How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing on Woodwork
Unfortunately, it is common for some dogs to chew on woodwork. We are mainly referring to doors, baseboards, and furniture. You may wonder how to stop your four-legged friend from participating in this behavior. You don’t need to worry. We are here to help with this article!
There are several reasons why your dog may be chewing on woodwork. We must understand that dogs love to explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is an instinct for dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that it is correct. Below are some reasons why your dog may be chewing on woodwork.
- Boredom
- Hunger
- Curiosity
- Teething
- Habit
- Stress or Anxiety
- Lack of Training or Exercise
- Pica
Determining how to stop your dog from chewing on woodwork is critical. Your first step should be determining why your dog is chewing on the woodwork. When you decide why you can devise a way to solve the problem.
Do not give your dog too much freedom. If so, this may yield destructive behavior such as chewing. Please keep them in the same room as you until you have trained your dog not to chew on woodwork. You can use gates and other ways to prevent your dog from roaming the house without supervision. You may not be at home to watch your dog’s every move. If so, find a way to confine the dog to one room while you are gone. We recommend a crate, exercise pen, or gate.
The use of anti-chew aids is another option. Some chew deterrents may stop dogs from chewing on items. Provide chew toys and puzzles to keep your dog mentally stimulated. If your dog has another thing to focus on, it will be less likely to chew on things it shouldn’t! Training is crucial! A helpful command you can use is “leave it, ” which means your dog cannot have it. Always remember that dogs love to be rewarded for their excellent work, so positive reinforcement is highly recommended.
As you can see, there are many reasons why your four-legged friend may be chewing on wood. The good news is that there are ways that you can prevent this behavior. Do your part as a pet parent to ensure your dog’s safety. Chewing wood can be dangerous, leading to toxicity, infections, and blockages. Being proactive will help prevent stress along the way!
