If your pet is forcing you to purchase a new bed many times a year, especially if it is one of the best dog bed options, you may have a problem. To understand why a dog chews on their bed, you must first understand why they do it. In this article we will discuss how to get dog to stop chewing bed and its reasons why they do it.
Table of Contents
Why is it that my dog chews on their bed?
Not every dog chews on his or her bed for the same reason. As a result, understanding why dogs chew will make it simpler to break the bad behavior. The following are some possible reasons for your dog’s outbursts:
1- Separation Fear
This is a very common reason for dogs to chew on their beds. If your pup is not used to being left alone for extended periods, they may chew to soothe themselves. If your dog chews on their kennel bed, they may experience anxiety.
Also Read : Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone For 8 Hours
In those instances, your best bet is to train them to be more self-sufficient gradually. This can be accomplished by crate training your dog. This will teach your dog to view their cage as a secure environment where they can play and sleep. You’ll want to make the space comfy with a dog crate bed, make sure you buy one made of durable materials.
2- Hunger
A dog on a calorie-restricted diet may destroy or chew objects to obtain additional sources of nutrition. However, dogs are more likely to aim this chewing toward objects that smell like food or are associated with food. While this should not be the case with a dog bed, hunger can create such a reaction. Therefore it is possible.
3- Substantial Health Concerns
If you cannot attribute the problem to a lack of enrichment in your dog’s regular activities, there is always the possibility that an underlying health problem is to blame. Therefore, it is important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect any form of problems, such as gastrointestinal distress or compulsive chewing disorder.
4- Teething
If your pet is a puppy, he or she may be chewing on his or her dog bed while teething. When a puppy is between four and six months old, he will chew reflexively to assist his teeth in growing. Your dog may be attempting to alleviate discomfort in his teeth and gums.
Also Read : 3 Best Dog Leash For Chewers
How to prevent dogs from chewing on their beds
The technique you take in determining how to stop dogs from chewing their bedding will depend on the reason for the chewing. As previously said, if you feel your dog may have an underlying health problem, the only thing you should do is take him to the veterinarian. However, what about other forms of canine chewing? We will discuss about way and how to get dog to stop chewing bed above.
1- Exercise Your Dog
If you believe your dog is eating his bed out of boredom, additional indicators of restlessness and irritation may be present. One of the most beneficial things you can do in this situation is to increase your dog’s exercise. It is critical that your dog has adequate exercise and is not isolated for an extended period, especially if he is crated.
Before that, actively exercise him for between 30 and 60 minutes. Additionally, you should never leave your dog in a crate for longer than eight hours without a break. If you are unable to return home to let your dog out, enlist the assistance of a trusted friend or neighbor.
2- Utilize A Repellent Spray
Additionally, you can apply a deterrent spray to attempt to break your dog’s fascination with chewing his bedding. However, do not use the spray alone. You’re going to need to find something to occupy your canine companion. It is critical to keep him occupied for his happiness and good wellness.
When employing a deterrent, we should apply a small amount on some cotton wool or tissue. Place this gently in your dog’s mouth. This allows your dog to taste it. If he does not like it, he will spit it out. You will notice if your dog does not enjoy the excrement. He may drool, shake his head, or even vomit. Your dog is unlikely to pick up the cotton wool or tissue piece again.
Ideally, your dog will have developed an association between the deterrent’s odor and the taste, making him much more likely to avoid eating similar-smelling items.
3- Acknowledge Them For Chewing On Their Toy
Your dog will quickly learn that chewing on the toy is OK as a result of the redirection. You want them to see how much you like it when they chew on their toy at this point. This way, they’ll do it more frequently, and it’ll develop into a new habit.
Praise and pay attention to your dog whenever you see them chewing on their toy (even if it is not the exact toy you used to train them with). This reinforces the notion that chewing on toys is acceptable, but chewing on bedding is not.
4- Having Dog Toys On Hand
There are a few further steps you may take to encourage your dog to stop chewing on his bed. These include keeping your dog occupied while you are away using easily accessible dog toys. Along with stuffed animals and chew toys, include interactive toys to stuff with treats or food for your dog. These techniques keep your dog’s mind engaged as he works for his reward.
What to Avoid
Certain kinds of training are unsuccessful and will not aid in the goal of ending bed chewing. The following is a list of a few of them; avoid them at all costs.
- Avoid using a muzzle to keep your dog from chewing; we should not wear muzzles for extended periods.
- To avoid acute boredom, avoid leaving them in the crate for more than 6 hours.
- Punish them only after the fact. They are unable to relate the punishment to an act they committed some time ago.
- Never, ever force-close their muzzle with duct tape or anything else.
Conclusion
It might be a frustrating scenario if your dog chews the bed. However, if you follow the methods outlined in this post, you will be that much closer to permanently ending this practice!
Hope you like our article and you might have gotten few tips and tricks on How to get dog to stop chewing bed. Do forward us with your suggestions for us to improve further.
No Responses