Simple Tricks to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture
Chewed-up table legs, gnawed couches, and shredded cushions are a nightmare for many dog owners. If you’re dealing with a pup that treats your furniture as a chew toy, you’re certainly not alone. Chewing is a natural dog behavior, but when it’s directed at your favorite chair, it can be incredibly frustrating. So why do dogs chew on furniture in the first place?
There are several common reasons behind this behavior:
- Teething: Puppies chew because their gums are sore when their baby teeth are falling out, much like human babies.
- Boredom: Without enough mental or physical stimulation, dogs can become bored and resort to chewing to entertain themselves.
- Separation Anxiety: Dogs who feel anxious when left alone might chew furniture to self-soothe.
- Instinctual Need: Chewing is an instinct that helps dogs keep their teeth clean and strong.
By understanding the cause, you can choose the best strategy to stop the destructive chewing. Below, we’ll explore ten simple tricks to help keep your furniture safe and give your pup a more appropriate outlet for their chewing.
10 Simple Tricks to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture
1. Offer Appropriate Chewing Alternatives
If your dog is chewing on furniture, they may simply need something better to chew. Providing a variety of chew toys can work wonders to redirect this behavior. The trick is to choose toys that fit your dog's age, size, and chewing intensity.
- Puppy Teething Toys: Soft, rubber toys are ideal for puppies whose teeth are still developing.
- Heavy Chewers: If your dog can chew through a toy in minutes, look for toys labeled for "aggressive chewers," such as durable nylon bones.
- Interactive Chews: Puzzle chew toys that can be stuffed with treats provide extra mental stimulation.
Make sure to rotate toys to keep things interesting. Boredom can quickly set in if the same toys are always available, and your couch might start looking appealing again.
2. Use Dog-Safe Deterrent Sprays
Dog-safe deterrent sprays are a quick and effective way to make furniture less attractive to chew. These sprays are formulated with a bitter or unpleasant taste, which can discourage dogs from gnawing on treated surfaces.
- How to Use: Simply spray the deterrent on furniture legs, cushions, or any spots your dog has been chewing. Keep in mind, however, that these sprays need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective.
- Consistency is Key: It’s important to apply the spray every day initially, until your dog learns that chewing the furniture has unpleasant consequences.
3. Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
Chewing can often be a sign of boredom, especially for high-energy breeds. Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise, and without it, they may create their own entertainment by chewing.
- Puzzle Toys: These toys engage a dog’s mind and provide a rewarding challenge that keeps them busy.
- Interactive Feeders: Replace regular feeding bowls with puzzle feeders to make mealtime a stimulating activity.
- Training Sessions: Short bursts of training throughout the day can also reduce boredom. Simple tricks like "sit," "stay," and "roll over" not only provide mental engagement but also reinforce good behavior.
4. Provide Plenty of Exercise
A tired dog is a happy dog—and a dog that’s less likely to chew on your furniture. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, they may resort to chewing to expend their pent-up energy.
- Daily Walks: Make sure to take your dog on daily walks, adjusting the length and pace according to their breed and energy level.
- Playtime: Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide and seek can help burn off that extra energy.
- Agility Training: For particularly energetic breeds, agility exercises can be an amazing way to channel their energy constructively.
5. Train the "Leave It" Command
Training your dog to understand commands like “leave it” can be incredibly useful when trying to stop destructive chewing. This command teaches your dog to walk away from an object they shouldn’t be interested in.
- Step-by-Step Training:
- Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it.
- Say "leave it" and wait for your dog to lose interest in the hand.
- The moment they turn away, reward them with a different treat.
By practicing this command regularly, your dog will begin to understand that leaving things alone can lead to positive rewards. This skill can be directly applied when they approach furniture to chew.
6. Remove Temptations
If you know your dog tends to chew on particular items or furniture, one of the simplest solutions is to remove access to those items.
- Baby Gates: Block off certain rooms or restrict access with baby gates so your dog isn’t tempted by a particular piece of furniture.
- Store Valuables: Shoes, throw pillows, and other enticing chewable items should be kept out of reach whenever possible.
This isn’t a permanent solution, but it is a great temporary measure to prevent bad habits while you work on training your dog.
7. Create a Safe Space
Dogs sometimes chew furniture out of anxiety, especially when left alone. Creating a safe space for them to relax can alleviate some of this behavior.
- Crate Training: Many dogs find comfort in a properly sized crate. It becomes their personal den where they feel secure. Make sure it is stocked with safe chew toys to encourage appropriate chewing.
- Comfortable Area: If a crate isn’t an option, create a cozy area with a dog bed and their favorite toys. This space should be calm and inviting so they’re less likely to feel stressed.
8. Manage Anxiety with Comfort Tools
Separation anxiety can be a major cause of destructive chewing. If your dog’s chewing seems to happen mostly when they’re left alone, it could be anxiety-related.
- Calming Collars and Diffusers: These products emit pheromones that mimic a mother's comforting scent, helping dogs feel less anxious.
- Calming Music: Leaving on calming music or a TV show can also help keep your dog relaxed. Classical music is particularly effective at reducing stress in many dogs.
- Anxiety Vests: Products like ThunderShirts apply gentle pressure, which can help comfort a dog during stressful times.
9. Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. This means catching them doing something right and rewarding them for it, rather than punishing them for bad behavior.
- Reward Good Chewing: Whenever you catch your dog chewing on their designated toys instead of your couch, praise them enthusiastically or offer a small treat. This positive reinforcement makes them more likely to repeat the good behavior.
- Ignore Attention-Seeking Chewing: Sometimes, dogs chew on things they shouldn’t to get your attention. Avoid reacting dramatically to bad chewing, as even negative attention might encourage more of this behavior. Instead, calmly redirect them to a chew toy and then praise them for choosing the appropriate item.
10. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, chewing remains an issue. If your dog’s chewing is excessive or if they seem unable to stop despite training, it might be time to consult a professional.
- Veterinarian Check-Up: Sometimes underlying medical conditions, like dental pain, can lead to excessive chewing.
- Professional Trainer: A certified dog trainer can provide one-on-one training tailored specifically to your dog’s needs, which might be more effective if general tips aren’t working.
- Animal Behaviorist: If anxiety or deeper behavioral issues are the root cause, consulting an animal behaviorist could be the best course of action.
Chewing is a normal part of being a dog, but when that chewing turns destructive, it’s time to intervene. By understanding why your dog is chewing and using the right combination of training, alternatives, and environmental adjustments, you can help guide your dog towards better habits. The key is patience, consistency, and keeping your dog’s physical and mental needs fulfilled.
Don’t forget—every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. So, try different approaches, and remember that building good behavior takes time.
Is your dog chewing their way through your furniture? Pet PaWz is here to help! We offer a wide range of durable chew toys, calming aids, and training tools to make life with your furry friend easier. Head to our online store today and find everything you need to protect your furniture while keeping your pup happy and entertained.
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