Overview
Stop your dog from chewing household items with this dog training tip, taken from the Dog Training Planner. It’s not much fun when your expensive household possessions get destroyed.
Dogs have a desire for different textures at different times. That’s why sometimes they might chew up a couch cushion and at other times they might chew up your beloved wooden furniture. Dogs also chew because they are bored or aren’t getting enough exercise. So, make sure that your dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys (with a variety of textures) which also helps to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Going out for walks regularly and engaging in playtime will tire your dog, and reduce the likelihood of them chewing stuff you don’t want them to chew.
Try to understand why your dog is chewing.
There are two main types of chewers. You’ve got the “teething puppies” and then there’s every other dog.
While puppies are teething (which can take 6 months) it’s understandable that their desire to sink their sore teeth into things really intensifies during this time. So, be extra tolerant and understanding with teething dogs! Puppies must, must, must be able to chew.
Most older dogs who chew household items do so because they are bored and under-exercised.
Chewing, for most dogs, is very enjoyable. Regardless of your dog’s age, there are some things you can do to stop your dog from chewing household items and opt instead for the lovely chewy toys that you provide them.
Okay. Enough of the introduction.
It’s time to work through the steps below to reduce your dog’s desire to chew household items…
Video
Steps
If you scroll down a bit, you’ll see that I’ve written out all the steps from the video for you. I know. I know. I really am that nice (lol).
Videos are great if you’re a visual learner!
Most people learn dog training drills best by first watching a video tutorial, and then having the written steps available during the training session, so they don’t get confused (Hey, if you want to completely avoid confusion, you might like to get your paws on my Dog Training Planner).
Illustrated Cheat Sheet
I hope you like my illustrated cheat sheet. Feel free to download it for personal use. It includes a painting I created for it (you can see my dog art here).
How To Stop Your Dog Chewing Household Items
One Step At A Time
Hey, if you don’t want to download and use the illustrated guide above, I’ve also included all the steps below for you. I’ve done you a huge psychological favour by hiding each step (except the first one).
Complete a step before opening the next one.
This one-step-at-a-time philosophy dramatically increases your chances of completing all the steps.
How To Stop Your Dog Chewing Household Items In 4 Steps
Step 1: Household Item
Choose a household item, of little value, and show it to your dog. Items can include socks or an old pair of shoes.
Step 2: Throw
Throw the item on the ground next to them, as if you want your dog to fetch it.
Step 3: Leave It Command
As it hits the ground say, “Leave it“, and get your dog’s attention with a treat. If they give you their attention, reward them and give them an appropriate toy to chew.
Step 4: Repeat
Repeat steps one to three with a variety of household items.
Increase the value of the items when you are confident your dog won’t chew them. These steps will desensitize your dog to household items and encourage them to chew on their own toys.
Go through steps one to four if the chewing behaviour persists.
Final Thoughts
Make sure your dog has access to a variety of toys and ensure they are well exercised, particularly before they are left on their own for any length of time.
What do you do when you catch your dog chewing something that they are not supposed to (e.g. their leash)? Rather than grabbing the leash away from them, get their attention on you (e.g. by saying, “Winston, come here“). When they walk over to you, praise them and give them a treat. Now give them something acceptable to chew on (one of their toys). Dogs respond much better when they are ‘shown’ how to do something, rather than made to do something. Keep doing this over and over until they understand that the leash is not for chewing.
Before you go, read on to discover the secret sauce to dog training success...
Loving Leadership
Have a philosophy of loving leadership when training your dog.
As a loving leader, you should be constantly working on the communication pathways with your dog. At the bare minimum, your dog should also have some basic commands such as the lie-down command, sit command, and stay command.
When your dog knows a few basic dog obedience commands he or she will feel loved because they know what you want and have no anxiety or fear about what they should be doing and when.
Once your dog has a few commands under his or her belt (I mean, collar), practice behaviour dog training, command dog training and tricks dog training regularly to ensure your dog is physically and mentally healthy. As you are probably acutely aware, untrained dogs have a way of taking over the control of a home if not taught otherwise (which can be a nightmare). A trained dog, however, will bring years of doggie love to your household.
Pssst. Don't tell anyone, but you can become a loving leader by getting your paws on my Dog Training Planner. You can get my Dog Training Planner for a limited time at a 70% discount.
