Learn How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing His New Bed
Welcoming a new dog bed into your home is an exciting event, both for you and your furry friend. However, the joy can quickly turn to frustration if your dog decides to chew on their new bed. This behaviour is common but can be managed with some practical strategies. In this blog, we’ll explore effective ways to prevent your dog from turning their bed into a chew toy, ensuring it remains a comfortable resting place for them.
Understand the Root Cause
The first step in addressing your dog’s chewing behaviour is understanding why they chew. Dogs chew for various reasons, including teething, boredom, anxiety, or simply because it’s a natural instinct. Identifying the underlying cause will help you tailor your approach to curb this behaviour. For instance, puppies chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult dogs might chew out of boredom or stress. By recognising the specific reason, you can address the issue more effectively.
Provide Adequate Chewing Alternatives
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from chewing their bed is to offer them suitable alternatives. Chew toys are specifically designed to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew. Choose a variety of textures and shapes to keep them engaged. Regularly rotate the toys to maintain their interest. For teething puppies, soft chew toys that are gentle on their gums are ideal. For adult dogs, durable toys that can withstand their strong jaws are recommended.
Reinforce Positive Behaviour
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in training your dog. Whenever you catch your dog chewing their bed, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Once they start chewing the toy, praise them enthusiastically and offer a treat. This will help them associate chewing the toy with positive outcomes. Consistency is key, so ensure all family members follow this approach to avoid confusing your dog.
Making the Bed More Familiar
An often overlooked method of deterring your dog from chewing their new bedding is to rub their existing bed fleece, blanket or soft toys on to the new bedding so as to transfer the scent across. This will make them beleive that this belongs to them already and therefore not rejecting it as foreign or alien to them.
Ensure Mental and Physical Stimulation
A bored or anxious dog is more likely to chew out of frustration. Ensure your dog receives ample mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep your dog occupied and reduce their urge to chew. Mental stimulation can be provided through puzzle toys or training sessions that challenge their mind. A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviours.
Seek Professional Advice if Needed
If your dog’s chewing behaviour persists despite your best efforts, it might be helpful to seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored strategies and insights based on your dog’s specific needs. In some cases, chewing can be a symptom of underlying anxiety or behavioural issues that require professional intervention.
Top Tips for Preventing Bed Chewing
- Understand why your dog chews: Identify if it’s due to teething, boredom, or anxiety.
- Offer suitable chew toys: Provide a variety of textures and rotate them regularly.
- Use positive reinforcement: Redirect to chew toys and reward good behaviour.
- Make the bed more appealing: Rub existing bedding to transfer the scent across making it more familiar.
- Ensure adequate stimulation: Provide regular physical and mental exercise.
- Consult a professional: Seek expert advice if the behaviour continues.
By following these steps, you can help your dog understand that their bed is a place for rest, not for chewing. With patience and consistency, you’ll be able to preserve their new bed and promote a harmonious home environment.
