July 2, 2014
1 Quick Tip to Stop Unwanted Chewing
I’m absolutely in love with all power chewing dogs – and really all dogs!
But there are a few habits that are unique to power chewers that drive us crazy sometimes.
I have a closet monster of my own. And he likes to chew my most important stuff (usually my high heels, that little turd).
In the beginning, we thought that he was just exploring things because he would put everything in his mouth, but now we know that this is his thing. He is 15 months old and he still chews on just about everything…
After nearly 10 pairs of shoes destroyed, including our guests’ shoes, it was getting old fast!
Dogs are so smart and they can learn anything, they just need a little teaching!
So Here’s the Tip
I put some objects on the floor to make a quick learning game for him.
I started with a toy that called ‘BUNNY.’ I also used the word ‘BONE,’ and using these words I rewarded Dex every time he picked up the right object with a nice treat. This was the starting point.
I then added other toys – and later on some shoes, but this time saying ‘No, Leave it’ whenever he went for the shoe.
I rewarded him if he responded to the command by staying away from the shoe with some treats as well.
The positive reinforcement of rewarding him when he followed my commands allowed him to quickly learn what is okay to chew and what is not okay.
Easy right? so now you go try if you have the same problem and report back.