Oh! My dog chews expensive household items. How do I change this behavior?

Well, the reason behind this most frequently asked question depends on the kind of dog that is chewing, whether he is a small puppy or an adult. Or is he active or sharp by nature, among many other traits?

This behavior is natural in small puppies and dogs who are new to your home and can stop or be stopped when they used to live there. As dogs are very curious creatures, they try to explore their surroundings. So, they use their primary weapons like licking, sniffing, and mainly chewing in this regard.

Normal chewing is not a problem, even if it benefits your dog. But the problem arises when your dog starts destructive chewing.

If your puppy is chewing, then it is not a weird thing. However, if an adult dog starts suddenly chewing, it means he has some problem. Like he might be getting bored or need your attention. Sometimes, he might channel his energy into useless chewing activities. Here are some of the reasons behind the destructive chewing of your pooch;

Fabric sucking:

It is strange to see a dog chewing textiles, but it happens. According to some experts, this behavior might be due to a short period of breastfeeding by dogs. A dog’s fabric-sucking activity has probably become obsessive if it persists for extended periods, and it’s challenging to divert him when he tries to indulge in it. The habit is quite irritating, as your home will soon need more new curtains.

Separation of anxiety:

Some dogs chew only when they are left alone at home. Experts conclude this behavior with separation anxiety, or in easy terms, you can say stress that most dogs face when they find no one to give them company at home. Along with chewing, they also depict other signs of anxiety, including barking, urination, pacing, restlessness, or defecation.

Hunger pangs:

Assume you have neglected your dog’s diet due to a hectic day. Then what would you expect from him in return? If your dog is hungry for a day or two, he might try to find food in other objects in your home, including clothes, shoes, or baby toys. Sometimes, if your dog is restricted to specific calories, he chews other objects in the hope that he might find that nutrition in them.

Attention seeking:

If you do not spend time with your pooch, he might chew on the prohibited things in your home, like glass or a comb on the table. He knows that such tactics will bother you, and he will attain your attention.

Puppy teething:

Puppies, during the age of 3 to 7 months, when their teeth are growing, have no control over chewing objects. And somehow, it is necessary for your dog, as chewing makes their teeth stronger and allows them to grow faster.

Boredom:

Suppose your dog is alone for several hours in your launch. He might get bored and drain his energy on useless activities like chewing.