why do dogs chew on wood

Groomed shoes, gnawed baseboards, and gnawed furniture are all common annoyances during a puppy’s first few months of life. After all, teething puppies need to chew to help ease the discomfort of teething. But the dogs grew out of that, right? No! Adult dogs love to chew, and if they don’t learn proper chewing behavior, you can expect many more years of family destruction. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog chews on everything they can put in their mouth, read on to know why they do it and how to prevent it.

Learning to chew is fun

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When your dog was a puppy, they may have tried chewing on all sorts of objects. And every time they chew, they relieve the pain of teething. That rewarded them for their destruction. It also teaches them that those items are fun to chew on. Just because your puppy’s teething is over doesn’t mean those lessons have been forgotten. So expect them to continue experimenting with their teeth. However, the better you do at preventing improper chewing when your dog is young, the easier it will be for you as they mature. After all, if they never know that shoes make good chew toys, they may never try to nibble on one. But if your dog can’t chew any food, your job will be over.

Chewing is natural for dogs

Chewing is a natural behavior of dogs. Think of your canine’s wolf ancestors tearing apart a predator. Those sharp teeth are there for a reason. Chewing also helps dogs clean their teeth and move their jaws. And most importantly, it’s fun. Chewing is a great way for dogs to pass the time and have fun. It is unrealistic to expect your dog to never exhibit this instinctive behavior. Read More: Why The Task Constantly Says Copy Added It’s important to think like a dog. Those shoes might smell bad to you, but for your dog, they’re rich in olfactory information and, seriously, they smell just like you. The same goes for remote controls and other objects that you wear or come into contact with frequently. Taste is not a factor, the rule of smell in the dog world, but what about wooden table legs or skirting boards? It may simply be your dog using the only items available. A stressed or bored dog needs an outlet and the baseboards are right there at mouth level. Texture can also play a role. Plastic and wood are sturdy but capable enough to make a satisfying chomp. However, destructive chewing, such as around window frames or doors, can be a sign of separation anxiety.

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Provide chew toys for your dog

The first step in dealing with inappropriate chewing is to come up with appropriate alternatives. But throwing a bunch of chew toys on the ground and hoping for the best is unlikely to help. Remember to think like a dog. The chew toy is an unidentified object, but that shoe is a proven delight. You need to encourage your dog to choose toys by making them as attractive as possible. To avoid boredom, you can also rotate the toy for new options every few days. They are made of a durable rubber so they last a long time with just the right amount. But better yet, you can stuff them with foods like peanut butter or cream cheese. For added appeal, cover soft foods with stiffer pieces like liver or homemade biscuits so your dog has extra special surprises as they chew and explore the toy. You can also freeze toys after stuffing to make them last longer. Read more: Why is my rabbit shaking? 11 Reasons & Do’s: Chewing is another great choice. Obviously they won’t last as long as a quality toy, but they’re super fun for dogs. They also help clean teeth and gums. Look for options that are safe for your dog’s chewing patterns. For example, cowhide may not be the best choice for hard chewers, who can break up large chunks that can cause intestinal obstruction or pose a choking hazard.

Teach your dog proper chewing behavior

So you’ve provided attractive chew toys, but your dog still chews on household items. To make sure your dog chooses correctly, control their choices. Do whatever you can to limit temptation. For example, put your shoes in the cupboard and the remote control in the drawer. For other audiences, block access or make them less appealing. Bitter-tasting sprays may help deter your dog. Apply the spray on baseboards, furniture, or other immovable items every day for at least three or four weeks. That should be long enough to break your dog’s routine, especially if you’re using that time to form a new habit. If you provide excellent chewing practices and prevent inappropriate chewing, your dog will soon learn what they can and cannot chew. Add some positive reinforcement to the mix and you’ll really convince your dog that the proper chews are the best choice. Once they make the right choice, be sure to praise and reward them to increase the chance they’ll make the same choice in the future. Whenever you see them about to chew something they shouldn’t, turn their attention to a suitable chew toy or edible chew. When you can’t monitor, consider using a crate or safe area to protect your home. However, always provide appropriate chews in the kennel to help your dog pass the time. Once your dog understands what they can and can’t chew, they’re ready to go free. Finally, don’t forget the importance of mental stimulation and adequate physical activity. Anorexia in dogs is a big cause of inappropriate chewing. If you don’t give your dog enough work, they will find their own fun. And that usually has to do with their teeth. But if your dog gets enough playtime, training, and exercise, their chew toys will be more than enough to keep them busy. Read more: why is my mom upset | Top Q&A

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