If you are a dog owner chances are you have encountered dog chewing problems. Some breeds are more likely to chew than others,
but dog or puppy chewing is a normal and healthy dog behavior. It keeps their teeth clean, strengthens their jaws and it is an pleasant pass time for your buddy. In the wild a dogs’ diet required much hard chewing to survive. Food for the domesticated dog, although healthy, it does not
offer adequate chewing to satisfy. They will turn to other items to satisfy them, and although; a normal behavior, chewing can be destructive to your personal belongings and make a mess of your home. Since dogs have no sense of monetary value, they will need some puppy training and be taught what is appropriate.

Reasons for Dogs Chewing

As well as satisfying a normal need, dogs will chew out of boredom. Make sure you have plenty of stimulating toys for your furry friend. Spend time playing with your dog each day. Dogs love to play fetch or tug of war, or take him to the park to run around. Plenty of mental and physical stimulation will go a long way to cure boredom.

Teething is another cause of chewing in puppies. It will start at about 4 months and will last a few months.
Rubber rings that can be cooled in the freezer or dog biscuits are ideal for a teething pup.

Preventing dog chewing problems so that your household items are safe from your furry friend’s teeth is important, but so is keeping your puppy safe. Here are some steps you can take to avoid these concerns…

(1) Eliminate all personal and household items from your doggy’s reach that you do not want him chewing on.

(2) Have safe dog toys or chew bones of varying textures available and rotate them giving him two or three at one time.

(3) Trade treats and toys for whatever inappropriate item you have
caught your dog chewing on and use praise when he chews on his toy.

(4) Restrict access to areas of temptation. You can section off an area of the house with the use of dog gates. Otherwise, if you are unable to supervise your puppy or are going to be out, dog crates are a perfect alternative. Put some of his favorite toys in there to keep your best buddy occupied and content.

(5) Never give your dog an old shoe or other personal family things to chew; he will then deem all such items to be fair game for chewing.

(6) Tire your dog by exercising him in advance going out – a tired puppy will more likely have
a nap than chew.

(7) Anti-chew products can be sprayed on electrical wires, furniture or other items that cannot be moved. If you are going out, unplug electrical wires.

(8) Keep plants from your dog’s reach, some are toxic.

Start Puppy Training Early

Training your puppy using some of these strategies can help to reduce dog chewing problems; it is best of course to start when your dog is a pup. If you are training an older dog it will be a little more challenging, but be consistent, persistent and patient to avoid or change undesirable behavior.

Grab free hints for house training dogs – welcome to your own tips store.

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