5 Healthy Outlets for Your Dog’s Chewing Instinct

Every now and then, your dog might do something that disappoints you. For instance, after a long day at work, you may come home only to find out that your fur baby has chewed through your favorite shoes and a small portion of your couch. 

Although chewing is often seen as a bad behavior in dogs, oftentimes, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. For one thing, chewing is a common way for dogs to relieve stress. Whenever they feel anxious or bored, chewing may be one of the fastest ways to attain some kind of entertainment or stimulation. It’s also good for your dog’s health to be able to direct their chewing instinct to hard bones or dental chews, as these can prevent plaque and tartar from forming on your dog’s teeth and reduce their likelihood of developing dental diseases.

All the same, without proper supervision, chewing can manifest into a destructive behavior and be difficult to control and correct. Fortunately, there are several healthy outlets where you can redirect your dog’s chewing instincts. Here’s some info on the five best ones:

1) Provide Them with a Variety of Chew Toys

One smart move for keeping your dog happily occupied and away from your stuff is to offer them a range of chew toys. Having a mix of toys keeps things interesting for your dog, as your canine buddy may get bored chewing on the same old thing. If they have a variety of toys that come in different shapes and textures, there’s a chance they’ll stay engaged and entertained for hours. 

When you’re buying chew toys for your dog, make sure that you’re getting them from a reputable store that’s known for selling high-quality custom dog items. These stores are likely to sell sturdy toys your dog can enjoy chewing multiple times. 

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the size and design of the toy. You want to avoid getting small toys and toys that have choking hazards on them, like small buttons and bells, because your pup might accidentally swallow them.

2) Incorporate Healthy Chew Treats into Their Diet

For another healthy outlet, diet-wise and entertainment-wise, consider serving your dog healthy chew treats. Chew treats are tasty distractions that can redirect your dog’s focus from potentially destructive chewing behavior to a more appropriate and enjoyable activity. 

When selecting chew treats, opt for those made with wholesome and natural ingredients like freeze-dried beef, pork, and fish. Avoid treats that are high in fat or contain excessive additives, as they can be detrimental to your dog’s health in the long run. 

3) Ensure That Your Dog Is Getting Enough Physical Activity

Dogs, by nature, are active animals, and a lack of physical activity can lead to boredom and stress. A tired dog is a happy dog, which means that with regular exercise, you’ll be able to help your dog burn off excess energy and reduce their likelihood of channeling it into destructive chewing. 

However, the amount of exercise required by your dog varies based on their breed, age, and health condition. Consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise routine for your furry friend. 

4) Give Them Plenty of Mental Stimulation 

Beyond physical exercise, mental stimulation is also helpful when it comes to managing your dog’s chewing instincts. Dogs are intelligent beings, and a lack of mental engagement can lead to boredom, anxiety and, eventually, excessive chewing. 

There are specific toys you can buy that will be good at keeping your dog’s sharp and active. Among them, interactive chew toys or puzzle feeders with chew-friendly components are excellent choices to keep your dog’s mind (and teeth) busy. 

These toys come with a problem-solving component, which helps your dog engage their cognitive functions and tires them out mentally. Again, make sure to rotate their toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting and prevent monotony in your dog’s daily routine.

5) Train Them Using Positive Reinforcement

You can also train your dog to stop chewing your things, but if you plan to be this proactive about it, make sure that you’re using the positive reinforcement method. Dogs learn faster and have a better experience when they’re rewarded for their good behavior. They’ll also remain motivated to follow your commands when they associate each command with something positive. 

Two commands you can teach your dog to curb undesirable chewing behaviors are “leave it” and “drop it.” If your dog can understand and be motivated to follow these commands, you’ll have a means to redirect their attention away from items you don’t want them to chew. 

To ensure that your teaching methods are effective, immediately reward them with a treat, words of encouragement, and pats on the head so that they can easily remember them. You should also be consistent in your commands, rewards, and reactions. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, and maintaining consistency will help them internalize what is expected of them.

Chewing comes naturally to dogs, and it has several benefits that can improve their emotional, mental, and dental health. It’s just a matter of redirecting their focus away from destructive chewing behavior and helping them release their pent-up energy in a healthy manner—all of which should be easier for you to do with the suggestions listed above.