How to stop dog from chewing everything he sees?

When you get home and see that your beloved sofa is chewed to pieces, your shoes are in disarray and covered with bite marks, and even the corners of the table are full of dents, and the culprit - your dog - is wagging its tail and looking at you innocently. At this moment, feelings of helplessness and irritation may well up in your heart. A dog chewing on everything it sees is a problem that many dog owners face. But before blaming the dog, we should understand the reasons behind this behavior and use professional knowledge and abundant love to help them get rid of this habit.

A dog's chewing behavior has complex physiological and psychological roots. Physiologically, when a puppy is in the teething stage, its teeth will feel uncomfortable and itchy, and chewing on objects is an instinctive reaction for them to relieve this discomfort. Just like human babies who like to bite things when they are teething, puppies relieve the swelling and pain of their gums by chewing, and at the same time, it can also promote the growth and stability of their new teeth. For adult dogs, chewing sometimes occurs due to a lack of certain nutrients. For example, when a dog's diet lacks nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, they may try to supplement what their bodies need by chewing on foreign objects, and this behavior is called pica. In addition, the need to grind their teeth is inherent in a dog's nature, and appropriate chewing behavior helps maintain the health of their teeth and prevents the accumulation of tartar and dental calculus.

Psychologically, dogs often chew on things because they are bored, anxious, or lack sufficient exercise and stimulation. Dogs are energetic animals that require social interaction. If they are left at home alone for a long time without enough toys and activities, they will chew on objects to pass the time and release their energy. Just like a child who may be naughty when there is no one to accompany them and nothing to do, dogs are also seeking attention and entertainment in their own way. In addition, when there are changes in the environment, such as moving to a new place, adding a new member to the family, or the owner being away for a long time, dogs may feel anxious, and chewing on objects becomes a way for them to relieve their inner unease.

To stop a dog from chewing on everything, we first need to meet their physiological needs. For puppies in the teething stage, we can prepare special teething toys for them, such as rubber chew toys and teething sticks. These toys are soft and have a certain toughness, which can relieve the discomfort of the puppies' teeth without causing harm to their mouths. When we see a puppy chewing on an appropriate toy, we can give encouragement and praise, compliment it in a gentle tone, and gently stroke its head at the same time, so that it understands that this behavior is allowed and liked. For dogs that may be lacking in nutrients, we need to adjust their diet structure, choose high-quality dog food with a balanced nutrition, and if necessary, supplement vitamins and minerals under the guidance of a veterinarian. For example, when a dog lacks vitamin B, it may chew on foreign objects, and appropriately supplementing a compound vitamin B preparation can help improve this behavior.

Secondly, it is crucial to solve the dog's psychological problems. Increasing the dog's amount of exercise is one of the effective ways to reduce chewing behavior. Take the dog for enough outdoor activities every day, such as walking, running, and playing with a frisbee. Watching the dog run happily in the sun and release its energy to the fullest can not only meet its exercise needs but also enhance the relationship between you. If you are too busy with work to accompany the dog for a long time, you can buy some puzzle toys, such as treat-dispensing balls and puzzle toys. These toys can stimulate the dog's curiosity and desire to explore, make them think while playing, and obtain food through their efforts, thus consuming their excess energy and reducing the possibility of chewing on other objects.

When we find that a dog is chewing on something it shouldn't, we should take the correct response. Don't yell at or physically punish the dog because this will only make it feel scared and confused, and it may even develop a rebellious attitude. We can prepare a small spray bottle filled with clean water. When the dog chews on an object, gently spray water at it and give a firm "no" command. This gentle way can make the dog stop the inappropriate behavior without causing harm to it. Then, quickly guide the dog to an appropriate toy and encourage it to chew on the toy. If the dog follows the guidance, give a reward in a timely manner, which can be a delicious snack or a warm hug and praise. Through repeated guidance and reinforcement, let the dog gradually understand which things it can chew on and which it can't.

In addition, creating a safe home environment can also effectively prevent dogs from chewing on dangerous items. Store away things that may harm the dog, such as wires, medicines, and sharp objects, in places where the dog can't reach them. You can use a wire organizer to tidy up the wires and lock the medicines in a cabinet. For some furniture that can't be put away, you can apply a special pet restricted area spray. The smell of this spray will make the dog feel uncomfortable, so it will avoid chewing on it. But be sure to choose products that are harmless to the dog to ensure their health and safety.

Although a dog's chewing behavior may cause us trouble, it is also a way for them to express their needs and emotions. Behind every chewing behavior lies their physiological or psychological demands. As the dog's closest companion, we should use professional knowledge to understand their behavior and guide them with endless patience and love. When we successfully help the dog get rid of this habit and see it grow up healthily and happily, all our efforts and sacrifices will be truly worthwhile.