How to stop your adult dog from chewing on things?
⠀
In order to train your dog not to chew on objects, first and foremost, it is very important to understand what the reason behind this behavior is.
⠀
If your dog keeps not only chewing inedible things, but also swallowing them, you should consult a vet about it – it might be a symptom of gastrointestinal tract diseases.
⠀
There is another reason your dog might be chewing on things – stress. Chewing calms dogs and helps them relieve psychological stress.
⠀
If you choose to punish your pup for this behavior, this causes even more distress (“negative” stress), which means that the problem will only get worse. And then it becomes a full circle.
⠀
One more possible reason is boredom. Yes, dogs get bored too, especially when left home alone or when not provided with enough physical or intellectual activity.
⠀
So, what can you do to if your dog chews on things? Most importantly, remember that you need to work with the root cause, and not the symptom. Only in this case you will be able to reach a positive result.
Are your dog’s 5 freedoms satisfied (check our post on things you need to know before getting a dog)? If not, figure out what you can do to provide your four-legged friend with all the needed conditions for a good life.
⠀
If you can’t seem to solve the problem on your own, you might need to consult a professional.
