Your puppy does not chew your slippers because he is bad, he does it because he is a dog. Dogs like to chew. Chewing relieves stress and boredom. As a responsible owner, it is your  job to help him direct his chewing to appropriate places and things.

Beginning in puppyhood, you should provide your pet with his own toys that he can chew to his heart’s content. Select chew toys that are the correct hardness for your dog’s bite. You do not want him eating the chew toys.

Select a variety of toys to keep your puppy’s interest and praise your puppy when he chews on his toys. Never give your dog chew toys that resemble household items that you do not want him to chew.

You can make chew toys with center holes even more interesting by adding some peanut butter that he will spend hours trying to remove. The Kong Toy is perfect for chewing and has a hole for adding the peanut butter or other treats. You can also buy peanut butter flavored, raw-hide chews. Dogs can also entertain themselves with balls they can toss and chew.

While your pet is learning the rules about what to chew and what not to chew, do not leave him unattended in the house or yard. Destructive chewing may be related to anxiety and fear of separation.

If a dog learns that he can get your attention any time he wants it, he will always want it, and may become anxious when he cannot have it. Therefore, it is a good idea to train your dog to spend some time by himself either lying down or in his crate, even when you are home. When you are away and the dog is on his own, be sure you have removed tempting, but forbidden, objects from sight. Put shoes in the closet and close the door. Put plants on tables too high to reach or behind a closed door.

Prevention of the opportunity to chew the wrong things will help both you and your dog.

Kong Company

Posted by Paula.