How To Stop Dogs Chewing Wood| A Detailed Guide
It is often easy to ponder why the jaws of our dear four paws endear to wood. Despite our omnivorous nature, humans are not exactly wood eaters, and neither are dogs, a fact our four-legged buddies are slow to accept. That's why we have a responsibility to stop our dear dog chewing wood and hurting itself as a result. It is important to understand why your little Chewbacca enjoys grinding teeth against barks and every other household item.
Why is your dog chewing wood?
There are many reasons why this may be so. First, your puppy may be teething. Young dogs find sniffing, licking, and chewing everything natural. It is their way of understanding their environment. This excuse does not apply to older dogs who may simply be exhibiting destructive behavior, particularly where these traits started later in their lives.
Two other reasons behind your dog chewing wood furniture at home are anxiety and boredom. Dogs tend to get tense when they are anxious and, as a result, express themselves by gnawing at whatever works. Bored dogs tend to channel their energy into your household items.
Why is it dangerous
Having your dog chewing wood chips are pretty dangerous as it can pierce your dog's gums or get between his teeth. Bigger pieces could cause infections and digestive blockages if swallowed. The result in such circumstances is surgery.
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood
Once you have a clear idea of why your dog is chewing at your wooden items or everything it can access, then you can help. The cause creates the solution. A puppy that is incessantly chewing on wood may be doing so because of inflamed gums. No action in that circumstance can stop them from finding ways to relieve the pain. The best step to take in that circumstance is to provide a solution that is least harmful to you or your belongings.
Get your dogs to chew toys
Instead of having your dog chewing wooden fence, let them chew toys. That redirects your dog's attention away from the wood and into the other options at its disposal. Also, puppy-proofing your home will reduce the risk of your dog chewing wood trim as well as other household items and damaging everything in your home. Use this period to train your puppy into understanding that only toys are fr chewing. Other items are off-limits.
Never be vindictive
Never be vindictive as a result of your dog chewing woodwork. Such actions, which include spanking or hitting, make your dog a lot more destructive. Recognize that your dog's actions are merely expressing themselves and that only positive actions such as getting something else for your dog to chew on help in the circumstance. These alternatives include giving your dog chewing treats for good behavior. This trains the dog to understand that they should only chew what they are allowed to.
Use chewing deterrents
Items such as deterrent sprays will help keep your dog away from your wooden furniture. These items are ideal because they not only keep the dog off your treasured items but also do not harm your buddy while doing so.
Get a Pet Camera
Pet cameras are probably the only solution for dogs who struggle with boredom and anxiety. These cameras allow you to monitor your pet's activities in real-time and issue out voice commands, sound alarms, or offer treats to ensure that your dog does not feel alone, bored or anxious.
Create a safe space for your dog
Nobody likes the distasteful look that results from your dog chewing wood deck incessantly. You need to create a place where your dog feels safe to play and have fun. A crate or a cozy corner inside your home may be all that is needed to have your dog find safety and comfort.
Provide behavioral training for your dog
Although training can be complex and last longer than any of the other solutions on this list, this is the most permanent. Training helps your puppy realize that there is a lot wrong with nibbling at the wood. You can start with a simple "no" anytime you find her chewing on wood or move her somewhere else. Training, backed with a reward for good behavior, will yield long-term results.
Exercise and Playtime
Exercise and play are crucial to a dog's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Failure to provide the right stimulation leads to your dog chewing wood floor or any other item it can have a gnaw at. A socialized, well-exercised dog is less likely to develop bad habits than one that is almost always alone.