We love our dogs dearly, but often dogs and puppies display behaviors that we do not like. Today, we’re discussing chewing and digging. Our goal is to understand and eliminate destructive chewing and digging while still giving dogs the opportunity to enjoy these behaviors in positive ways.
Why Does My Dog Chew?
Dogs chew because this behavior is natural for them.
They use their mouths to explore and understand the world. Furthermore, puppies chew because teething is painful, and the counter-pressure of chewing can relieve this ache. Once adult teeth have fully emerged, your dog may chew to clean his teeth and strengthen his jaw.
What Causes Destructive Chewing?
Chewing that destroys your belongings, your home, or your yard crosses the line into destructive behaviors. Your dog is bored, upset, or anxious, and is chewing up the world around her to help herself feel better momentarily.
If your dog is under six months of age, she is likely chewing and mouthing due to teething and curiosity. Direct her behavior toward appropriate items, and play with her frequently so she isn’t chewing to use up excess energy.
If your dog chews destructively when you leave him alone, he likely has mild separation anxiety. Eliminating waste indoors, excessive barking, constant pacing, and destructive chewing are all signs of this root issue.
All Dogs Unleashed offers specialized training and recommendations that will help you solve your dog’s separation anxiety for good. Crate training, obedience training, building confidence, and gradual desensitization are each key components in our work with your dog.
If your dog is chewing and doesn’t get enough exercise or playtime, the fix is often as simple as taking her on walks (the length of time recommended will vary by age and breed) and engaging in playtime that is both energetic and interactive.
What Causes Destructive Digging?
If you’ve ever let your dog spend time in your yard only to be greeted by a terribly muddy pooch and a destroyed garden, you know how frustrating and expensive it is to have a dog who engages in destructive digging.
Both hounds and terriers dig because they were bred to hunt small animals that dig burrows. If your hunting breed smells a mole, she will dig tirelessly until she catches it.
Sometimes digging is a form of play. For many dog breeds, including cross-breeds and mutts, they will dig simply because they enjoy the activity. You can identify this kind of digging because it is more limited and scattered, and involves dirt and plants being tossed around the yard.
Many dogs dig storage locations, regardless of their age and breed. Crunchy treats, chew toys, and bones are all common items for a dog to bury for later retrieval. Upon digging their item back up, they may eat it, chew on it, or bury it in another location.
Dogs will dig out sleeping spots to stay warm or cool. If your dog digs wide, shallow holes, then flops down to relax in them, this is the root of his behavior.
All Dogs Unleashed offers obedience training that will help you harness your dog’s natural tendencies and redirect them as much as humanly possible.
The Takeaway
You’re here because you are frustrated and overwhelmed by your dog’s destructive behavior. It’s great that you’re searching for help! No matter how much your dog is currently chewing and digging, we will offer you an appropriate set of training exercises, recommendations for environmental changes, exercise routines, and socialization opportunities that will work together to change your dog’s life permanently.
Contact us today to enroll your dog in our training and enrichment programs.