Stop Dog Chewing

Dog Chewing is something all dogs naturally love to do, especially if they’re a puppy. Just like babies who are teething, puppies need appropriate things to chew on to help with the discomfort of new teeth coming in. That being said, adult dogs need things to chew on as well but they must learn what things are acceptable.   

At times, owners allow their dogs to affectionately chew on their hands or fingers.  This is a definite no-no.  Your dog will have a hard time understanding that not everyone is happy with that.  So, if he begins licking or chewing on your hand, put your other hand at the back of your dog’s head forcing it forward.  At the same time keep the hand he’s chewing on flat with your palm down on his tongue, and forcing the side of it toward the back of your dog’s open mouth.  This will cause him to open his mouth even wider.  By continuing to hold your hand in the back of his mouth for about 10 seconds, your dog will release his grip and try to remove your hand from his mouth.  It’s very uncomfortable to him but it doesn’t hurt him at all. 

You may need to repeat this a few times until he gets the message that dog chewing on your hand, or anyone else’s for that matter, is not acceptable.  Once he removes his mouth, be certain to use both hands to praise him for his correct response. 

When it comes to Dog chewing on your things, you want to be sure you never give him anything to chew on that he can confuse with a substitute later on.  For example, some owners give their dog an old slipper to chew on.  This is the absolutely wrong thing to do.  What you’re doing is giving your dog a taste for this slipper, and any other slipper, shoe, or boot that has a familiar scent on it.  Basically you’re setting your dog up to fail and become even more destructive. 

If your dog has already chewed something that is definitely out of the realm of “ok”, you need to correct him immediately if possible.  Using a short nylon rope about two or three feet long clipped to his collar, you can give him a quick but firm snap telling him “NO” while showing him the item he’s chewed.  Be firm and make a big deal of it for about 10 to 15 seconds.  Then put the item back where he found it, even if it’s been destroyed.  By using it like ‘bait’ and leaving the room, you’re giving him the opportunity to chew it again.   

Of course, just as with kids, you’ll be watching him without being seen to see what he does.  If he starts again, go back and repeat the whole process over until he gets the idea.  If he walks away or leaves it alone, it’s a very good start, but don’t stop.  Always be ready to correct him the moment he starts to slip. 

Many think if too much time as passed their dog won’t remember what he’s done.  Maybe you’ve been gone and return later to discover your dog’s had a great time chewing the leg on your couch or a rung on your chair.  It’s never too late to correct him.  Dogs have incredible memories so he’ll know exactly what he’s done if you take him to the damaged area and use the method I described earlier.  His scent is also on the item he chewed so he’ll have no problem understanding.  Until he’s learned not to chew on unacceptable things while you’re gone however, it’s advisable to either take him with you, or confine him to a safe area during those short times.  You absolutely must be diligent when you are home though, if you expect him to behave when you’re away.  If you aren’t, you’re choosing to begin a new fad of wearing chewed shoes … that match! 

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