Stop Puppy and Dog Chewing

I'll chew*everything* unless you train me!

How Can I Stop My Dog from Chewing?

Okay, your dog chews. That really is normal behavior for him. The problem is that he chews the wrong things. So you need to teach him how to chew the right things.

There are general solutions for behavior problems, all of which are important: provide your dog with more and appropriate physical and mental exercise, the right kind of play, and, especially, the right kind of training.

Specifically regarding your dog’s chewing, first, make sure your dog does not have a physical problem, i.e., toothache, stomach problem, or nutritional imbalance. Puppies chew to help with the pain of teething. Give them ice cubes for relief.

If your dog chews when you are not home, he may have some separation problems and you need to exercise him more, a lot more, and work on building up his confidence with basic obedience exercises so he can stay alone for extended periods. There is much more involved with separation anxiety than just chewing, and your dog will need professional help with a dog behavior consultant - like me!

If his chewing is not separation anxiety and he has chewed while you are away from home. If you punish him for chewing when you get home, it will not work because your dog does not associate the chewed items with your unhappiness. Teach him what are appropriate dog chew toys and praise him when he chews on the right toys so that he will chew those toys when you are away.

These are only partial solutions. Enroll your dog in a reward-based training program so that you can how him acceptable behavior in a way that makes sense to him and you are both working together for a common goal. Give us a call so we can get started!

Thanks for visiting Stop Puppy and Dog Chewing. I make a small commission on any products or books I recommend.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.

If you need help with puppy or dog training, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.