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Why do dogs chew on furniture?
Dogs chew on furniture for a variety of reasons:
- Teething – Puppies will chew on furniture to relieve sore gums when they are teething. This usually happens between 3-6 months of age.
- Boredom – Dogs that are left alone for long periods with nothing to do will often turn to chewing out of boredom and frustration.
- Separation Anxiety – Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may chew and destroy items when left alone as a way to relieve stress.
- Lack of exercise – Dogs that don’t get enough physical and mental exercise are more likely to chew and be destructive.
- Natural chewing instinct – Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that they retain from their wolf ancestors.
How can I stop my dog from chewing when I’m not home?
Here are some tips to stop your dog from chewing on furniture when left unsupervised:
Provide plenty of exercise
Make sure your dog gets adequate exercise before being left alone. Take them for a long walk or play a vigorous game of fetch. A tired dog is less likely to chew from boredom or pent up energy.
Leave interactive toys
Give your dog mentally stimulating toys to keep them occupied such as puzzle toys, treat dispensing balls, and Kongs stuffed with food. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting.
Use a crate or baby gate
Confine your dog in a crate or block access to problem areas with baby gates when you leave. This will prevent access to furniture they want to chew. Introduce the crate slowly with positive reinforcement training.
Bitter apple spray
Spray or wipe down furniture with a taste deterrent like bitter apple spray. This will make the furniture unappealing to chew. Reapply frequently.
Keep valuable items put away
Don’t leave out any shoes, remote controls, eyeglasses, etc. that could be tempting targets. Keep valuables secured in another room.
Provide chew toys
Give your dog a wide selection of chew toys to satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Rotate different chew toys to prevent boredom.
Consider anxiety medication
If your dog suffers from severe separation anxiety that causes destructive chewing, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication or natural calming aids to help when you are away.
How can I train my dog not to chew on furniture?
In addition to management solutions, here are some training techniques to teach your dog not to chew inappropriate items:
Use positive reinforcement
Reward your dog with praise and treats when you catch them chewing acceptable items like toys. This will reinforce good chewing habits.
Redirect chewing
If you catch your dog chewing furniture, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise, then redirect them to a chew toy and praise when they take the toy instead.
Use deterrent tastes/smells
Apply bitter or citrus tastes to furniture to make them unappealing. Or use fragrances like perfume that your dog dislikes to discourage chewing.
Supervise closely
When you are home, keep your dog under close supervision so you can correct chewing habits and teach what is appropriate to chew. Use baby gates, leashes, and crates to prevent access to furniture.
Implement remote punishment
Use devices like Scat Mats, Snappy Trainers, or PetCorrector spray that can remotely punish furniture chewing when you aren’t present. They should be used alongside positive reinforcement.
Consider professional training
For difficult cases of destructive chewing, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog’s specific reasons for chewing and design an effective training plan.
What are some good alternatives to furniture for my dog to chew?
Here are some good alternatives to redirect your dog’s chewing instincts:
| Chew Toy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Kongs | Durable rubber, can be stuffed with treats |
| Nylabones | Long-lasting flavor and come in different textures |
| Rope toys | Flossing benefits for dog’s teeth |
| Rubber chew balls | Fetch toy that satisfies chewing instinct |
| Bully sticks | Keeps dogs busy for long periods of time |
| Himalayan chews | Hard cheese chew that softens as the dog gnaws |
| Frozen stuffed Kongs | Provides mental and physical stimulation |
Rotate different textures and flavors of appropriate chew toys to keep your dog engaged and distracted from chewing where they shouldn’t. Monitor all chews to ensure your dog doesn’t bite off larger pieces than they can safely consume.
How can I puppy-proof my home from chewing?
Here are some tips to puppy-proof your home to prevent destructive chewing:
- Block access to any rooms or areas you don’t want chewed when unsupervised with baby gates or closed doors.
- Remove shoes, clothing, books, remote controls, wires, houseplants or anything else tempting from your dog’s reach.
- Tuck electrical cords along baseboards or conceal them so they can’t be reached.
- Cover furniture legs with protective caps or double-sided tape to deter chewing.
- Use crates, tethers, and leashes to restrict access to household items.
- Bitter apple spray fabrics, wood furniture, baseboards, etc. to make them unappealing.
- Provide a variety of sturdy, appealing chew toys to satisfy chewing urges.
- Frequently exercise and interact with your puppy to prevent boredom.
- Keep an eye on teething puppies who may look to chew for relief.
Constant supervision, confinement, and offering appropriate outlets for chewing are key to minimizing puppy destruction. As your dog matures, their destructive chewing should taper off with proper training and care.
Conclusion
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but destructive chewing when left unsupervised can be frustrating for pet owners. With solutions like increased exercise, confinement, distraction with chew toys, taste deterrents, and training, you can curb your dog’s chewing habits. However, the most impactful way to stop destructive chewing is to set your dog up for success by meeting their physical and mental needs daily. A dog that gets adequate enrichment is less likely to resort to inappropriate chewing. With time, consistency, and effort most dogs can be taught what items are acceptable outlets for their chewing instincts.