A common issue I get asked about is how to stop puppies and dogs from chewing and destroying the things we don't want them to!
This is by far my most hated phrase in when it comes to anything dog related -
"They're still a puppy"
AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!! x Infinity + 1.
This phrase is like being a parent with a toddler in public playground when he/she is destroying things, hitting other kids and throwing tantrums and simply saying... "They're still a toddler" and assuming they will naturally and suddenly just stop doing once they hit a certain age. They won't. Neither will a puppy. Train them. They both need clear clam communication as well as boundaries and consistency.
Yes puppies go through teething stages. Yes they are capable of chewing things to amuse themselves when alone or bored. But their destruction is not their fault. They are dogs.
Dogs don't have a lot at their disposal. You cannot sit them in front of a screen for 6 hours and have them zone out like you can with the toddlers of the "They're still a toddler" Parents.
Puppies know absolutely nothing of our human world. They know nothing of our expectations. They do not speak human words. They are completely oblivious to our human world. They are dogs. They are capable of doing the following, regardless of their Breed or Age -
Eat, chew, dig, jump, scratch, hump, pee on things, sniff stuff, bark, whinge, howl, poo, bite, bury stuff... simple dog things.
This has not changed for thousands of years and probably won't for another thousand years, despite our "humanised domestication". They are dogs.
All the random stuff you have in your home like, photos, clocks, throw pillows, shoes, garden hoses, chairs etc. are nothing to dogs and have no meaning. They are just sticks in a world of sticks to them. The have no human concept whatsoever. Your dog is a dog.
So why is your dog chewing on everything and destroying everything? The main reason is you did a great job training it to chew on everything.
The following is the most common consistency I see -
When I go to a clients place who has a dog that is destructive and a bad chewer, the most common thing I see the moment I step foot in the place is a crazy amount of dog toys.
Everything from fluffy things, to squeaky things, to kongs, to lick mats, to bones, to tennis balls, to rubber balls, to rope things, to the inevitable chewed up ball thrower itself. Plus a basket full of other stuff. Also scattered through all of the chaos is quite a few things the client has excepted the fate of. I see loads of plastic buckets and containers destroyed also!
Basically people add more things to chew on when a dog starts to chew on the things we don't what them to.
How can a dog differentiate between all of the random stuff you have given it and the things you don't want it to chew on? They are a dog.
A remote control to them is just another random stick thing similar to the other 3 random stick things. The throw pillow is a soft fluffy thing just like the 8 other torn up fluffy things. The long ropes you played tug of war are the same as a garden hose or power cords or shoelaces to a dog. Do you see where this is going?
If you give your dog consistent exposure to 25 random things to chew on, expect the 26th thing to be what you don't want them to chew on. They are being a dog and chewing on anything because you are encouraging them to chew on anything.
Yes there are other reasons to the chewing, but the stuff above is very very common to a person who only talks to people about naughty dogs.
We do so many things from a humans perspective with our dogs, and often complicate or confuse our dogs and ourselves with our over thinking! It's pretty full on when you google or youtube "how to stop a puppy chewing" and you get 1 billion results with 2 billions answers. Below are some ideas to add to your confusion and stress! HAHAHA!
Here are some ideas to thinks about -
Rotate Toys: Rotate the toys you give your puppy to keep them interesting and engaging. This can help prevent boredom and reduce the urge to chew on inappropriate items. I've always done 2 or 3 at a time. Observe the toys that use while calm - More to this further on.
Supervision: Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially when they are exploring new areas of your home. This allows you to redirect them if they start chewing on something they shouldn't.
Puppy-Proofing: Puppy-proof your home by removing or securing items that are tempting for your puppy to chew on. Keep shoes, cords, and small objects out of reach. Basically clean up and stop leaving stuff lying around. Put your shoes away! Teach your kids to PUT THEIR SHOES AWAY!
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy when they chew on appropriate items like their toys. Positive reinforcement helps them associate good behavior with rewards.
Teach "Leave It" and "Drop It" Commands: Train your puppy to respond to commands like "leave it" and "drop it." This will help you redirect their attention away from inappropriate items. This is specific training to do with them.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Provide your puppy with regular exercise and mental stimulation. A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing out of boredom... in theory.
Crate Training: Use crate training to create a safe space for your puppy when you can't supervise them. Make sure the crate is comfortable and inviting. Don't just cage the dog and leave for long periods. You need to train the puppy properly to get used to the crate.
Teething Relief: If your puppy is teething, provide them with frozen ice cubes, or teething toys to soothe their gums. I freeze small bits of dry dog food into plastic food containers, as well and some raw veggies not only for teething pups, but for my dogs on those hot summer days.
Redirect Behaviour: If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn't, gently redirect them to an appropriate toy. Always reward.
Consistency: Consistency is key in training. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page about rules and training techniques. Good cop/Bad cop doesn't work with dog training!
Time-Outs: If your puppy persists in chewing inappropriate items, use a short time-out. Gently remove them from the area and place them in a designated quiet space for a brief moment. This can help them understand that undesirable behavior. Never be mean or growl. Just do it calmly and reward once the dog has settled a bit.
Interactive Feeding: Use puzzle toys or interactive feeding bowls to engage your puppy's mind during mealtime. This can help reduce boredom-related chewing. I've only ever used the round balls that drop out dry food which my dogs love, but there are so hundreds of other options you many wish to try. Most of which are ridiculously marked up Alibaba bought stuff being sold as "Australian Owned" but rarely "Australian Made". Shop around and support local Australian Makers where possible! (Ok, that's all from me on that stuff, do what you want with your money).
Socialisation: Socialise your puppy with other dogs and new environments. A well-socialized puppy is less likely to develop anxiety-related behaviors that might lead to destructive chewing... In theory.
Provide Attention: Spend quality time with your puppy through play, training, and affection. Sometimes, destructive behavior can be a cry for attention. Add many extra engagements when you can. Even if for just a few minutes 5 extra times a day
Tire Them Out: Engage in active and mentally stimulating play sessions to tire out your puppy. A tired pup is more likely to nap than engage in destructive behavior.
Avoid Punishment: Never punish your puppy for chewing. Punishment can create fear and confusion, making the behavior worse. Don't be a jerk to your dog. It is being a dog, you just haven't trained it properly. Punish yourself.
Monitor Teething Phases: Puppies go through teething phases, and during these times, they might be more prone to chewing. Be understanding and provide appropriate outlets for their discomfort.
Scent Deterrents: Use scents that puppies dislike (like citrus or vinegar) on items you want to protect. I don't ever do this, but some people have told me it has worked or at least helped.
Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes playtime, training, and rest. Predictable routines can help reduce anxiety-related behaviors.
Teach "Quiet" Command: Teach your puppy a "quiet" command to discourage excessive barking or whining, which can sometimes be linked to destructive behavior. Most chewers are dogs that get over stimulated in most situations. Clam dogs tend to chew less.
Consult a Vet: Sometimes, excessive chewing can be a sign of medical issues, like gastrointestinal problems or nutritional deficiencies. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect an underlying health concern.
Practice Patience: Remember that puppy-hood is a phase that requires patience. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will yield better results over time. Teaching a dog to sit and stay is very important. If you can add this with a rock solid release this will help with a lot of behavioural issues.
Provide Physical and Mental Challenges: Engage your puppy's mind with training exercises and teach them new commands. Mental challenges can be just as tiring as physical ones. Usually more. Always change things up!
Gradual Freedom: As your puppy matures and learns appropriate behavior, gradually give them more freedom around the house. Start with short periods and expand their access over time.
One thing to take notice of is your dog will have a select 1 or 2 toys they actually take to their bed, or away to an area when they chill out. They toys are their calming toys. USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!!!
They can help with chewing and separation anxiety. When you go to leave the home, before leaving wait a few moments for your dog to calm down, then offer the "Calming Toy" to the dog in its calm spot. This can help set a calmer tone once your gone and not only help reduce the over stimulation of you leaving which can cause destruction, but help with separation anxiety.
There are so many toys and ideas to help with puppies chewing and destruction. Consistent dog training is the best.
Hopefully you found a helpful tips that you might not have thought of or noticed.
Give your dog a pat for me!
Cheers, Scott
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