It’s very common for puppies to chew, and it helps them to relieve the pain of teething. They also use their mouths to explore the world and its contents, but when your clothing and shoes become the target you’ll probably feel it’s time to take action.
Separation anxiety and boredom are common in dogs left alone for a period of time, so what can you do to prevent complete devastation when you return home?
• Provide safe, tough items for your dog to focus on. You can buy a range of ageappropriate durable toys and chews from pet stores and other outlets.
• Restrict their access to your possessions, or limit them to a couple of rooms in the house.
• Make sure they get enough exercise – this is especially important if you’re leaving them for a while, as tiredness will reduce their need to chew.
Could it be attention-seeking?
All dogs need quality time with their owner, and it’s possible they could be chewing simply to get your attention. If you give them plenty of play time and attention in short bursts, you should soon see a difference.
Positive reinforcement
Reward your dog when they chew on appropriate items and redirect their attention when they chew on something they shouldn’t. Consistency is the key here. Your dog will respond to rewards for chewing its own toys, and also to the negative response, e.g. withdrawing your attention for a while when your shoes are the target.
