When dogs are destructive

No matter how appealing some dogs are they are often destructive when young.  It can cause a lot of upset and expense when you find your best trainers or the remote control or the kitchen units chewed up.

We have to excuse puppies who are teething, they need lots of raw bones and hide toys to have a go at.  When they get their permanent teeth they usually grow up and get over it.

Other dogs  like to rip things up and keep it going, mostly it’s because of boredom.    One way to overcome chewing is to give your dog more exercise.  A dog who’s been out for mega long walks will want to flop down and sleep when he gets home.

Spraying furniture and items with something the dog will hate is another remedy.   Try cheap perfume, after shave or orange or lemon juice in a spray container.  Or anything with a bitter taste, keep trying until you find something your dog doesn’t like.  There are pet anti-chew repellants on the market but they are usually expensive.

Giving dogs tasty treats is a help, a ‘Kong’ with some meat inside will pass an hour or two.  Nothing beats a big marrow bone, or tripe sticks or pigs ears. It’s a gradual process, bitter spray on things he shouldn’t chew and plenty of good things that are allowed.

Feeding dogs real meat is another way to combat destructive habits.  Instead of giving them mush from a can or dry biscuits, get your dog a big piece of breast of lamb.  It’s natural and good for dogs to eat, gnawing on it will take a while and it will be a satisfying feel in his tummy.  Proper food at last!

A dog especially like chewing shoes and slippers because they smell familiar.  Mum or Dad – it’s a scent he likes –  the only answer is to keep them out of the way!