It’s common for dogs to chew on things, but it’s not an unsolvable problem. With patient training and guidance from their owners, dogs can learn to stop this behavior and become well-behaved. So, why do dogs love to chew on everything?
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Teething Period
A large part of a dog’s chewing behavior is due to the discomfort caused by teething. Dogs go through a teething phase where they need to change their teeth. During this time, their gums become very itchy, and they can only relieve this pain by chewing on things. This is why teething toys are a great option during this period.
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Boredom
When dogs are left alone at home and feel bored, they tend to chew on things. Especially when their owners are at work, leaving them behind, they’re mostly left to sleep all day. As a result, they chew to pass the time and alleviate their loneliness. Owners can spend more time with their dogs after work or on weekends, or leave them with toys when they’re not around to help keep them entertained.
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Emotional Release
Dogs might chew things to release their emotions when they feel anxious or nervous about their surroundings. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and will howl and chew non-stop when their owners leave. In these cases, owners can calm their dogs’ emotions and help them feel relaxed when they’re around.
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Bad Habit
Some dogs develop a bad habit of chewing on things from a young age, often because the owner didn’t intervene early enough. This can cause the behavior to escalate. When an owner notices their dog chewing on things, they should stop them immediately to teach them that it’s not acceptable.
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Lack of Trace Elements
When dogs lack certain trace elements, they can become irritable and may start chewing on things, sometimes even ingesting them. In this case, owners should supplement their dog’s diet with the necessary nutrients and encourage them to exercise regularly to maintain overall health.
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Excessive Energy
If an owner doesn’t have time to walk their dog in the morning due to being in a rush for work, the dog might chew on things to release pent-up energy, like tearing up the house. This can be especially frustrating for owners. Breeds like Huskies, known for being “house destroyers,” can’t stay still. That’s why it’s important for owners to ensure their dogs get daily exercise, so they will be well-behaved indoors.
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Revenge Behavior
Some dogs can be quite vengeful. If a dog is scolded by its owner for misbehavior, it may quietly remember and later act out its revenge. They might behave perfectly when the owner is present but secretly chew on things and cause destruction when the owner is not around. It’s a “one way in front of you, another behind your back” behavior.
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Lack of Security
Most dogs are highly dependent on their owners. If your dog starts chewing on items or destroying furniture, it might indicate that they’re feeling insecure and are trying to release their emotions by tearing things apart. In this case, the owner can spend more time interacting with the dog, use treats to help calm them, and make them feel happier. At the same time, owners should also work on fostering their dog’s independence, so they don’t destroy the house when left alone.
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Seeking Attention
If an owner ignores their dog at home, the dog might chew on things or bark to get their attention. To prevent this, owners should spend quality time playing with their dog during their free time to strengthen the bond between them.
