Caring for a dog brings countless rewards, but if an owner is not prepared, it could also lead to some stressful situations. One of the most problematic and irritating behaviors dog owners wish to curb is constant chewing. All dogs, especially puppies, have a desire to chew, and when the desire strikes, often the closest, tastiest, or softest items are the first to go. They may chew the designated dogs toys you have bought, but dogs also turn to furniture legs, shoes, clothes, or garbage. Understanding why dogs chew can help owners provide things their dogs want to chew and help protect other possessions from being destroyed.
Puppies chew for some of the same reasons human babies put everything in their mouths. The mouth is an extraordinary sensory tool and dogs also want relief while they are teething. Dog Chewing helps teeth break through the gums and helps loosen baby teeth so the adult teeth can emerge. As dogs mature, they chew for different reasons. Older dogs chew because it is a natural instinct. Whether this is because dogs in the wild needed to keep their teeth healthy, or chewing helped strengthen jaw muscles, scientists do not have a definite answer. Owners who want their dogs to stop gnawing entirely may be fighting a losing battle. It is much better to provide approved chew toys so your dog does not go in search of its own.
If you notice your dog chewing on something this is not allowed, rather than getting angry, take the offending item away and immediately replace it with something they are allowed to chew on. If you have little success with this method, it may be because the toys or chews you provide are not interesting. Experiment with different tastes and textures until you find what you dog loves to bite the best. Treat-balls and food games are great solutions for dogs who chew out of boredom. Stimulating your dog’s natural instincts provides an outlet and helps curb unwanted chewing behavior. For more tips and tricks, contact a professional dog trainer and get customized information to help train your dog.