How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Things

Wouldn't it be great if your dog didn't chew on stuff? Sorry dogs were born to chew. They also use their mouth in place of their hands to carry things, and to examine things in their environment. But you will discover it's not difficult to train your dog not to chew on your stuff, but to chew on his stuff. The Main reason is your dog likes to please you. Here are some basic steps to get you started.

Is your dog home alone for long periods?

You will need to keep your dog in a confined area, such as a bathroom, a crate, or other closed off room. Of course you want this area free of your stuff. Especially items with your scent, such as shoes, socks, or clothing. If you give your dog any old item, such as that old shoe, he will not know the difference between what is appropriate and what is not to chew on. Don't forget about objects higher up that he can reach.

Your dog will need a variety of toys, and it keeps it interesting if you rotate some of those toys out every few days. You can usually get large knuckle bones or thighbones from your butcher. Boiling them for half an hour will sterilize the bones. Another good idea are toys like Kong that have treats inside. These toys will keep your dog occupied for quite a while.

Train your dog for success.

If you don't want your dog chewing on your stuff, it's up to you to train him what is acceptable. Dogs don't learn this on their own. If you have a puppy or a young dog they go through teething from just a few weeks old to eight weeks old, then again from four months to around 18 months old. If your dog spends a lot of time alone chances are he will be an active chew or most of his life.

If you come home and discover your dog destroyed something of yours, reprimanding him will not help with the training. Your dog will look at you as if he knows he's guilty, but he's really only reacting to your anger. Training only works when you catch your dog in the act. When you do you can use commands such as, drop it, leave it, or call his name and say no. Then offer him one of his chew toys, as soon as your dog takes the chew toy praise him lavishly.

These are just some of the tips and advice that I can offer you. You can read another article I have written by going here. http://ezinearticles.com/?Stop-Dogs-Chewing---Discover-3-Training-Tips&id=4109486