Do you have a problem with a chewing dog? Many will agree that this can be one of the most annoying problems associated with dogs. Who wants to wake up and find their favorite slippers destroyed or ask your dog to fetch the paper and he brings it back in shreds? Some people think dog chewing is something only puppies do, but that’s not always the case and it’s a common problem that many dog owners share.

Nevertheless, if your dog has a chewing problem, there are things that you can do about it and you can start now. Your first step should be to try to determine why your dog is chewing. Some dogs actually have very good reasons for chewing. You’ll be one step closer to resolving the chewing issue once you discover the cause.

It’s also important to understand the reasons behind dog chewing. Knowing exactly where your dog is coming from is necessary to solve the problem. Chewing is not something that a dog always does out of anger. Chewing up the furniture is not always a sign that she is mad at you and trying to get even. In fact, this is usually very far from the real reason.

Some reasons for chewing are:

· Dental problems

· Boredom

· Loneliness

· Hunger

· Curiosity

When dental problems are the culprit, dogs will chew on anything just to relieve some of their pain and discomfort. If your dog refuses food when you know she’s hungry, this is a sign if dental problems. Tartar buildup, plaque and chewing on one side are signs that you can look for as well.

Your dog should be examined by the veterinarian to rule out any dental problems and also to stop dogs from chewing the wrong things. It’s often encouraged to give puppies safe chew toys designed for encouraging healthy chewing habits and to help discourage them from chewing and biting on other things inside the home.

Sometimes chewing is a result of destructive behavior caused by boredom or loneliness. If your dog is trying to get your attention or needs something to do, she may decide to chew on objects in the home such as furniture and rugs. Make sure you pay attention to and spend time with your dog and this can be prevented.

If you have to be away from home for a long period of time or if you dog gets bored while you are at work all day, you might consider a dog sitter or taking your dog to a doggie daycare center. You can take care of the problem caused by chewing when hungry by simply making sure your dog is fed safe nutritious foods.

Curiosity is something that can affect every dog. It’s a sign of a healthy mind but there are some things you can do to discourage curiosity chewing. Chew proofing everything you can in the home is a great idea. Leave your dog in a designated area such as a gated room that is safe for your dog if she’s going to be unsupervised.

You can also reinforce these things by giving your dog safe chew toys, playing with these chew toys with her and encouraging her to use them. Give praise when she does but never hesitate to correct her when she’s chewing on something unapproved.

Now that you know more about how to stop dog chewing, you can take control of this problem once and for all.