5 Steps To Correct Destructive Dog Chewing
According to an IOL article, South Africa is a dog country since there are 9.1 million dogs compared to 2.4 million cats. Most dogs enjoy chewing because it is one of their natural tendencies. According to the ASPCA, dogs use this propensity to examine objects, ease teething discomfort, relieve stress and irritation, and amuse themselves. It would help if you took action when your pet chews on inappropriate items like furniture. The following instructions will help you get your dog to stop chewing destructively.
Find a trustworthy chew toy.
It can be upsetting to discover that your dog has chewed on a table, chair, cabinet, or door. According to a professional assessment of dogs chewing on furniture, the best course of action is to give them something else to munch on while ensuring they know the item’s ownership. One of the most straightforward solutions to curb this behaviour is to find your pet a chew toy. Chewies ensure that your dogs are amused and pleased while you’re away from home, preventing them from chewing on your woodwork. Hill’s Pet Nutrition advises choosing a chew toy based on your dog’s age, chewing inclination, and the item’s appeal, durability, and size. The toy you select should challenge the dog’s intellect, strengthen its jaws, clean its teeth, and be safe for the pet.
Make sure to walk the dog frequently.
Every dog needs to be physically and mentally active. In addition to enhancing the dog’s health, it also helps to reduce unpleasant behaviours like chewing. When a dog is not regularly engaged in play or other positive activities, it becomes dull and displays undesirable tendencies. Your dog is welcome to join you in games of fetch and tug, morning jogs, and strolls around the park nearby. This helps to expend energy that may otherwise be directed toward a lousy pet. For optimal results, mix up the exercise regimen and think of creative ways to make it more enjoyable for the dog.
Create a dog-proof home.
Like children, several items and devices should not be used around dogs. This reduces the likelihood that the dog or your treasured possessions will suffer injury. Start by keeping the dog away from pricey and delicate items. Take out objects, such as exposed electrical cords, that can attract the dog’s attention. According to Petfinder, the dog should not have access to shoes, dirty laundry, or baby toys. This will prevent your dog from becoming obsessed with particular items and picking up harmful chewing habits.
Examine the diet.
An underweight dog may resort to destructive chewing to compensate for the lack of certain nutrients in its diet. To curb this, make sure your pet is getting high-quality food. The hunger for food may be why dogs chew on bowls or other objects that smell like food. Make an effort to improve the balance and taste of your diet. Your dog’s behaviour will get better with time.
Keep an eye on it and prevent chewing.
When you are at home, keep a close eye on the dog. If you notice the dog trying to chew on something inappropriate, scold him. When it chews on its toy, compliment it and give it a gift. As a result, the dog will be able to understand what is suitable and acquire good manners. You might wish to use a deterrent if your dog won’t stop chewing on particular items. Spray it on furniture, legs, and any other surface your dog is prone to attack. These products taste and smell foul, which makes the dog want to stay away from them. Over time, this helps the dog stop the habit.
Generally speaking, it is better to end your dog’s chewing in a considerate way. This guarantees speedy learning and prevents the dog from repeating the behaviour later. Give your dog a serene, stress-free, and unfrustrating environment. Keeping your pets busy can ensure that your house is shred-free.