Q&A for How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Things it Shouldn't

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Question

Why do dogs chew so much?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Keep in mind that chewing is a completely normal dog behavior, especially in puppies

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Question

Why does my dog chew things when I leave the house?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Chewing is comforting for many dogs, in the same way that a child finds sucking their thumb reassuring. If the dog chews when you are out, it's likely they are missing you and this is their way of coping. Work on ways of making them feel safe when you're out and reducing the anxiety of being left alone.

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Question

Why does my dog keep chewing everything?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Chewing is normal dog behavior and a source of great satisfaction for them. Rather than stop the dog chewing altogether, which is not realistic, provide chew toys for the dog. Make these more attractive by smearing them in peanut butter. Be sure to heap praise on the dog when they choose the right thing to chew on. This helps the dog know what's OK to chew and what isn't.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from chewing on everything?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Make sure the dog gets plenty of exercise. A tired dog is more likely to sleep than chew. However, chewing is natural behavior so be sure to provide something that's safe and appropriate for them to chew on. When the dog chooses this, instead of the furniture, praise the dog to let them know they did good.

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Question

How do I get my dog to stop destroying things when he's left alone?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

The biggest thing is that you have to occupy your dog with enough stimulation so it doesn't feel like it has to go find something to do. Also, reward your dog for doing nothing. If you do that, your dog will most likely enjoy hanging out more than chewing something.

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Question

Should I give my dog finished plastic bottles to play with?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. The plastic could tear, then cut the pup's mouth. Stuff the bottle in a tube sock, and tie off. After a couple of months, change the bottle. Every couple of weeks, check for tears in the bottle and sock.

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Question

My dog chews my car mirror; what should I do?

Community Answer

Get some bitter apple spray, which can be found at Walmart and many pet stores. You simply spray the mirror and the dog will leave it alone.

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Question

My 1-year-old Siberian Husky always chews her harness,and some of our slippers. She destroyed many harnesses, and even her leashes. We gave her a metal collar, but it damaged her neck. What should we do?

Community Answer

Huskies are high energy dogs and need lots of exercise. It sounds like your dog has too much pent up energy. Start taking your dog on long walks or runs every day. You should also look into obedience classes. The trainers can help you understand your dog and earn your dog's respect.

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Question

My 8-month-old Lab mix wants to chew and eat tree limbs, paper, plastic, metal and anything else he can get. I give him all kinds of chews. What else can I do?

Community Answer

Read section 4 of the article above about the deterrent sprays that you can use to discourage your Lab from chewing.

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Question

My dog chews the arms of the sofa when we go out. We give her lots of toys and chew bones. What can we do to stop her from doing this again?

Community Answer

Keep her outside when you go out if you can, or give her something else to do, like get a Kong toy and smear peanut butter around it and give it to her, get an empty coke bottle and open the lid then put dog food in it or any other good puzzles to keep your dog occupied.

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Question

We keep the leash on our seven month-old puppy in the house and he has chewed through two leashes. How do we stop him from chewing the leashes?

Community Answer

Take the leash off in the house, as there is no reason to leave it on. Keep it in a place he can't reach it.

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Question

I have a 1-year-old lab. I've already tried to train him, but it didn't work out. What should I do?

Community Answer

Keep trying. Training a dog is not easy. You just have to be consistent and keep correcting their behavior. It wouldn't hurt to consult a professional trainer as well.

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