Chewing Dog Problems
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When you bring a dog into the household, he's cute, fuzzy, loving, and fun loving. However, what Fido or Spot might consider fun may not match up with your expectations of the well behaved dog. Some fun, but unacceptable activities for dogs might include jumping up on everyone who comes into your
home, chewing up clothing and drapes or barking incessantly, causing discord throughout the neighborhood. Another common unacceptable behavior is the chewing dog problem. This dog chews on everything from your fine furniture and clothing to the kid's toys. While the chewing dog problem is usually confined to your home, it's also one of the more destructive and expensive bad dog behaviors. Looking on the bright side, it's also one of the easiest to remedy.
Puppies almost always have the chewing dog problem, unless you give them their own designated items to chew. It's a natural stage of development and there's not much you can do to curb their urges. They're teething, just like babies, and chewing satisfies the itch and helps relieve pain and boredom, all in one activity. So, unless you visit the pet store right away and pick up some chewing materials for them, you can expect to suffer a few losses in your furnishings and wardrobe. This will come to your attention in no uncertain terms, when you come home and find that cute little bundle of fur has made a virtual meal of your new designer boots, or that novel that you carelessly left on the coffee table.
There's a huge variety of puppy chewing toys available at the pet store. Nylon bones, sturdy sisal rope twists, and hard rubber balls of sufficient size to not be a choking hazard are all good choices. Ask the clerk at the pet store which products are most successful in treating the chewing dog problem. Don't flinch at investing in a sizable collection to keep that puppy busy. Think of the potential catastrophes that may happen if you don't!
When you come home with the items, put your puppy in a pet carrier, if you have one, for a couple of hours, and introduce him to a few of his new chewing toys. Switch them out every day, so he doesn't get bored with any of his choices. He'll have his own scent on them and will quickly understand they are his to do with as he pleases.
Keep a close eye on him when he's rambling around the house at other times. If you catch him chewing on your stuff, a slap on the floor with a rolled up newspaper will get his attention. Issue a quiet, but firm and disapproving 'bad dog', then put him in a confined area, with his chewing toys.
It shouldn't take more than a few weeks to remedy your chewing dog problem.
