Destructive Puppy - Destructive Pupper: How to Handle?

Destructive Puppy: How to Handle?

I remembered one time when my brother received a parting gift from his friend – a male puppy. As a new member added to the family, everyone was happy.

Of course, who would not want to cuddle and play an adorable small puffy ball! With its delightful presence, the overwhelming desire to squeeze or pinch that cute puppy is just so hard to control.

Without any information on how to take care of the new pup, it was a struggle at first. Since my mother did not like any pets sheltering inside the house, he begged her to allow him to have the dog.

It would be in exchange for taking the full responsibility of taking care of it. My mother agreed, and he was exuberant about having the puppy. His eyes glistened as he scooped the puppy from the floor and hugged it to its chest.

Weeks have gone by, the puppy started to grow. Then weeks turned into months, he became more playful and a little bit more aggressive.

One of the things that my brother had difficulty handling his puppy is his chewing. It became destructive when he started to chew on furniture, mats, and personal belongings such as shoes, slippers, and even socks.

When my mother caught what happened, he scolded my brother for the behavior of his puppy. Honestly, I felt terrible at him that time. Anyway, he was sorry about it and decided to tame his puppy.

Definition

Is chewing a destructive behavior? Well, only if the young dog chews on inappropriate things. So give some time for dogs to chew.

Puppy and dog chewing on things is a natural part of their exploration of the universe. Chewing has a variety of purposes for dogs. It’s a way for young dogs to get relief from pain caused by incoming teeth.

For older dogs, it is nature’s way of keeping their jaws tight and their teeth clean. Chewing also helps to alleviate boredom and slight anxiety or irritation.

Destructive chewing is one of the most common behavioral problems among dogs and puppies. In many cases, this behavior can be redirected.

When this behavior starts to show, it is crucial to know the root causes of the problem and find ways to manage it.

Rule Out Problems That Cause Destructive Chewing

Separation Anxiety

When dogs chew to alleviate the tension of separation anxiety, they usually only chew when they are left alone or chew the most vigorously when they are left alone for long periods. Some separation anxiety symptoms include crying, barking, pacing, restlessness, urination, and defecation among dogs.

To Read More about Dog Separation Anxiety, Click Here: Dog Separation Anxiety: What To Do?

Fabric Sucking:

Fabrics are licked, sucked, and chewed by certain dogs. Some researchers suggest that this behavior is caused by being weaned too young (before seven or eight weeks of age).

A dog’s fabric-sucking habit has likely become compulsive if he does it for long periods, and it’s difficult to distract him from sucking when he tries to do it.

Hunger:

To find additional nutrition sources, a dog on a calorie-restricted diet can chew and destroy items. This type of chewing is usually directed toward things that are connected to food or smell like food.

Address the Issue with Your Destructive Puppy

It is essential to understand the causes behind the behavior of destructive chewing of puppies and dogs. By determining the problem and its causes, addressing the issue itself will be easier.

Proofing Against Dogs

Homes must be “baby-proofed” for new babies, just as they must be “puppy-proofed” for new puppies. Make sure you’ve put away or removed any chewable items before bringing a dog home.

Closed containers, closets, or high shelves can be used to store shoes, clothing, books, and knickknacks. Sprays that help repel dogs are available if you’re worried about a favorite table or chair. Still, it’s best not to use them on valuable items.

Toys

The most important thing you can do to keep your dog from chewing destructively is to have plenty of dog toys on hand. Chewing is a favorite pastime of dogs.

It’s easier to teach them to chew on their toys rather than a table leg. It will be much easier to stop destructive chewing if you have many exciting and appropriate chew toys on hand.

Some dog toys and “chewable” can be ripped apart, posing a choking hazard. Ensure the toys or chewable you choose are safe and suitable for your dog (larger dogs need larger, tougher toys).

Puppies that are teething

Teething puppies may be dealing with sore gums. You can give them a wet, frozen washcloth to chew on in addition to appropriate toys; the cold may help relieve gum pain.

You might also want to invest in a few patented puppy “teething toys,” which can be frozen to help relieve pain, similar to toys intended for human babies.

Supervision and confinement

A dog should not be allowed to roam freely around your home until he has been completely chew-trained. This only sets him up for failure because your home is full of interesting objects to explore and chew on.

If this isn’t possible, the dog should be confined to a crate or a room with nothing inappropriate for him to chew.

Exercising and Stimulation

Dogs are social animals who require interaction and exercise to stay in good health. Chewing is one way for a bored or frustrated dog to vent its frustrations.

Spend as much time as possible with your dog and make sure he gets plenty of exercises to avoid this problem. Consider taking your dog to a “doggy daycare” instead of leaving it at home alone for long periods if you will be gone for the majority of the day.

Redirect and compliment

You’ll always be nearby if your dog chews something now that he’s either supervised or confined. If he starts chewing on something inappropriate, tell him “no” or “wrong” and redirect him to a chew toy appropriate for him.

You might need to shake the toy or turn it into a game to keep him interested. Give your dog lots of praise as soon as he starts chewing on the toy.

Praise should also be given whenever your puppy or dog selects an appropriate chew toy. This will encourage him to prefer his toys over furniture, shoes, and other household items.

Use of Aversive

If you’re having trouble keeping your dog away from something, try using an aversive like Bitter Apple. This spray is safe for your dog and most items, but it stinks.

Apply it to any items your dog is attempting to chew, and the bitter taste should deter him completely. No matter how enraged you are when you discover your dog has just chewed up your prized possession, you mustn’t punish him.

Punishment will only increase your dog’s stress and anxiety, which will increase his desire to chew. Punishing your dog may exacerbate the problem.

Obedience Training

Many dog owners require a little extra assistance when it comes to training their pets. Consider enrolling your dog in a training class if you’re having trouble controlling your dog’s chewing.

Just by attending a few sessions, it may be enough to give you and your dogs the tools you need to stop destructive chewing.

Be patient and realistic.

Even the best-trained dogs have bad days. During your dog’s lifetime, he’ll probably chew something you’d instead he didn’t. If this occurs, simply start again and reinforce your dog’s good chewing habits. Your patience will be rewarded.

Below are the Top 5 Amazon Best Seller Chew Toys for Puppies 2021

Benebone Real Bacon Durable Wishbone Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Benebones are durable and long-lasting chewer toys that are made of 100% natural bacon flavor.

Its wishbone shape is designed for an easy grasp and good chew. It is made in the USA.

The Wishbone is curved for a paw-friendly grip so your pup can quickly grab it and get a good chew going. https://amzn.to/32BJSvy

KONG – Classic Dog Toy, Durable Natural Rubber- Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch

The KONG classic red rubber toy provides mental stimulation while still satisfying dogs’ instinctual needs.

By promoting healthy play and instinctual needs, it solves chewing, separation anxiety, and teething.
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It also solves boredom, weight management, crate training, barking, and digging. This puzzle toy allows fun fetch games and other interactive games for pets: a USA-made product, one of the durable toys recommended by veterinarians and pet trainers worldwide.

Petstages Dogwood Wood

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Deerhorn is made from naturally shed antler material and has a natural taste and scent that your dog can enjoy.

Newly formulated to be kinder to your dog’s gums while also providing the same durability.

Made in the U.S.A, free from toxic lead and phthalates. Available in four sizes, ranging from small to large, ideal for any dog.

Nylabone Stuffable Chew Toy – Strong Rubber Dog Toy

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Dogs can chew, play, and eat treats simultaneously with Nylabone’s busy-time stuffable dog chew toy.

This stuffable dog chew toy with bacon flavor can be packed with various dog-friendly edible treats.

Things such as peanut butter, banana, pumpkin, kibble, and yogurt that keep dogs occupied. This cone-shaped chew toy bounces and flips in all directions for added excitement, making it an excellent choice for competitive chewers who enjoy some flex and give.

KONG – Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber – Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch (Color May Vary)

The Puppy KONG dog toy is designed specifically for developing a puppy’s baby teeth. Its special, natural rubber formula is the softest in the KONG rubber toy line.

It helps teach proper chewing behavior while providing enrichment and fulfilling a younger pup’s instinctual needs.The unpredictable bounce https://amzn.to/3dEFvG2
makes it perfect for pups who just want to play.

A stuffed Puppy KONG keeps little ones occupied while allowing pet parents to focus on their pets’ individual needs.

Author

Faith T.

She dreams of becoming a successful woman in the future. Faith likes to do faux calligraphy and read books. She wants to travel by herself soon.