Keeping your shoes safe and your doggie happy: how to stop chewing!
Chewing. All dogs do it, all humans hate it. So what can you do to stop your best friend’s newest idea of ‘fun?’ Fear not, Animal Fair has just the thing you need!
The first step to stopping problematic doggie behavior is figuring out the source of it. Puppies, like children, explore the world by putting things in their mouths. At a young age, their teeth are also growing, so chewing not only helps with teething but it also makes their sore gums feel better!
Adult dogs are a different story. Older doggies chew for a variety of reasons such as boredom, attention, or because of separation anxiety (yes, your best friend is chewing up your favorite shoes because they miss you!). Once you figure out the reason for chewing, you can take steps to stop it!
- Rule out health problems. Some dogs chew objects because of nutritional deficiencies due to poor diets, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your vet to see if this is the case. After all, the most important thing is that our companions are as healthy as possible!
- Encourage appropriate chewing. Make sure you distinguish between dog toys and household items. Don’t offer your dog objects you don’t want them to chew once you’re out of the house. Place your clothing, shoes and trash out of your dog’s reach. This will not only help your doggie understand the difference between their towel and your towel, but it will also keep your stuff safe!
- Discourage inappropriate chewing. If you find your pup chewing on your shoe, take it away from them and scold them. Make sure you offer them an appropriate chew object and then praise and reward them when they chew on that toy instead!
- Exercise your dog regularly. If your dog has excess energy, they will find a way to amuse themselves the minute you step out the door. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog! Take your dog out for regular walks and play with them before you leave the house! This will not only help you bond with them; it will also get rid of the energy they spend on chewing!
But, remember; whatever you do, make sure your pet feels loved! You can buy a variety of chewing toys dogs LOVE, such as Dog Chews or Benebone. These will make your dog happy while keeping their teeth and gums healthy!
Finally, whatever the reason is for the chewing, just remember: inappropriate behavior can be fixed! Dogs are your best friends so make sure you teach them appropriate behavior while giving them all the love they deserve! Happy chewing-free days!
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