How to Stop Your Dog’s Destructive Chewing – 10 Effective Tips

즉각적인 권장 사항: 신발, 전원 코드 및 느슨한 쿠션을 제거하고 내구성이 좋은 씹을 수 있는 옵션 두 가지(Kong Classic, Nylabone)를 48시간마다 교대하여 배치하십시오. 시간; 매일 60~90분 동안 구조화된 활동을 제공하여 지루함을 줄입니다 (산책, 가져오기, 후각 작업). 흥분시킨다 입모양.

훈련 초점: 고가치 보상을 활용하여 신뢰할 수 있는 교환/뱉어내기 체인을 가르치십시오. 징벌적 교정이 필요하지 않습니다 – 처벌 shouldnt 사용될 수 있습니다. 연구 긍정적인 강화 효과를 보여줍니다. facilitates 더 빠른 정보 유지 및 감소 두려움. 빠른 수정 isnt 해결책: 혐오적인 방법은 반려동물에게 느끼게 만들 수 있습니다. 적대적인 or unsafe, and stress will still be 느낌 몇 시간 후; 증가했습니다 인지 그 메커니즘의 효과는 감소시킨다. 투쟁 명령어를 일반화하기 위해.

환경 및 관리: 유혹적인 품목을 제거하세요. 주변 집 안에서 느슨한 가구는 보호 커버로 고정해 주십시오. 의자, 그리고 설정하세요 안전 부재 시 대화형 급식기가 있는 상자 또는 개문 구역. 시간차량 여행 시에는 차량에 고정되는 하네스를 사용하세요. 안전벨트; 비행기에 대한 플레인, 파렛트 호환 운반 장치 및 항공사 규정을 출발 전에 충분히 확인하십시오. 항공편. A helpful 책 분리 불안에 대한 단계별 프로토콜을 제공합니다. 구조가 없으면 최악의 결과는 재산 피해 또는 극단적인 상황으로의 격화로 이어질 수 있습니다. 불편함 불안.

실용적인 매일 체크리스트: 장난감 회전, 자유 시간 감독, 흥미를 유지하기 위해 씹는 질감 교체, 예약된 정신 과제 전달 (후각 게임, 짧은 훈련 bursts), 그리고 유지하기 open 진전이 멈추면 행동주의자와의 선을 유지하십시오. 반려동물이 여전히 느낌 스트레스를 받거나 어려움을 계속 겪고 있다면 운동, 풍요, 시간 조절을 정확하게 측정하고 조정해야 합니다. 루틴을 중심으로 하는 작은, 일관된 변화는 눈에 띄는 효과를 가져옵니다.

강아지 파괴적인 씹는 행동 멈추는 방법: 씹는 행동을 되돌리고 불안감을 관리하기 위한 10가지 실용적인 팁

1. 안전하지 않은 품목은 즉시 제거하고 수의사 승인 츄어로 대체하세요. 강아지가 안전한 선택을 하도록 보상이 오래 지속되도록 플레인 요거트나 땅콩버터(자일리톨 없음)로 코팅한 콩을 20–60분 동안 얼리세요.

2. 운동 세션 예약: 하루에 2~3번의 15~30분 정도의 빠른 걷기와 20~30분 정도의 놀이 세션을 병행하여 몸을 지치게 하고, 종종 원치 않는 씹기 행동으로 이어지는 지루함을 줄입니다.

3. 정신적 풍요를 활용하세요. 퍼즐 급식기, 간식 분배 공, 숨바꼭질 놀이는 세션당 10~20분 동안 뇌를 자극하여 동물이 활력을 느끼고 부적절한 표면을 배회하거나 씹을 가능성을 줄입니다.

4. 전략적으로 감독하고 제한합니다. 켄넬 훈련을 짧은 시간 동안 실시하면 아무도 지켜보지 않을 때 발생하는 사고를 예방할 수 있습니다. 켄넬 안에서 씹기 시작하면 씹는 물건을 코팅된 씹는 장난감으로 교체하고 점차적으로 더 차분한 순간을 다시 도입합니다.

5. 고가치 간식을 이용하여 신뢰할 수 있는 떨어뜨리기/놓아주기 신호를 가르치세요: 반려동물을 부르고, 자발적인 놓아주기를 기다린 후 즉시 보상합니다. 하루에 5–10회 반복하여 반응이 자동적이 되도록 만들고, 밀어당기기 싸움이 되지 않도록 하세요.

6. 역조건부 공포 유발 씹기: 트리거에 대한 낮은 수준의 노출을 30~60초 동안 음식과 칭찬과 함께 짝지으십시오. 악화를 방지하고 더 나쁜 결과를 초래하지 않도록 동물이 침착할 때만 강도를 높이십시오.

7. 장난감을 3~5일마다 교체하고, 문제 행동이 자주 발생하는 시기와 일치하도록 씹기 시간을 조정하여 주의를 집중시키고, 지루함으로 인해 강아지가 금지된 물건을 탐색할 가능성을 줄이세요.

8. 건강 및 이유 치아 확인: 통증, 치과 문제 또는 호르몬 변화는 씹는 것을 유발할 수 있습니다. 행동이 갑자기 시작되거나 훨씬 더 악화되면 의료 실패의 원인이 되므로 수의사와 상담하십시오.

9. Build a long-term plan: a clear strategy designed around schedule, supervised practice, and graduated exposure; log triggers, durations, and the animal’s feelings so you can see progress and adjust thoughts and tactics.

10. Reinforce calmness and attachment: when the pet is looking at you and not chewing, mark and reward immediately so they associate being close, loved and seeing you as safety; avoid religious metaphors, keep feedback concrete, and remember small successes make the training beautiful and sustainable for everyones peace of mind.

Teach acceptable chew items to your dog

Swap a forbidden object for a designated chew within two seconds, give a clear one-word cue (e.g., “Take”), and reward immediately; repeat in short, focused sessions of 3–5 minutes, 3–4 times daily until the dog reliably chooses the approved item.

Select chews by material and size: soft rubber for puppies under 6 months, nylon or hard-baked dental chews for adults that can safely crush without splintering, and natural single-ingredient chews (bully sticks, frozen carrot pieces) for intermittent supervised use; remove any chew once it becomes thinner than a quarter of its original diameter or develops sharp edges.

Designate at least three acceptable items per dog and rotate them every 2–4 days to maintain interest; scent or flavor-coated chews (lightly coated with unsalted broth or peanut butter) are very helpful when introducing a new item, but only use coatings that are dog-safe and given in controlled quantities.

Teach a replacement routine: when you see unwanted mouthing, calmly intercept, hold the approved chew near the dog’s head, give the one-word cue, and praise when the dog takes it; this action tells the dog which things are allowed and which are not, rather than punishment or criticism.

Use household crew consistency: instruct everyone in the home to give the same cue and follow the same timing rules so beliefs about acceptable items don’t conflict; inconsistent signals confuse the dog and prolong training.

Create specific locations where chews are stored and used–crate corner for quiet chewing, living-room mat for supervised sessions–and only offer high-value items in higher-distraction situations (visitors, grooming) to facilitate focused chewing and lower nerves.

Supervise the first week of free-access chewing; either stay nearby or use short video clips to know whether the chew is being worn down safely. If the dog has been destructive in corners or around furniture, restrict access to those areas until substitution is consistent.

For anxious chewers, pair a long-lasting safe chew with a calming protocol: 10 minutes of low-level exercise, 2–3 drops of vet-approved calming aid if recommended, then the chew; this sequence facilitates better coping and actually reduces inappropriate mouthing over time.

Measure progress weekly: note how many times the dog accepts the chew on first cue out of 10 trials, adjust chew type if acceptance rate is below 60%, and record whether the dog usually stays engaged for the target duration (puppies 5–8 minutes, adults 15–30 minutes).

Track outcomes by logging whether the dog selects approved chews after intervention, and note talking points for the trainer or vet if improvements have not been seen after two weeks; factual data (acceptance rate, wear patterns, incident locations) facilitates targeted adjustments.

Choose chew toys by texture, size and safety

Match toy size and material to bite force: small breeds – 2–3 in (5–8 cm) diameter; medium – 3–5 in (8–13 cm); large – 5–8 in (13–20 cm); giant breeds – >8 in (>20 cm).

• Texture guidance:
  • Plush: for gentle chewers and comfort; replace if seams split or stuffing escapes.
  • Rubber (natural or medical-grade silicone): for moderate chewers; Shore A ~30–70 performs well – feels firm but yields under thumb pressure.
  • Nylon/thermoplastic: for hard chewers; choose rounded geometry and avoid brittle formulations that fragment.
  • Rope: good for holding and playing tug/exercise, but discard when fraying exposes threads that can be swallowed.
• Size and fit:
  • Length or diameter should be at least twice the muzzle width so the dog cannot swallow the item whole.
  • For toys with holes (treat-dispensing), ensure openings are smaller than ½ in (1.3 cm) for small dogs and proportionally larger for big breeds.
  • Weighted or hard items must not allow the jaw to clamp around them fully; if a dog can hold it end-to-end, choose a larger size.
• Material & safety checklist:
  1. Avoid toys containing phthalates, lead, or cadmium; prefer products labeled non-toxic and FDA-food-contact safe.
  2. Do not use glass, ceramic, or very hard dental chews that can fracture teeth – fractures are a common problem in powerful chewers.
  3. Rawhide: skip for puppies under 6 months and for dogs that swallow large pieces; risk of obstruction and digestive system upset.
  4. Check manufacturer claims and recall history; if a product fails a basic tear test, invalidate continued use immediately.

Testing protocol before unsupervised use:

1. First-contact test – supervise the first 10–15 minutes and again at 24 hours; if small shards appear or the dog attacks the toy so aggressively that pieces fall off, remove it.
2. Squeeze test – compress with thumb and index finger: a safe item yields slightly; a toy that feels rock-hard likely causes dental stress.
3. Tug test – apply directional force for 30 seconds mimicking play; if seams burst or stuffing extrudes, retire the item.

Cleaning & replacement rules:

• Wash rubber and silicone weekly in hot soapy water or dishwasher top rack; dry before returning to use.
• Replace items showing cracks, deep gouges, or pieces smaller than ½ in (1.3 cm) – these sizes pose choking risk.
• Rotate toys: keep one favorite in play, one for chewing, and swap another weekly to reduce fixation and repeated attacks on furniture.

Behavioral notes and sourcing:

• If chewing directed at furniture persists despite correct toys, assess exercise and mental stimulation – add 15–30 minutes extra directed play or puzzle toys per day.
• Record which texture the animal prefers during supervised sessions; I myself log preferences (soft vs hard) and retire items that cause discomfort or dental wear.
• Consult veterinary dental guidance for severe wear; a lightweight study reference or a harvard review on material safety can inform material choices, but field testing matters most.

Introduce a new toy using high-value treats

Use immediate contingency: present the toy, wait up to 2 seconds for nose contact, then deliver a pea-sized high-value treat (freeze-dried liver, soft cheese or cooked chicken). Aim for 6–8 rewarded interactions per 3–5 minute session, three sessions daily; keep each treat ≈0.2–0.5 g so extra calories stay below ~10% of daily intake. Track repetitions with a simple tally to test progress.

If the animal seems panicked or uncomfortable, reduce intensity: place the toy on the floor, keep palms open 30 cm away, mask strong commercial scents by rubbing the toy with a neutral cloth, allow 20–30 seconds of sniffing and reward every instance of directed interest. If interest only manifests as a tentative sniff, reward every sniff for 2–4 trials before asking for touch; this heals avoidance faster than forcing contact.

Rotate choices using a small toy wheel: one long-term favorite plus three rotating options. After 3–5 days of pairing, run a 10‑minute test without treats and record spontaneous interactions; target >50% of sessions showing voluntary contact. If youre in Portugal or another region, switch to locally palatable treats (small sardine or cod shreds can be more effective). If the animal woke from a nap and shows much less engagement, shorten sessions to 30–60 seconds and try again later.

Use minimal tools: clicker optional, harness only if necessary. The point is consistent contingency – every correct interaction comes with a reward. A good baseline is 18–24 rewarded pairings across a day; measure by counts per session and adjust. Notice subtle sensations of interest (tail movement, licking, head tilt); when confidence grows the whole behavior manifests as voluntary play rather than avoidance. Youre not aiming for perfection, but steady, measurable change; this method makes possible an incredible shift in preference without causing stress to others in the household.

Teach a swap routine: forbidden item for toy + reward

Swap immediately: the moment the pet gets a forbidden object, hold a high-value toy up and show a tiny treat (pea-sized cooked chicken or soft cheese) within 1 second; mark the exchange with a short word, then feed the treat within 0.5–1 s and give the toy to chew for 5–10 seconds. Repeat 10 successful exchanges per 5-minute session, three sessions daily; track latency and successes in a short exam sheet after each session.

Use a two-toy system: keep a single favorite toy for swaps and a rotation set for daily play. Start at 0.5 m distance, then progress to 2 m and 5 m over 7–10 days. If background turbulence (traffic, vacuum, wheel noise) distracts, train in quieter moments first and add noise gradually. For teething puppies with sore gums, offer frozen rubber toys so the reward is both oral relief and substitute.

When the animal wanders or gets fixated, freeze movement, ignore the object and present the toy after calm for 2–3 seconds; if the pet is freaked or emotional, reduce criteria (allow a 1–2 s calm before rewarding) until fine control manifests. If nothing changes after a week, identify the источник of attraction (scent, texture, single-family heirloom or even a religious token) and remove access while the routine is reinforced.

Measure progress: aim for 9/10 successful voluntary swaps with average exchange latency ≤1 s within two weeks. If success rate drops, find which step fails (distance, value of toy, timing) and adjust–possible fixes include higher-value treats, shorter cue-to-reward interval, or practicing during low-stress moments like early morning when the pet is very calm. Log each session so one can see patterns; a clear record shows what gets better, what happens after changes, and when professional help is needed so the household is able to live with safer, more predictable interactions.

Reinforce chewing on allowed items with immediate praise

Give a permitted chew item, mark the moment within 0.5–1.0 seconds with a one-syllable praise (e.g., “Yes!”) or a click, then deliver a 1–2 kcal treat immediately; repeat every successful engagement for the first 5–10 minutes of a session and run 3–4 sessions per day. Use pea-sized soft treats for puppies and freeze-dried liver or small kibble for adults; reduce treat size once the behavior is consistent and shift to a variable schedule (reward every 2–4 correct responses).

Choose 3–4 different safe items (rubber toys, braided ropes, dental chews, sturdy hide alternatives), rotate them daily to maintain novelty, and limit access to forbidden objects by closing doors or using baby gates. Measure chew sessions: 10–15 minutes active chewing followed by 20–30 minutes rest; aim for total supervised chew time of 30–60 minutes spread across the day depending on age and energy level. Inspect items weekly for wear; discard any with loose fragments or sharp edges to protect oral health and avoid emergency vet visits.

Have a written reward system so everyone in the household knows what praise means – there should be a single marker word and consistent treat timing. Basically the truth is timing wins: the precise 0.5–1 s marker creates the feeling that permitted sensations earn reinforcement. Once learned, fade food rewards but allow occasional treats every 4–8 successes to maintain value. If you wish, talk to your veterinarian about medicine or anxiolytic options only after tracking patterns for 7–10 days. Getting good health and exercise (20–40 minutes of play or walk daily for adults; more frequent for puppies) lowers compulsive mouthing by reducing excess energy. Between sessions, provide supervised freedom; know that children, college housemates or car passengers shouldnt hand out forbidden items or judge attempts – do not punish normal mouthing, it will fall into avoidance. Every time the pet chooses the approved item, mark and reward something small so the association strengthens and the preferred item becomes the default object in the home.