Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing

One of the dog's natural tendencies is to chew. This doesn't always mean there's a problem and that you need to stop dog chewing. Dogs can chew a number of items safely such as bones and dog toys. However, most dogs will participate in some form of destructive chewing at least once in their lives.

Some develop a severe dog chewing problem. When your personal items (such as pens, shoes and clothes) start getting chewed and destroyed, then it's time to do something about it.

Why Do Dogs Chew?

Dogs do not chew simply to be annoying. They do it because they are dogs. A dog is born with a desire to chew. When they are lonely, bored or anxious, they are more likely to participate in chewing - often with destructive results. Some dogs may also chew themselves - such as obsessively chewing on their paws or limbs. Chewing can be a form of stress relief for dogs. When they are anxious, they find something to chew in order to relieve their anxiety.

What Do They Chew?

Dogs may chew a wide variety of things, depending on the type of items they can get hold of and how anxious, lonely or bored they are. If they are able to get hold of many household items, they may chew on them. This may include pens, children's toys, shoes, plastic containers, trash, boxes and buckets. Even if the dog cannot get hold of loose household items, the dog chewing cabinet or other furniture may become a problem.

Items for Your Dog to Chew

One of the most useful things you can do to reduce destructive dog chewing is to provide lots of appropriate items for your dogs to chew. Here are some of the chew items that may be used: