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How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Its Bed - petpawz.com.au

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Its Bed

There’s nothing more frustrating than coming home after a long day only to find your dog has turned their bed into a heap of shredded fabric and stuffing. If you’re among the countless pet owners struggling with this problem, you’re definitely not alone. Dog bed-chewing is a common issue that many pet parents face, and while it might seem like an act of pure rebellion, the reasons behind it are usually more nuanced.

Understanding why your dog is chewing their bed is key to solving the problem. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the most common reasons for bed-chewing, practical solutions you can use, and ways to provide a lasting and chew-free sleep environment for your beloved furry friend.

Why Does Your Dog Chew Its Bed? Common Reasons 

Before diving into how to stop bed-chewing, it’s crucial to understand what’s driving this behaviour. Often, the reasons can vary from puppy teething to anxiety or simple boredom.

Exploring the Root Causes

Teething in Puppies

For puppies, chewing is a natural part of growing up. Much like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their adult teeth come in, and chewing helps alleviate some of that pain. If your puppy is chewing its bed, it might simply be looking for relief during the teething phase.

Anxiety or Stress

Chewing can also be a dog’s way of coping with anxiety or stress. Dogs, like people, can feel overwhelmed, and bed-chewing can be a way to relieve their nervous energy. This is particularly common with dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or dogs dealing with changes in their environment, such as a move or a new pet in the house.

Instinctual behaviour

Chewing is an instinctive activity that satisfies a dog’s natural desire to explore their surroundings. This behaviour has its roots in a dog's ancestry, where chewing served various purposes, such as grinding down bones and relieving stress. Dogs chew because it feels good, and without appropriate chew toys, their bed may become the easiest target.

Lack of Mental or Physical Stimulation

Dogs are active and intelligent animals that need both physical and mental stimulation. If they aren’t getting enough, they may resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing on furniture or bedding, to fill the gap. A bored dog will look for ways to entertain itself, and unfortunately, its bed can become an easy source of that entertainment.

Attention-Seeking behaviour

If your dog has figured out that chewing the bed gets your attention—whether it’s positive or negative—this could become an ingrained habit. Even scolding can reinforce the behaviour if it means getting attention from you.

How to Stop Bed-Chewing: Practical Tips for Pet Owners

Once you understand why your dog is chewing its bed, you can take steps to address it in a way that meets their needs while keeping your home intact. Below are effective methods to help prevent destructive chewing.

Provide Chew Alternatives

Dog-Safe Chew Toys

One of the simplest ways to keep your dog from chewing its bed is to offer more appropriate things to chew on. There are plenty of dog-safe chew toys available that are specifically designed to be satisfying for dogs. Tough rubber toys, stuffed Kongs filled with treats, and chew bones can all make excellent alternatives that help redirect your dog’s chewing away from their bed.

Rotating Toys

Dogs can get bored with the same toy if it's always available. Rotating different types of chew toys every few days can keep things interesting for your pet. By keeping their curiosity piqued, you reduce the likelihood that they’ll turn back to their bed out of boredom.

Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Daily Walks and Playtime

Dogs need exercise, and a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Ensuring your dog gets plenty of physical activity each day can significantly reduce unwanted behaviors like bed-chewing. Walks, playtime in the yard, fetch, or even agility training can all help expend your dog's energy in healthy ways.

Mental Enrichment Games

Physical activity is only part of the equation. Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog’s well-being. Puzzle feeders are a great way to engage your dog’s brain. Hide treats around the house or in a snuffle mat for a fun scavenger hunt. The more engaged their mind is, the less likely they are to resort to destructive chewing out of boredom.

Training to Discourage Bed Chewing

Use Positive Reinforcement

Training with positive reinforcement can help modify your dog's behavior. Reward your dog when they chew on appropriate items, like their toys, rather than their bed. Treats, praise, or a bit of playtime can reinforce good behavior. Be consistent, so your dog starts to understand that chewing their toys brings good things, whereas chewing the bed does not.

Teach “Leave It” or “No” Command

Teaching your dog the "Leave it" or "No" command can be very effective in stopping bed-chewing. Start by practicing this command with something less tempting, and then progress to the bed once they understand. When they attempt to chew the bed, use the command and redirect them to an appropriate item, like a toy. Reward them immediately when they make the right choice.

Using Bitter Deterrent Sprays

Dog-Safe Deterrents

Bitter deterrent sprays can be an effective tool for training dogs to stay away from certain areas or objects. These sprays are specifically formulated to taste unpleasant to dogs, making chewing on the bed far less appealing. Make sure that the deterrent you use is non-toxic and safe for pets. Spray it on your dog’s bed, and watch for signs that it deters them.

Test Sensitivity

Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous part of the bed first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. This can save you from accidentally ruining the entire bed and gives you a chance to gauge how effective the deterrent is.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Role in Bed-Chewing

If anxiety is the culprit behind your dog’s bed-chewing, addressing the root cause of that anxiety will be key to curbing the behavior.

Identifying Signs of Separation Anxiety

Behavioral Cues

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may show specific behaviors when left alone, such as pacing, whining, drooling, or destructive chewing. Pay attention to when the chewing occurs. If it’s primarily when your dog is left alone, anxiety may be driving the behavior.

Building Confidence

Helping your dog build confidence can reduce anxiety-related behaviors. Crate training, providing high-value chew toys when leaving, or practicing short departures to help acclimate them to being alone can all help. Gradually increase the time they spend alone, ensuring each experience is calm and not anxiety-provoking.

Comforting Techniques for an Anxious Dog

Calming Beds and Blankets

Consider getting a bed that’s specifically designed to comfort anxious dogs. Calming beds are often round with raised sides that provide a sense of security. Weighted blankets or blankets with your scent can also help soothe an anxious dog by making them feel secure.

Background Noise

Background noise can create a soothing environment for a dog that suffers from separation anxiety. Leaving the television on or playing calming music can help reduce feelings of loneliness and provide comfort while you’re away.

What If Your Dog Still Won't Stop Chewing the Bed?

If none of the above strategies work, it might be time to seek professional help.

Consider Consulting a Professional

Behaviorist Assistance

A professional dog behaviorist can work one-on-one with you and your dog to develop a tailored plan to curb bed-chewing. They can often pinpoint specific triggers and develop a strategy to counteract them that may not be apparent to pet owners.

Vet Check for Medical Issues

Sometimes, medical issues, such as dental pain or gastrointestinal discomfort, can lead to compulsive chewing. If you’ve tried all the usual tricks and your dog is still chewing the bed excessively, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

Tips for Choosing a Chew-Proof Dog Bed

If your dog has a strong urge to chew, investing in a chew-resistant bed can be a wise move.

Durable Materials

Choose a dog bed made of chew-resistant materials, such as ripstop nylon, ballistic polyester, or heavy-duty canvas. These materials are more resistant to wear and tear and less appealing for a dog to destroy.

Elevated Beds

Elevated or hammock-style beds may be an excellent solution for habitual chewers. Since these beds are made of taut fabric stretched over a frame, they don’t have the same chew appeal as cushioned beds. Plus, they’re easier to clean and keep cool.

Reinforced Seams and Zippers

When choosing a chew-proof bed, look for options with reinforced seams and hidden zippers. These features make it more challenging for dogs to find a weak spot that they can pull apart.

Balancing Comfort and Durability

It’s essential to find a balance between comfort and durability. While you want a bed that can withstand some abuse, it should also be a cozy place your dog actually wants to sleep. Look for beds with soft surfaces but durable outer shells that are difficult for your dog to penetrate.

Bed-chewing is a common but often solvable problem. Understanding why your dog is chewing its bed can help you address the root of the behavior. Whether it’s providing more suitable chew alternatives, increasing physical and mental stimulation, using deterrent sprays, or comfort-focused strategies, patience and consistency are crucial to success.

With the right approach, you can help your dog learn healthier habits and make their bed a peaceful, chew-free retreat.

If your dog is giving you headaches with bed-chewing, explore Pet PaWz for a variety of chew-resistant dog beds and stimulating toys to keep your pup entertained. Pet PaWz has everything you need to help keep your furry friend happy and your home intact. Visit our online store today and discover the perfect solution for your beloved pet!

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