Destructive Chewing – Your Dog Is Trying To Say Something

For many centuries now, humans have totally domesticated dogs. We have brought them into our society and in most cases, expected them to act like us and to be a regular part of our families. We should accept that by doing so, we have caused some of our own human emotions to develop in our dogs. Dogs have learned to become jealous, neurotic, spiteful, hateful and bored.

Chewing Problems

In adolescent dogs, between the ages of six to sixteen months, we find that these emotions cannot be controlled as easily as the same emotions in adult dogs. The same can be expressed by a human teenager’s capability of exercising mature restraint, when affected by the same emotions.

Can You Spare 15 Minutes?

The most common cause of chronic chewing is boredom and if every dog owner would spend a little more time each day giving full attention and love to its pet, much of the “boredom chewing” would be eliminated. Fifteen minutes a day is all it takes, it’s just that easy!

The Story of the Spiteful Boxer

Spite, another motivating factor, should also be considered. A story about a twenty-month old Boxer would be a great example in this case. Ever since he was a puppy, this Boxer had been an “only child” to a couple who spoiled him with lots of love and attention. The dog went along with them shopping, running errands and visiting friends. He would walk gracefully and loved tagging along with his owners.

Then, a new baby arrived and things changed. Suddenly, the dog found himself left in the car during errand trips. On one occasion, mom and dad returned to the car to find the interior completely destroyed! The car seats, padded dashboard, upholstery, all ripped to shreds.

The Boxer dog was venting his wrath the only way he knew how. This is a case of spiteful chewing, not jealousy. The canine was not jealous of the new baby in the family, but he was not willing to give up his former position in the family and go back to just being a dog.

Replace The Dog’s Target

The next time you catch your dog or puppy chewing a sock, shoe, or other object that it’s not supposed to, take the object away, followed by a firm “No!” The object should be replaced with its own chew toy. The toy will take your dog’s mind off the object that it was chewing and won’t make it think that you are taking something away from it.

Should your life suddenly change, altering your dog’s life as well (like having a new baby in the house), be sure to pay attention to the new schedule and adjust your focus to avoid your dog beginning destructive chewing. Your pet will need a little extra care and training to prevent such behavior and to settle in with the new changes.