Dogs often chew shoes for three reasons: boredom, sadness, or wasted energy. Let's look at three life hacks that will help break your dog of this habit, which is not only harmful but also costly.
Organize active walks with your pet
It's simple: the more energy a dog expends, the more likely it is that at home it will rest and recuperate, rather than be a troublemaker. Therefore, before leaving your pet alone, organize a walk with plenty of running and jumping opportunities. Walking and playing together are essential for both a dog's mental and physical health. Some people buy a ball or a frisbee for play, but even a simple stick is a great way for a dog to spend time actively and productively.
Three-month-old puppies are walked for twenty minutes twice a day, and then the duration is gradually increased. An adult dog spends an hour outside at least twice a day. Walking time can also be used for training—the mental stimulation will also be beneficial for a dog that will soon be left alone.
Provide your dog with toys
Dogs are like children; they love toys. Buy plenty of them, at least ten. They should be durable and chewable. Old toys gradually lose interest, so swap them out for new ones from time to time (but at least once a month!). It's important that the toys don't look like they're forbidden to chew. If you give your dog an old shoe to chew on, it's likely to end up chewing on a new one soon, too.
There are special chew toys for dogs made from safe materials. These include rubber toys, dried hide bones, and toys with ropes. You can coat them with something tasty (from the dog's perspective, of course): liver, malt extract, or a piece of meat—this will make them more enjoyable for the dog to play with.
Create the effect of a person's presence in the house
To reduce your dog's anxiety, try leaving the radio or television on at home. Keep the volume low. These can help create the illusion of a human presence in the house, making your dog less afraid and bored. Keep cords out of your pet's reach.
You can also place an old sweater of the owner on the pet's bed. The familiar scent emanating from the clothing can be calming to a dog left alone.
