How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Everything

Dogs have a very common natural instinct to chew on wood furniture, shoes, clothes, towels and other things. Many dog owners become frustrated by this behaviour because sometimes it is a costly issue for them. Moreover, some canines are very aggressive. But it is not a bigger problem. Some few instructions and constancy can control this type of behaviour. By maintaining a home environment, providing them interactive chewing toys and proper training can easily stop them from chewing on things. Before learning about the way of controlling their chewing behaviours, we should know why dogs chew on things. If you know it properly, it will be much easier for you to maintain their misbehavior.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Things - The Root Causes

Some common reasons encourage the canines to chew on things that are:

• Exploratory chewing: This is very common for canines especially in their puppy stage. It is a great way for the furry friends to explore their surroundings. This helps them to understand the size, textures, objects and even boundaries. The benefits of biting for this reason is helpful for jaw strength and keeping their teeth clean.
• Teething chewing: As like human kids, puppies also go through a teething phase between the months of 3 to 6 age. Chewing provides them relief from gum discomfort during this time.
• Anxiety or stress chewing: Sometimes dogs become anxious and stressed such as on the time of separation anxiety or loud thunderstorms. Chewing can be a great way to cope with stress and self-soothe. 
• Boredom chewing: Canines need a lot of mental and physical stimulation because of their excessive energy and intelligence. If they have a lack of stimulation, they become bored. As a result, it can lead a dog to seek out entertainment in destructive ways.
• Medical or nutritional issues: Due to underlying health conditions, canines can chew excessively. For example gastrointestinal issues or nutritional deficiencies lead them to be devastating. 
• Lack of proper training: Without proper and enough training, they also can be aggressive. If the dogs don’t receive proper training from an early age, they can’t learn what is appropriate for chewing and what is not suitable for chewing.

These are the common reasons for their aggressive biting. Though dogs chew because of these common causes, they also have some desire to chew on specific things such as wood, towel, shoes, clothes etc.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Wood?

Wood sticks mimic bones that are a natural chew item for wild canines. They consider wood as bones and start biting on it. Because of this, the furniture made of wood becomes their biting target. You can allow your pet to bite on wood. But you have to be careful because there are some risks involved with it. 

The Risks of Wood Chewing

• Splinters: Wood can break into some sharp splinters, which can lead to choking hazard for a dog. Also, it can injure its mouth, gums, and throat.
• Internal injury: If they ingest wood splinters, it may puncture the gastrointestinal tract or cause blockages. Both of these reasons, they can require emergency veterinary assistance.
• Toxins: Some types of wood, including some treated kinds or some species of trees (such as cherry, yew), to name a few, have toxic substances which greatly affect dogs when ingested.

Why Does Your Dog Chew on the Towel?

The first reason for your dog’s chewing on a towel is the familiar scent of you. Canines have a strong sense of smell. They feel safe from their owner’s scents. It offers them the comfort of chewing on your towel when you're not home.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Your Clothes, Shoes and Other Things?

Same as chewing on a towel, your familiar scent is the root reason for biting on your clothes, shoes and other things. These can be risky for your pet’s health.

The Risks of Chewing on Towel, Clothes, Shoes and Other Things

• Choking hazard: When canines chew on these things, they can be torn and small parts can be released. If dogs ingest the small parts, it can be the reason for choking hazard.
• Digestive problem: When the small parts of these things reach the pet's stomach, it creates digestive issues for them.
• Economic loss: Some things these regular used things can be high-expensive that can be the reason for your economic loss.

Now we have understood the reason and risks of chewing on things. Now we will learn how pet parents can prevent this behavior.

The Steps to Stop a Dog from Chewing everything

1. Training and Behavioral Techniques

Once you’ve figured out the chewing cause, redirect that chewing behavior to a positive action.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Establish reinforcement techniques for your dog when chewing on proper chew toys. Use treats, praises, and cuddles to encourage good behavior. For instance, when you catch your dog chewing on a toy rather than shoes, reward them with upbeat praise and immediate treats.

Provide Appropriate Interactive and Chew Toys 

Dogs need to chew. It's part of their instincts. Provide them chew toys that are safe, durable, and entertaining enough to satisfy this preference while also safeguarding your belongings. On the other hand, interactive toys can make them active and free from boredom. Rotate the toys often so that they are never tired with the same toy.

Some Best Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers:

Grass and Yellow Duck Toy: These are yellow and green animal shaped toys. The bright colors with the squeaker make pets get interested in its play. The toys are made from tough cotton fabrics.

Suction Cup Slow Feeder Toy: This is a slow feeder chew toy that releases treats for dogs when bit on it. These innovative designs encourage pets to chew on it. The toy is crafted from soft and long-lasting silicon material.

Chewing Rope Dog Toy: These toys are made from high-quality cotton that is chew resistant. You can shape it into dimples, bones, balls, vegetables etc. Maximum pets love it for biting.

Plus Octopus Toy: It is made of high-quality polyester material. The toy has a bibi sounder that creates sounds like an animal. 

Tennis Tumple Puzzle Toy: This is made of natural rubber. There is a tennis ball inside the cup. Pets need to solve the puzzle to release the tennis from it.

Squeaky Chew Ball: It is a reasonable and colorful toy that has a squeaker inside. The squeaker activates when pets bite on it. TPR materials are used to make these balls.

Comparison of these toys for making informed decision:

Toy Names	Benefits	Suitable Dog Types
Grass and yellow duck toy	Texture surface of the toy message gums and make pets stress free. Control chewing on clothes.	Perfect for all types of aggressive dog breeds and puppies.
Suction cup slow feeder toy	Soft surfaces satisfy chewing needs and control chewing on shoes. Besides, it makes meal time interesting.	Suitable for small and medium sized dogs. Gentle and heavy chewers can use it.
Chewing rope dog toy	The durable rope offers fresh breath cleaning a pet's teeth. It’s controlled by shoe chewing.	Medium and large breeds are ideal for this toy. But small dogs also can use it.
Plus octopus toy	It can control barking and chewing on clothes. Keep pets busy for a long time.	Perfect for small and medium chewing dogs.
Tennis tumple puzzle toy	It improves problem solving skills by absorbing high energy levels.	Puppies and medium sized dogs are ideal chewers for it.
Squeaky chew ball	Texture surface cleans teeth and provides fresh breath. Usable in both indoor and outdoor play sessions.	Small and medium dogs are perfect.

Some Interactive Toys for Dogs

Slow Dog Puzzle Feeder: These toys improve the dog’s brain and encourage slow feeding. These toys are made of non-toxic PP material. These can be found in multiple shapes and colors.

Automatic Dog Ball Launcher: This interactive toy throws a tennis ball when a pet falls on the hole of this toy. Distance control and safety sensor features prevent risks when throwing balls. It is portable and compact.

Food Dispensing Puzzle Ball: It is durable interactive toys that release food when dogs push on it. Treat dispensing feature of this toy makes pets interested in playing with it. Threat dispensing can be controlled by its slow feeding function. 

Check comparison:

Toy Names	Benefits	Suitable Dog Types
Slow dog puzzle feeder	Improve dog’s problem solving skill and increase digestive power promoting slow feeding. Control over eating.	Suitable for sizes of dog breeds and puppies
Automatic dog ball launcher	Promote physical activity and overcome boredom and separation anxiety.	Suitable for small and medium sized dogs
Food dispensing puzzle ball	This toy combines play time and meal time together. Thus, it increases digestive power.	All sizes and breeds are suitable

Set Boundaries and Use Deterrents 

Teach your dog what’s off-limits. Say “no” firmly when you catch them chewing something inappropriate, then immediately redirect them toward the proper toy. It is consistent teaching in instructing the dog on what is to be chewed and not to be chewed. Apart, use taste deterrent sprays like bitter apple spray on those furniture and other items that you want to make unavailable to chewing for your dog.

Pinpoint the Cause 

Watch closely how your dog behaves. Will they chew when left alone? Can you associate that chewing with certain events or times of day? The first step in preventing further destruction is identifying the root cause.

2. Environmental Management

Dogs who are too free at home can quickly have trouble. Proper fencing or an indoor environment can prevent accidents and create channels for the good behavior of dogs.

Create a Dog-Friendly Space 

Choose a specific space in your house where your pet dog can stay safely when you are unable to supervise them. It would be good to ensure that this area's equipped with his bed, toys, and a supply of fresh water.

Implement Crate Training 

 

Making a crate trained dog helps in controlling chewing activities but even more provides your furry friend with a private safe and comfortable space of its own. Remember, a crate must never be used as punishment but as a part of life indoors: it is a cozy den to curl up in for napping and downtime.

Tip: Leave your dog’s favorite toy in the crate to encourage positive associations.

3. Health Considerations

In fact, chewing too much can also be due to certain health reasons. Therefore, your dog needs to be healthy enough to avoid destructive behavior.

Proper Nutrition 

A balanced diet is fundamental. A dog will generally try to compensate for a dietary deficiency by chewing some object. Feed them high-quality dog food and have regular checkups at the vet for tailored advice with respect to your pet's needs.

Address Underlying Medical Problems 

Chewing that becomes obsessive or persistent can indicate some health-related problems. Your dog might chew a lot for reasons such as pain in the tummy, which he/she may be trying to alleviate, or oral pain originating from dental problems. Make sure to visit your veterinarian in case you are uncertain what this condition indicates.

4. Consistency and Patience

Training a dog to stop chewing everything doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and patience.

Stay Consistent 

It is crucial that the whole family follows the same rules and commands when training your dog. Conflicting signals may confuse your dog and create setbacks when trying to reach any goal.

Manage Frustration 

It is quite normal for an owner to feel annoyed when his/her beloved dog tears or damages an expensive item. But staying calm and focused too is really important for the success of your training. The dog isn't trying to upset or annoy you, instead it learns and adapts just as you do. Keep in mind the long-term benefits of a well-trained, happy pet; the sacrifice of living in destruction is actually temporary.

5. Seek Professional Help

Professional trainers or animal behaviorists can bring a world of difference if a problem still persists after your effort. They are personnel trained and educated in specialized behavior modification training techniques geared toward specific behavioral issues.

Lastly

Chewing is nature's act of being a dog. This reality, when understood, builds a base for putting up with chewing. View it not as a bothersome event but rather a time to be spent training with one's dog or doing something fun together. After some measure of effort, perseverance, patience, and empathy, you let your dog grow into healthier chewing habits-and keep your stuff intact.