Chewing, and generally destroying stuff is as normal for dogs as tail-wagging and sniffing ... If you have a dog, expect chewing. Provide him with his own toys and teach him to use them or he will destructively chew anything available, such as your furniture, carpet, clothing or shoes. If you leave stuff around that he CAN chew, expect that he will. Puppy proof your house the same as if you had a two year old toddller....
By far the simplest way to keep your dog from chewing on forbidden items is to prevent access to them. Put your shoes in the closet and shut the door. Place the trash outside. Keep doors closed; keep valuables out of reach. Praise and reward your dog profusely for chewing her own toys.
Chewing, by the way is GREAT FOR THE DOG'S TEETH!
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If you catch your dog in the act of chewing something it should not chew there are things you can try. of course the first thing is to correct verbally. Be loudly disapproving. saying NO forcefully BUT do not hit the dog! Tell him no and hand him HIS toy to chew on! If a dog perssts in chewing the leg of your antique table.....(which you CANT pick up and put away!!) then try tabasco sauce, red pepper, or some of the commerical products made for a dog to prevent chewing.
IF YOU ARE RIGHT THERE when the puppy begins to chew, then be ready to SQUIRT! Yes, I said 'squirt". Get yourself a good clean, (preferably a brand new) little squirt spray bottle and fill it with water. Have several of them sitting around the house in handy spots. Grab the nearest one and give your dog a squirt, right between the eyes, when he starts the chewing that he should NOT be ding, and use your "forceful word" whether that be "NO!" or "KNOCK IT OFF" or whatever! This works wonders!
Dont believe the old wives tale that dogs destroy your house because they are angry, jealous or spiteful. They do it because they are dogs. They may be lonely, bored, frustrated or anxious, but they are not spiteful. If something is there for them to chew,, and they are in the mood, they will chew. . Active dogs can become restless when left alone for long periods. If you always come home at a certain time and you are late, your dog may become anxious. Your dog does not punish you for being late by chewing. The dogs' chewing just helps to relieve stress and release energy. If you come home and find that your dog has destroyed something, do not punish the dog. Be matter of fact and clean up the mess. He is not going to understand punishment AFTER the fact, no matter what you might think...dogs live in the moment.
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