Dogs chew for many different reasons. The item may smell like you. It might taste good. The dog is bored. The dog is anxious. The puppy is teething. It doesn't get enough exercise. Whatever the reason, a dog's chewing can be a huge headache for the owner. Once you know that chewing is something all dogs do and the reasons behind chewing, you can address the problem.
Correction of Behavior
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Items You Will Need:
• Lemon or bitter apple juice
• Pet crate or baby gates
• Rawhide strips, bones or pig ears
• Chew toys appropriate to dog's size
Step 1 - Treat the surface of the wooden furniture legs with bitter apple or lemon juice. If using lemon juice, test the area first to make sure it won't change the color.
Step 2 - Purchase a pet crate or use baby gates to confine the dog in a safe place when you are sleeping or out. Use this method consistently and provide pet toys when confining. The dog will learn what they can and cannot chew on.
Step 3 - Get pet chew toys that are appropriate to the dog's size. When the dog chews on something inappropriate, give the dog the pet toy and praise him when he chews on it. Rawhide chews work well because they tend to keep the dog busy and happy for a long time.
Step 4 - Use praise more liberally than scolding. Whenever the dog chooses a pet toy to chew on, praise him lavishly. In time the dog will learn the correct behavior through positive reinforcement.
By Leslie Thompson
About the Author
Leslie Thompson is a novelist in the Midwest. She has worked in public relations, fundraising, arts administration, higher education and has written and edited numerous newsletters and one literary magazine. Thompson has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in community arts management from Sangamon State University.