging. For example, remove tempting spots like flower beds or provide shaded, cool spots for your dog to relax. Cover areas prone to digging with mulch, gravel, or landscape fabric to deter your dog. Creating a more dog-friendly yard can help reduce the urge to dig in inappropriate places.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog for using the designated digging area and for not digging in unwanted spots. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or playtime, can effectively encourage your dog to follow the rules and use the appropriate areas for digging.
Consult a Behaviorist or Expert Trainer
If your dog’s digging behaviour is excessive and not resolved by these methods, it might be time to seek professional help. Canine Evolution provides specialised guidance and dog training to address and modify behaviour effectively.
Digging Deeper and Chewing Over the Solutions: A Harmonious Home with Your Dog
Stopping chewing and destructive digging requires understanding their natural behaviours and needs. By providing appropriate outlets, dog training, supervision, and making environmental adjustments, you can effectively manage and reduce these behaviours. Remember, patience and consistency are key in helping your dog develop good habits and maintaining a harmonious household.
If these strategies do not fully address your dog’s behaviour, consider seeking professional assistance. Canine Evolution offers expert training and behaviour modification services to help manage and reduce your dog’s destructive habits. With our help, you can ensure a happier and more peaceful coexistence with your furry friend.