If you have a dog that loves to chew, then you're not alone.
Plenty of people, just like you, are owned by dogs who are avid chewers.
Although some of their chewing behavior is innate, it can be a severe problem when the chewing becomes destructive.
In this dog training chewing guide, we'll provide you with proven tips to deal with your dog's chewing problem.
First of all, dogs have a natural desire to chew.
They just love to chomp on various items and will display such satisfaction when they're chewing.
It's almost like they go into a "trance state" and have been known to chew on shoes, furniture, bones, socks, and even toes.
Second, dog teeth are built to chew or tear stuff apart.
For instance, just look at their strong, sharp and pointy teeth.
In the wild, dogs use these teeth to tear into their prey.
In captivity however, those same teeth don't just disappear simply because they aren't being used the way nature intended.
Instead, dogs have to learn how to modify their chewing behavior.
Third, dogs sometimes chew on things in order to deal with their emotions.
For instance, my dog often chews on household items when he's lonely, bored, frustrated or upset.
To him, it is a soothing act that seems to calm him down.
Fourth, dogs who aren't exercised enough often chew on things because they have pent up energy.
They often use destructive chewing to get rid of this pent up energy.
Now that we know what causes dog chewing problems, let's now discuss how to stop this dog chewing behavior for good.
First, have faith that your dog can change.
It won't necessarily be easy to transform his chewing behavior but you can if you're persistent and patient and follow the tips in this handy training guide.
Second, put away your valuable possessions and make sure that you don't leave stuff lying around.
In fact I don't leave anything lying around my house including shoes, socks, garbage, snacks, glasses, paper, whatever that I wouldn't want my dog putting in his mouth.
If my dog can reach it easily, I put it away.
I learned the hard way, it makes no sense to test your dog's self control.
Third, don't be afraid to confine him.
In fact, until you're confident that your dog's chewing is under control, confine him in a dog safe area or crate until he understands the house rules and has proven he will not chew on everything in sight.
Fourth, react quickly if you catch him chewing on a forbidden item.
Make an "Ah-Ah-Aaah" sound or simply say, "No".
Then, remove the item and give him something else (a dog-friendly alternative like a bone or toy instead).
Once he accepts it, give him lots of praise and this will teach him that he gets more attention for playing with the right items.
Fifth, you may want to use such items like "Bitter Apple' or other deterrent to keep him from chewing on items that you don't want him to chew on.
Most dogs hate the taste of Bitter Apple and it definitely deters them.
Sixth, give your dog plenty of appropriate toys or food items to chew on.
These must be dog safe toys and not cast away homemade items.
For instance, if you want your dog to stop playing with your "good" shoes, then don't give him any "old" shoes to play with either.
After all, he doesn't know the difference between "good shoes" and bad ones.
Seventh, engage your dog in daily activities.
For instance, you should take your dog for daily walks and play games with them too.
This will entertain your dog and give him plenty of activities that will alleviate stress and boredom.
Then, he won't be tempted to chew on everything in sight.
In conclusion, you can cure your dog's chewing problem you just have to understand why dog chew and be willing to offer safe alternatives to appease his innate chewing instinct.
Once you do this, you can eradicate this problem f or good.
Good luck!