The dog is very curious, which uses its mouth above all to explore the world around it. Especially if you are young, and having no experience yet, you need to learn what is around you, and for this can be dedicated to biting things. And of course, this may not like too much, and less if what it has between its jaws is a new object.
Even so, breathe easy. It's never too late to teach them. patience and perseveranceMiracles can happen. So if you're wondering how to stop your dog from chewing your things, Here are a series of tips that will be very useful to you.
Why does it bite things?
Before looking for a solution, you have to know why does he behave that way. There are several reasons why a dog can bite things, such as: boredom, anxiety, has an already nervous or restless character, its permanent teeth are coming out ...
In addition, other factors are involved: the natural exploration with the mouth (especially in puppies), the play instinct and hunting, the lack of training to distinguish what is and what is not, and even the human scent of objects (shoes, clothes), which is incredibly attractive. The separation anxiety It can trigger destructive chewing of door frames or baseboards when the dog is left alone.
How to stop him from chewing on my stuff
Depending on the reasonWe will have to find one solution or another:
- Boredom: If the dog spends a long time it will only get bored and will do whatever it takes to unload the energy it has accumulated. In this case, you have to make him do a lot of exercise (long walks and games) so that he can spend the rest of the time quietly.
- Anxiety: if you are anxious you have to know the source of your discomfort. To do this, I recommend consulting with an ethologist or dog trainer who works positively.
- Are nervous or restless: in this case, you have to make him play several times a day for 10 minutes, either with a ball, with a teether, or with another type of toy for dogs. It is also necessary to always leave a toy or two within reach.
- The permanent teeth come out: If your dog is a puppy less than six months old, he will most likely bite because his adult teeth are coming out. So, give him some teether to entertain himself and, incidentally, notice some relief in his mouth.
Go into detail about each case: for the boredom, adds environmental enrichment with interactive toys y smell games (puzzles, scent mats, food dispensers) and organize quality walks with time to smell. Before anxiety or stressPractice gradual exits, let safe rest areas And consult with professionals if you notice vocalizations, localized destruction, or excessive salivation when you're left outside. In dogs nervousOpt for short sessions of structured play and small basic obedience training to channel their energy; if tug-of-war games excite them too much, Avoid them or apply rules (start/stop on the signal, release on the first try).
For dentitionOffer safe rubber or nylon teethers, freeze some soft toys to soothe sore gums, and alternate textures. Rotating toys every few days keeps them interested and reduces their search for forbidden objects.
Offer them alternatives and redirect them effectively.
We want to emphasize the importance of your dog having toys or objects to chew on. If your dog doesn't have toys for this purpose, he'll likely end up chewing on whatever you find least appealing. Give him some. specific toys or bones For this; if you have a strong jaw, choose durable teethers that can be filled with food to combine chewing and entertainment.
If you see that he is taking something that he should not, say a firm NO (but not yelling), and when he lets go, give him a doggie treat to reward you. Never use physical violence or yelling, otherwise you would end up living with a dog who will be afraid of you and, therefore, will not be happy.
Reinforce self-control commands such as "let go" y "leaves"and uses the immediate redirectionPresent a permitted toy and reward the puppy as soon as it takes it. With puppies that bite hands, emit a high-pitched moan y withdraw your attention one or two minutes; returning to play with a toy teaches proper bite pressure.
Home prevention: barriers and furniture protection
Whenever you can, limits access to problem areas with dog doors or by closing off rooms. Guard shoes, cables and controllers Keep it out of reach and only leave out what it can chew. During critical periods, protect sofas with heavy duty covers and place mats or blankets in sensitive areas. On chair or table legs, a temporary wrapping Tight-fitting fabric can deter while you educate, but don't make it a permanent solution.
The bitter deterrent sprays Dog-specific products help protect surfaces; avoid unproven homemade recipes, as certain ingredients may irritate skin and mucous membranesIf you decide to try mild solutions, consult your veterinarian first, test on an inconspicuous area, and never use essential oils nor irritants. The key is to combine deterrence with training and alternatives.
Routine, exercise and rest: what reduces chewing the most
A dog that is well cared for, both physically and mentally, exhibits less destructive behavior. It establishes a daily routine with sufficient walks, short positive reinforcement training sessions, and calm playtime. Alternate activities of sense of smell and search with obedience exercises (sit, stay, come), and ends each block with moments of relaxationBefore leaving him alone, provide him with stuffable toys so that they associate your absence with positive experiences.
El box training or in a safe area can help you manage unsupervised periods: get him used to it gradually, associate the box with food, toys and rest, and Never use it as punishment.Start with doors open, close for very short periods, and gradually increase the number of times.
How to interrupt the behavior without damaging the bond
If you catch him in the act, you can interrupt with a neutral sound (for example, gently drop a noisy object nearby, without startling him or associating it with you), wait for eye contact and offer a toy allowedAvoid chasing or pulling that turns the situation into a game. Once you switch to the correct object, rewards immediately.
If you suspect separation anxiety (destruction by doors, vocalizations, escape attempts), work on gradual exits, reduce the contrast between being with you and being alone, use calming routines And if it persists, seek help from a veterinarian or ethologist for a personalized plan.
Remember that patience is essential when working with dogs. Only with it will you achieve behaves correctly.
A comprehensive plan combines well-identified causes, quality exercise, positive trainingEnvironmental management, appropriate toys, and, when necessary, professional support. With consistency and realistic expectations, your dog will learn what it can chew and your home will remain safe.