How to prevent your dog from chewing wood?

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Coming home with wooden furniture or trim that has been chewed up by dogs or even partially destroyed is a common occurrence for dog owners. So why do dogs like to chew on wood?

It’s a simple fact that dogs chew on wood because they like to chew on different objects. This poses a problem because it could have significant effects. Wood splinters can cause serious injury by lodging in the mouth and esophagus. Dogs that chew wood, for whatever reason, cause more harm than just damage to the home. And as with anything you don’t want him to eat, keeping it out of your dog’s reach is key to preventing him from eating wood.

Take early action

Take early action

Once the chewing habit has started, it may take a while for your dog to get into it. Pick up and put away any branches, twigs, or other inedible objects in the yard that your dog might have chewed on when no one is around as a precaution. In addition to ongoing training and supervision, you may want to keep your dog out of rooms in the house where he could hurt himself or your valuables. When no one is home to watch him, put up barriers or keep him in his crate. Make your anxious pet a secure cage where they can feel comfortable and at home while you’re away to prevent them from chewing.

Get an alternative

Get an alternative

Chew toys are probably a favorite of dogs who like to gnaw destructively. It can be difficult to get a dog to stop chewing on wooden furniture, but chew toys will probably be the most fun solution. As much as possible, stay away from dangerous toys like real bones, which can break and injure a dog’s jaws, throat, and stomach. To prevent your dog from choking, stay away from small toys. Instead, choose toys made from materials designed to withstand a dog’s heavy chewing.

Reduce boredom

Reduce boredom

And if you suspect your dog is chewing purely out of boredom, frustration, or separation anxiety, it may be appropriate for your dog to have another type of entertainment and stimulation. Since dogs are very social animals, you should also give them the opportunity to interact with people and other animals. You can have a family member play with your dog, walk it, and socialize it if needed, or you can hire a pet sitter.

dog chew deterrent

dog chew deterrent

To prevent dogs from chewing on hardwood furniture or woodwork, apply a deterrent such as bitter apple spray. Some dogs will go the other way simply because of the bitter taste of these substances. By combining vinegar and apple cider, you can create your own deterrent by spraying it on wooden objects you want your dog to avoid. Just keep in mind that behavior modification would make deterrents more effective. You can also use lemon, lime, orange and bitter essential oils. But other dogs seem to have acquired the bitter taste. Therefore, it will depend on your own dog.

Coaching

Coaching

Chew toys alone usually do not solve a chewing problem. You also need to work on training your pet. Until you are sure the chewing is under control, you need to keep an eye on your dog. Negative reinforcement should never be used, as it is ineffective. Don’t chastise or chase your dog when he starts chewing; instead, use basic dog training methods. When he stops chewing, offer him rewards, petting or compliments instead. Keep doing this until your dog realizes that chewing won’t bring him any rewards.

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