On Command | Chewing Avoidance

Every dog owner knows the moment that you come home and see your favorite shoes all over the living room. In that moment you may be upset or confused as to why Spot chose to chew on those. Doesn't he know that those are my favorite? Well here are some tips to avoid those unnerving moments.

First Things First:
All dogs chew! Especially puppies. Puppies, just like babies, teeth and need to chew on something to sooth the pain of new teeth growing. Even as dogs grow in age they will continue to want to chew on something. 

They do this for many reasons. It can be for fun, for stimulation or to relieve stress.  Plus, it helps keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. So some chewing is healthy! 

So how do you get that cute new puppy to avoid chewing on your personal items? The way you discipline your pup will help determine how well he/she will abide by the boundary between your stuff and its toys.

Healthy Chewing:

• Boundaries - Establish clear boundaries from the beginning of what is yours and what is the dogs'.
  
• Organizing - DOG-PROOF YOUR HOUSE! If the dog must be left alone make sure you put things of value up high where the dog can't get to it. iPod cords, cell phone chargers, keep closet doors shut and your shoes and clothing in it, and especially any small plastic toys/remotes up too as this can cause a choking hazard! Not good.
  
• Distraction - Leaving the dog toys that are bright and attractive will help direct the dogs attention away from chewing on things like chair legs, curtains or whatever else they can figure out how to get into. Because they can and will be curious when bored! Also providing toys that take work like a "KONG" with peanut butter in it will keep your pup entertained for hours.
  

Discipline When The Inevitable Bad Chewing Happens:

• Stay calm. Even if it is an heirloom quilt. Or a screen door. Or a guitar. Or a wall.
  
• Gently remove the item (or remnants) from your dog's mouth, and replace it with something appropriate to chew on. Follow this up with excitement and praise, reinforcing the GOOD behavior. 
  
• Pay attention to times of day that the chewing is most likely to happen. By anticipating this and providing something fun to chew on the dog will feel confident it gets its treat everyday.
  
• Frequent physical exercise  will reduce the dog's stress, feelings of restlessness and the urge to chew.
  
• Also another good trick to not confuse the dog is to avoid giving it old shoes or other old household items. This will keep the dog from thinking its OK to chew on your new shoes or socks. The dog does not know the difference between old and new, just that it looks the same
  

These are just a few ways to help avoid chewing and disciplining your dog. Always do your research on the breed of dog you have or are going to get as to see what specific behaviors they might have!