Training your Puppy: How to Stop Him Chewing Everything in Sight

I know it's not much comfort to you, but chewinglittle while.
and minor destruction is normal for a puppy. It'sDepending on how quickly he gets the hang of
his way of exploring his new world. And it getsthis, increase the time to 5 minutes, then in 5
worse while he's teething.minute chunks up to half an hour.
Once you've started his training -- particularly hisIt sometimes helps while doing this -- and
socialization training -- this behavior should stop.afterwards when you go out -- to leave some
And of course, teething is only temporary.recently worn clothes just outside the closed door
The problem is particularly prevalent in dogs whoto the room so that he thinks you're still there.
have a free run of the house and furniture! If youA dog suffering separation anxiety will tend to
mainly keep the dog in one room - where hischew your clothing, or the items you passed on
crate or bed is, and where he eats -- and leaveyour way out of the house. In other words --
him in that room when you go out, you're lessanywhere your scent is.
likely to have the problem in the first place.Solution: try to reduce his dependence.
And I have seen research indicating that almostIf there are other people living in the house, try
every dog who is allowed in sleep in their owner'sto share out who does the walking and feeding so
bedroom -- and even more if they sleep on thethe dog doesn't form an excessive bond with one
bed -- displays destructive tendencies when leftperson.
alone.Should this not be an option, you'll need to cut
Let's see what we can do if it doesn't stop.back a little on physical contact with him while
There are 3 main reasons for continuedyou're in the house. Start with maybe 2 minutes
destructive behavior and chewing.of no contact at all, and gradually increase it.
One is boredom; two is attention seeking; three isPerhaps put him in his crate for a little while. You
stress related separation anxiety.can sit in the same room with him, but read or
Here's how you tell the difference.watch TV.
A bored dog will usually 'attack' the same thingYou can also do this if there are other people
every time he's left by himself. He'll generally haveliving in the house. But it won't work unless
what passes for a guilty look when you find whateveryone does it.
he's done.It also helps when you go to leave the radio on,
Solution: exercise your dog physically and mentallyor you can leave a recording of your voice or a
for about half an hour just before you go out.family conversation playing.
I've heard good reports of leaving a stout ropeAlthough these solutions do work, remember that
chew soaked with a little tuna - apparently theprevention is better than cure.
scent work stimulated by the tuna holds hisA dog is not a solitary animal. If there's no-one at
attention for quite a while.home for 8 to 9 hours a day, every day - the
The attention seeking dog will chew all sorts ofdog may suffer separation anxiety. This is really
things -- whether you're in the house or not --not fair on the dog.
and never looks 'guilty' or anxious.Try to keep the house tidy. If you don't leave
Solution: don't give in to this call for attention.things lying around he can't chew them.
Correcting the behavior can be a little timeGive him plenty of toys to play with - but not
consuming, but is definitely worth it.ones that look like slippers or other things that he
Put the dog in the room he's usually left in whenshouldn't chew. He won't be able to tell the
you go out. Close the door and listen. If he startsdifference. The same thing applies to giving him an
chewing, slap the door with your hand -- but don'told shoe of yours to play with. He won't know
speak. When he's stayed quiet for a couple ofthe difference between that and your brand new
minutes, go into the room but ignore him for aparty shoes!