• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Destructive chewing? Try 4 strategies to stop inappropriate chewing

Posted August 30, 2022

Border Collie puppy chews on furniture. Discover simple tips from using bitter apple to dog-safe chew toys to stop your dog from inappropriate chewing.
Discover simple tips from using bitter apple to dog-safe chew toys to stop your dog from inappropriate chewing.

If your puppy shows signs of inappropriate chewing — for example, chewing on woodwork or upholstered furniture, one of the best ways to stop the chewing is by using a deterrent.

You can buy bitter apple cream and spray can be purchased in pet stores and online. Then apply it to your woodwork and furniture; the taste is so bad that it will make most dogs stop chewing on these objects.

You will need to reapply as necessary. It can also be used on electrical cords and other things dogs like to chew in the house.

Some people use Tabasco sauce or other hot sauce for the same purpose. But it will deter your dog from chewing on things and risks staining or damaging your items.

Just be careful not to use anything that could harm your dog as a deterrent.


Chewing substitutes

Another way to stop your dog from inappropriate chewing is by providing him with plenty of his things to chew.

For example, moose antlers or rawhides can be good chews for dogs. Look for sterilized rawhides from USDA beef because they are safer for your dog.

When you give your dog rawhides to chew, you should supervise and remove small pieces that come off so your dog can’t choke on them.

chewing
One of the best ways to stop your dog from inappropriate chewing is to give her a safe toy to chew on instead.

There are also many good chew toys for dogs that satisfy your dog’s urge to chew and stop inappropriate chewing. Rope toys, hard rubber toys such as Kongs, Nylabones, and many others are suitable for dogs that like to chew.

If you have a puppy, be sure to provide him with lots of toys for chewing.

Puppies teethe from the time they are about four months to 17 months, and they have a strong urge to chew on things during this time.

Spending a few dollars on chews and toys for your dog is an excellent way to save expensive home furnishings from inappropriate chewing.

Exercise

Another good way to deter inappropriate chewing is to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Dogs who get lots of exercise are less likely to be destructive at home.

They are more likely to spend their time sleeping when you are not home with them. Tired dogs are happy dogs.

Crating

If your dog is destructive and chews things when you are not home, consider crating him when you are away from home for a few hours.

Most dogs regard their crate as a den and are happy to sleep until you return. Don’t leave a dog unattended in a crate for more than a few hours.

Final thoughts on inappropriate chewing

If you follow the suggestions here, you should be able to stop your dog from inappropriate chewing.

Try different suggestions, or try all of them.

Bitter apple and providing good chew toys often is enough to stop most chewing problems.

Nancy Cope is the owner of four rescue dogs and Pampered Dog Gifts.

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

 

Related Posts

  • Bichon Poodle mix runs through yard. Having a hyper puppy can be exhausting, but there are ways to cope. Try seven tips that will help you manage your pup's energy levels.
    Try 10 strategies to help calm down your hyper puppy

    Having a hyper puppy can be exhausting, but there are…

  • Corgi puppy
    How do you teach a puppy it's OK to spend time alone?

    Train your puppy to enjoy alone time using a confined…

  • Owner lets Husky puppy bite his finger.
    5 simple tricks to train your puppy to stop biting

    Work with your dog and use simple tips to stop…

  • Black Labrador and Yellow Labrador puppies on white background. Use our list of dos and don'ts to protect your puppy from health scares to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life.
    How to avoid new puppy health scares: Dos and don’ts

    Use our list of dos and don'ts to protect your…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Dog Training, Home Page, Puppies Tagged With: Chewing

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Working dogsWaterPet sitterOld dogstraining tipsSheddingVacation dog carePoodleValentine's DayVeterinarianPawPetfinder.comSmall dogsRottweilerOutdoor activitiesTwo dogsYorkshire terrierService dogsPomeranianThanksgivingPuppy-proofPit bullSocializationPotty trainingTicksPet parentsPandemicPuppy kindergartenSeparation anxietyRescue dog

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]
  • What is canine pyometra? Understand causes, symptoms, treatment
    Canine pyometra is a serious uterine infection that affects around one in four unspayed female dogs. Spaying provides the best protection. […]
  • Can dogs eat potatoes? Are starchy vegetables safe for dogs?
    Can dogs eat potatoes? Keep your dog healthy by occasionally adding potatoes to its diet. Before changing your dog's diet, consult your vet. […]
  • Does my dog have Addison’s Disease? Understand symptoms, treatment
    Early detection and treatment are essential for canine Addison's Disease. With quick action, most dogs will make a full recovery. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.