18.01.2019

Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Chewing, Destructive Behaviour

Chewing, Destructive Behaviour -
Interestingly, it has been shown that a dog’s endorphin levels increase when chewing (the dog gets lots of feel good chemicals).
It is because of this, that you cannot try to stop your dogs chewing completely (it is too chemically rewarding - so very difficult to train out). You must instead re-direct the chewing to acceptable items (that are not too similar to unacceptable items).

You can use the ‘Bah!!!/clap’ I’ve talked about in previous posts or shake a plastic bottle with pebbles in it (not too close to your dog) to get their attention, then coax him/her away to ANOTHER location and spend a few minutes playing with an acceptable toy (using lots of praise and the occasional HIGH VALUE treat).
There is real value to the toys when played with by you, with your dog . Your dog wants to interact with you :-)

*As well, you could spread a small amount of peanut butter or cheese spread on acceptable toys, to make them more appealing, especially on initial purchase.

**Any time your dog chews on an unacceptable item without redirection, gives approval of that item they’re chewing on. It is for this reason you may need to confine your dog to a ‘safe’ area - where there are few or no unacceptable items to chew on, but PLENTY OF ACCEPTABLE TOYS, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.