Most dog owners face the problem of their pets damaging furniture. This undesirable behavior can be corrected. Stopping your pet from chewing furniture takes time, patience, and some effort. We'll explain why dogs chew and how to break this habit.
Why does a dog chew furniture?
Chewing furniture and other objects is primarily done by puppies during development. This is due to mischief, the desire to taste unfamiliar objects, and teething. The main reason an adult dog damages furniture is to attract their owner's attention. Other reasons for chewing furniture include:
- Avitaminosis or intestinal microflora imbalance. In these cases, the dog's taste preferences change. The animal eats inedible items such as wood, paper, and garbage.
- Gastrointestinal problems. Dogs need fiber to improve digestion. This is why they eat grass. In winter, pets chew wood as a source of cellulose.
- Stress. This could be caused by a trip on public transport, a visit to the vet, or separation from the owner.
- Boredom, lack of toys.
It's recommended to take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. In some cases, a course of vitamins or probiotics may be sufficient to resolve the issue.
How to stop a dog from chewing furniture
It's easier to train a puppy who hasn't yet developed a personality to destroy property. An adult animal will require more time to retrain. There are several effective ways to stop a dog from chewing furniture. The method for correcting destructive behavior depends on the underlying cause.
Sufficient physical activity
It's important to walk your pet for several hours a day and play active games with them to burn off energy. A tired dog won't be able to damage furniture. Active breeds such as corgis, huskies, Labradors, and Jack Russells especially need long walks.
Abstraction
Chewing is a natural instinct in dogs. It's important to redirect their attention and provide them with plenty of toys. Long-lasting treats made from sinew and dried pig ears, available at pet stores, are excellent distractions. Tasty toys not only keep your pet occupied but also clean their teeth.
Punishment
A dog should only be scolded when caught in the act. Otherwise, the animal simply won't understand the point of punishment. Physical violence should never be used. The pet will begin to destroy property even more out of resentment and a desire for revenge. Punishment can include ignoring the dog, limiting daily playtime, and prohibiting the dog from leaving its area.
Special means
Spray the furniture with a pepper spray. The dog stops chewing because of the unpleasant taste. Instead of spraying, you can rub the furniture with hot pepper. This method can sometimes take 10-14 days to wean the dog off. Caution is advised. Hot pepper irritates the mucous membranes and impairs the sense of smell.
Help from a dog handler or zoopsychologist
Professional help is needed when a dog refuses to obey its owner. It's best to contact a dog trainer for training a puppy. Behavior correction for an adult dog is handled by an animal psychologist.
