Introduction
Dogs chew on everything, but only on things they like, especially when they are teething or bored. Once your dog has become accustomed to chewing furniture, it is no longer a problem but something that must be stopped. Furniture chewing becomes a bad habit quite hard to unlearn if not nipped in the bud. It gives steps with insight on how to train your dog never to chew up furniture again using powerful methods and positive reinforcement.
Why Do Dogs Chew on Furniture?
Now, as the first step in training your dog not to chew the furniture, it’s a must you know why a dog begins to chew on the furniture. The following are a couple of main reasons for this.
1. Teething:
A puppy starts teething at three to six months of age, which causes discomfort, so it chews more.
2. Boredom:
It is also done by bored and not only bored dogs but by those who are not provided with the required amount of mental and physical exercise.
3. Separation Anxiety:
It is also due to separation anxiety as they tend to get anxious and chew up everything.
4. Lack of Training:
Your dog may need to learn what to chew and what not if he or she has not been properly trained.
5. Environmental Changes:
This may cause stress chewing on a new pet within the family or even a new house.
Effective Ways to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture
Working Out How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture By addressing the cause of the behavior, one can follow the methods below firstly:
1. Provide Chew Toys
Give your dog enough chew toys that will keep them busy. Make sure the ones you pick are of the right size for the breed and size of your pet and that they can be used without breaking easily. The most effective way to keep your pet interested in the toys is by changing them often.
2. Deterrent Sprays
Use a bitter apple spray or any other pet-safe, registered products over the furniture. The nasty taste will deter your dog from chewing.
3. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Exercise and Mental Stimulation There would be no destructive behaviors if the dog is well exhausted. Exercise the dog properly through walks, plays, and interactive games like interactive puzzle toys or obedience rather than just fetch play.
4. Monitoring and Redirection of Behavior
Keep your dog under constant observation when the dog is in a learning stage. You can then catch them playing with the furniture, and just grab them and reprimand them by giving them a loud “No.” You must encourage the behavior of chewing on appropriate items such as a chew toy. As soon as they start chewing on the proper item, then praise and reward your dog.
5. Crate Training
Use a crate to control what your dog is doing when you are away. Remember though, it is comfortable and safe and has no punitive tie.
6. Positive Reinforcement
Reward whatever good habit is when your puppy begins chewing toys not on the furniture. Feed them treats, praise, and affection as these help associate good habits with rewards.
Top Tips to Prevent Furniture Chewing in Dogs
Even though you are equipped with the tips above, here are some more nice-to-know extras that will ensure your dog does not become a furniture-chewing menace:
1. Draw Clear Boundaries
Teach your dog that certain things and places are ‘no-go zones.’ Always use commands like “Leave it” or “No” to lead them on how to draw boundaries.
2. Limit access to furniture
Put baby gates or playpens in between rooms where your dog is not allowed in. Offer your dog a chew-free safe zone when you leave home and are unable to keep watchful eyes on them.
3. Provide Safe Substitutes
Rawhide bones, rope toys, and rubber can be good substitutes if your pet likes to chew. Always make sure that what you give your dog is safe and won’t choke on them.
4. Utilize Furniture Covers
Other solutions include laying of furniture covers or protective mats. Some of the mats are designed to be scratch- and chew-resistant for the protection of your property.
Best Chew Toys to Distract Dogs from Furniture
Best Chew Toys to Distract Dogs from Furniture What you need is the right chew toys. Try the best ones to get started:
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy
The KONG toy is quite strong, and it could be stuffed with treats to keep the dog occupied.
2. Nylabone Chew Toys
For extreme chewers. They’re a few flavors too that don’t lose out to the dog.
3. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone
This is a chew designed with high-quality nylon infused with real flavor. It is very highly tastable and designed to last.
4. Goughnuts Dog Chew Toys
Goughnuts Dog Chew Toys Goughnuts toys were made to last with the toughest power chewers and come equipped with an indicator that gives the signal that it is time to replace the toy.
Using Positive Reinforcement to Stop Furniture Chewing
Positive Reinforcement to Stop Chewing the Furniture Positive reinforcement training has worked miracles for many by rewarding good behavior and not punishing bad ones. Here is how you can go about it:
1. Prompt Reinforcement
Timing has a huge role in the process of positive reinforcement. Right after your dog has made his mind and decision to chew on his toy rather than furniture, give a treat and praise.
2. Consistency is Success
Positive reinforcement of the right behavior is consistent, achieved by performing the same command words as well as rewards every time so that your dog won’t get confused by mixed signals.
3. Avoid Punishment
No Punishment Do not yell or punish your dog because he’ll be anxious and might even get accustomed to chewing. Redirect and reward the right behavior.
Save a Few Pieces of Furniture from Destruction while Dog Train to Not Chew Save a few pieces of furniture from destruction during dog training as the dog not to chew.
How to Protect Your Furniture from Dog Chewing
1. Invest in Furniture Guards
Furniture Guards Purchase You can install furniture guards and corner protectors to couches and table legs to deter chewing.”.
2. Apply Taste Deterrents
Taste Deterrents You can spray pet-safe taste deterrents on the surfaces of the furniture. Such sprays make the surface have an unpalatable taste and so tend to discourage your dog from chewing.
3. Use Slipcovers
Slipcovers Chew-resistant material slipcovers would do, bringing the furniture a temporary makeover until your dog gets through its chewing behavior.
Conclusion
Getting your dog to stop chewing on furniture is achievable with the right approach, patience, and understanding. By using positive reinforcement, offering suitable alternatives, and protecting your furniture, you can transform this unwanted habit into a thing of the past. Remember to focus on the underlying reasons for the behavior, such as teething or anxiety, to ensure long-term success and a happy pet.
For guidance on managing similar dog behaviors, check out our related blog on Why Dog is Licking the Couch, which explores another common habit and how to address it effectively.
