Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can also be a handful when it comes to their chewing and scratching habits. Whether you’re dealing with a puppy that’s teething or an adult dog that’s learned some bad behaviors, constant chewing and scratching can damage your furniture, shoes, and even your dog’s skin. However, this is a common issue that can be managed with proper care, training, and understanding.
In this article, we’ll explore the underlying reasons for chewing and scratching, as well as offer practical solutions to stop these behaviors, keeping both your home and your furry friend safe and happy.
Understanding Why Dogs Chew and Scratch
Before you can effectively stop your dog from chewing and scratching, it’s essential to understand why they do it in the first place. Dogs engage in these behaviors for a variety of reasons:
1. Teething in Puppies
For puppies, chewing is a natural part of their development. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase, and they often chew to relieve discomfort. It’s important to provide safe chew toys during this time to prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items.
2. Boredom or Anxiety
Dogs are intelligent and active animals that require mental stimulation and physical exercise. When they’re bored, they may turn to chewing and scratching to entertain themselves. Similarly, anxiety or stress can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or scratching the door when left alone.
3. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are social animals that crave attention from their owners. If they learn that chewing or scratching gets a reaction (positive or negative), they may continue doing it as a way of seeking attention.
4. Separation Anxiety
Some dogs, especially those that are not accustomed to being alone, can develop separation anxiety. This condition can manifest in destructive chewing, scratching, or even excessive barking when the dog is left alone at home.
5. Health Problems
In some cases, persistent chewing or scratching may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Skin infections, allergies, or even internal parasites like fleas can cause itching and discomfort, leading to scratching. Similarly, chewing can also result from oral health problems, such as sore teeth or gums.
6. Exploration and Play
Dogs explore their environment with their mouths, especially when they’re young. In addition, some dogs simply enjoy the physical act of chewing or scratching as a form of play, especially when they are left unsupervised.
Strategies to Stop Your Dog From Chewing and Scratching
Now that we know why dogs engage in these behaviors, let’s look at practical steps you can take to manage or stop chewing and scratching altogether.
1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
For puppies and adult dogs alike, providing appropriate chew toys is essential. Choose durable toys made from materials that are safe for your dog to gnaw on. Rubber, nylon, or natural rawhide can work well, but avoid giving your dog small toys that they could swallow or choke on.
- Interactive Chew Toys: Some toys are designed to keep your dog mentally engaged, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys. These not only satisfy their chewing urge but also stimulate their brain.
- Rotate Toys: To keep things interesting, rotate your dog’s chew toys regularly. This will prevent them from getting bored of the same old toys and will keep them engaged in healthier chewing habits.
2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Many dogs chew or scratch out of boredom. One of the best ways to curb these behaviors is to make sure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
- Daily Walks and Play: Ensure that your dog gets at least one or two walks a day and ample playtime. Playing games like fetch or tug-of-war will help burn off extra energy and prevent boredom.
- Training and Enrichment: Teach your dog new tricks, or provide interactive toys that challenge them mentally. Training sessions can be a great way to focus their energy in a productive way, improving behavior over time.
3. Positive Reinforcement Training
Training your dog with positive reinforcement is an excellent method to prevent undesirable behaviors, including chewing and scratching. Reward your dog for chewing on appropriate items and for not engaging in destructive behaviors.
- Use Treats: Whenever your dog chooses to chew on a toy rather than furniture, offer a treat as positive reinforcement. Over time, they’ll learn that chewing on toys brings rewards, while destructive behavior brings no attention.
- Redirect Attention: If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect them to an appropriate toy. Avoid punishment, as it can increase anxiety and exacerbate the behavior.
4. Address Anxiety and Stress
If your dog’s chewing and scratching are caused by anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause of the stress. Some ways to manage anxiety include:
- Desensitization: Gradually get your dog used to being alone by starting with short periods of separation and slowly increasing the time they are left alone. This will help them become more comfortable with solitude.
- Calming Products: There are several products available to help soothe anxious dogs, such as calming collars, anxiety wraps, or pheromone diffusers like Adaptil.
- Behavioral Therapy: In severe cases, working with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist can help address anxiety-driven behaviors.
5. Health Check-Up
If your dog’s scratching or chewing persists, it may be due to a health issue. A visit to the vet is essential to rule out medical causes such as:
- Fleas or Ticks: Fleas and ticks are common culprits of persistent itching. Make sure your dog is on an appropriate flea prevention program.
- Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, environmental factors, or even certain materials like fabrics or detergents. Your vet can help identify allergens and recommend treatment.
- Dental Issues: If your dog is chewing excessively, they may have dental problems like gingivitis, broken teeth, or gum disease. Regular dental check-ups can prevent these issues.
6. Use Deterring Sprays
If your dog is particularly persistent about chewing on furniture or other household items, consider using a deterring spray. These sprays are designed to make objects taste unpleasant to dogs, thus discouraging them from chewing.
- Bitter Apple Spray: One of the most popular options, this spray has a bitter taste that dogs generally dislike. It can be applied to furniture or shoes to prevent chewing.
- Natural Sprays: There are also natural sprays made with citrus, mint, or other scents that dogs find unpleasant. These can be a safer and more natural alternative to chemical-based sprays.
7. Provide Safe Spaces
If your dog is scratching the door or chewing furniture due to separation anxiety, creating a safe space for them can help. This can be a crate or a designated area in your home where they feel comfortable and secure while you’re away.
- Comfort Items: Leave behind a familiar blanket, a favorite toy, or an item of your clothing with your scent. This can provide comfort and reduce stress when you’re not around.
Conclusion
Chewing and scratching are natural behaviors for dogs, but when these habits become destructive, it’s important to address them promptly. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing strategies such as providing appropriate chew toys, ensuring plenty of exercise, and addressing any health or anxiety issues, you can keep your dog from chewing and scratching everything.
Patience and consistency are key when working with your dog to change their behavior. With the right approach, you can foster a happy, well-behaved pet who enjoys chewing on appropriate items and scratching in moderation.
By following these tips and paying attention to your dog’s needs, you’ll help them lead a healthier, more comfortable life — and protect your furniture at the same time!
