Dogs have many reasons for chewing, and while some of these are natural behaviors, others can be problematic. Understanding why your dog chews can help you address this behavior in a positive way. This article will explore several reasons behind your dog’s chewing habits and provide tips on how to redirect them.
By learning about the common causes of chewing, you can identify the factors affecting your dog and implement solutions to ensure they chew on appropriate items. This will help keep your dog happy and your belongings safe.
Table of Contents
1) Teething
Puppies go through a teething phase just like human babies. This usually happens when they are between three to six months old. During this time, their gums can become sore, and chewing helps them relieve the discomfort.
You can give your puppy various types of soft chew toys to soothe their gums. Plain rubber toys or ones designed for teething puppies are great choices. Make sure the toys are the right size to prevent choking.
2) Boredom
Dogs chew a lot when they are bored. After all, it gives them something to do. Without enough mental and physical activity, they may chew on furniture or shoes.
You can help by giving your dog plenty of toys to keep them busy. Puzzle toys and chew toys can be very effective in keeping their mind engaged. Another way is to spend more time playing or walking with them.
3) Anxiety Relief
Dogs often chew to relieve anxiety. When left alone for long periods, they may chew on furniture or other items to cope.
Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys can help reduce their anxiety. Toys designed specifically for chewing can keep them occupied and calm.
4) Playing and Entertainment
Dogs often chew because they’re playing and need entertainment. Chewing can be fun for them, like a game.
Providing a variety of chew toys can help keep your dog busy and happy.
Rotate their toys often to keep things fresh and exciting. You can also play interactive games with your dog, like fetch or tug-of-war, to keep them entertained and reduce their urge to chew.
5) Hunting Instinct
Dogs have a natural hunting instinct. They love to chase small animals like squirrels and rabbits. This behavior is exciting for them and often hard to control.
To help manage this instinct, provide your dog with interactive toys. Puzzle toys and toys that mimic prey can keep them engaged and satisfied. This way, their natural drive is redirected positively.
6) Attention-Seeking
Dogs often chew when they feel lonely or want your attention. If your dog starts chewing items when you’re busy, it might be their way of saying they need some love.
Try to provide enrichment and playtime. Establishing a routine can help. This way, your dog knows when to expect attention, reducing the need for attention-seeking chewing.
Redirect their chewing to suitable chew toys. When they go for the toys instead of your things, give them praise. This positive reinforcement helps teach your dog that chewing on their toys gets your attention in a good way.
7) Puppy Energy
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity. They explore their world by chewing on various objects. This helps them learn about their environment.
To redirect this behavior, provide engaging chew toys. Puzzle toys and rubber toys are great options. These toys can help focus their energy in a fun and safe way.
Regular playtime and exercise also help manage their high energy levels. A tired puppy is less likely to chew on inappropriate items.
8) Exploration and Curiosity
Dogs often chew on things when they are exploring their environment. This behavior is especially common in puppies who are discovering the world around them.
Chewing helps them learn about different textures and tastes. It’s how they interact with unfamiliar objects.
Providing safe chew toys can satisfy this curiosity and keep them from gnawing on inappropriate items.
9) Dental Health
Chewing helps your dog’s dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. When your dog chews, it scrapes away food particles and debris from their teeth.
Using dental chews or rubber toys can promote gum health and keep their teeth clean. Always choose safe and appropriate chew toys to protect your dog’s teeth.
Regular chewing can also reduce bad breath and keep their mouth fresh.
10) Hunger or Thirst
Dogs may chew on various objects when they feel hungry or thirsty. If your dog is not getting enough food or water, they might start chewing to distract themselves or as a way to deal with the discomfort.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Regularly check and refill their bowl. Feed them a balanced diet that suits their age, size, and activity level.
11) Habits Formed Early
Dogs often develop chewing habits when they are young. Puppies chew to explore their world and relieve teething pain. These early habits can carry over into adulthood if not properly managed.
It’s important to provide appropriate chew toys to your puppy. This helps them learn what is acceptable to chew on.
Consistency is key. Make sure to guide them with positive reinforcement when they choose to chew on the right objects.
Understanding Why Dogs Chew
Dogs chew for several reasons, ranging from natural instincts to health issues and even stress. Knowing why your dog chews can help you address this behavior more effectively.
Natural Instincts
Chewing is normal for dogs. They use their mouths to explore, much like humans use their hands. Puppies, like babies, chew when teething to ease discomfort. Adult dogs also chew to keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. Offering appropriate chew toys can satisfy this instinct and prevent damage to your belongings.
Dogs may also chew when they are playing. Biting and carrying objects are part of how they engage with their environment. Using toys and playing with your dog can help channel this energy into more acceptable activities.
Health Reasons
Chewing can sometimes signal health issues. Dental problems, like gum disease or broken teeth, can make dogs seek relief through chewing. Regular veterinary check-ups and dental cleanings are important to maintain your dog’s oral health. Providing dental chews can also help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Hunger can be another reason behind chewing, particularly in dogs under calorie-restricted diets. Ensuring your dog receives appropriate nutrition can reduce this type of chewing. Sometimes, adding more fiber to their diet can also help them feel fuller for longer.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are common triggers for chewing. Dogs left alone for long periods can develop separation anxiety, leading them to chew as a coping mechanism. Training and gradual acclimation to being alone can help reduce this behavior. You can leave them with comforting items and safe chew toys to manage their stress.
Changes in the environment, such as moving to a new home or the addition of a new pet, can also cause stress-induced chewing. Providing a stable routine, plenty of exercises, and mental stimulation can help your dog adjust and reduce anxiety. Sometimes, consulting with a veterinarian or a pet behaviorist may be necessary to address severe anxiety issues.
Effective Ways to Redirect Chewing Behavior
Redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior can be done with the right tools and techniques. It’s important to provide appropriate alternatives, use proper training methods, and reinforce good behavior consistently.
Chew Toys and Alternatives
Offering your dog a variety of chew toys is essential. Puzzle toys, rubber toys, and dental chews are great options to keep your dog interested. Make sure to select toys that match your dog’s size, age, and chewing habits.
Rotate the toys regularly to keep them exciting. This prevents boredom, which is a common reason for destructive chewing. Avoid toys that can easily break into small pieces, as these can be dangerous if swallowed. Some dogs also enjoy edible chews like rawhide, bully sticks, or antlers.
Training Techniques
Training is crucial in redirecting chewing behavior. When you catch your dog chewing on something inappropriate, calmly remove the item and replace it with a suitable chew toy. Praise and reward your dog when they choose the appropriate toy.
You can also use commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to discourage chewing on forbidden items. Train these commands using treats and positive reinforcement. Patience is key, as it takes time for your dog to learn and follow these commands consistently.
Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
Consistency is important in teaching your dog what is acceptable to chew on. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses the same commands. Mixed messages can confuse your dog and slow down the training process.
Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to repeat good behavior. Whenever your dog chews on appropriate items, give them treats, praise, or extra playtime. This creates a strong connection between chewing on the right things and receiving rewards. Avoid punishing your dog, as this can lead to fear and more unwanted behavior. Instead, focus on reinforcing positive actions to guide your dog’s chewing habits effectively.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
