We Allowed Our Dog To Chew On An Old Pair Of Shoes As A Puppy Because It Was So Cute But Now Shes A Year Old And She Chews On Any Shoes She Finds Most Recently An Expensive Pair Of Dress Shoes We Get Mad When She Does This But We Know Its Because We Allowed It Early On Can We Stop Her Shoe
The golden rule of raising a puppy is simple: Dont allow behaviors in puppyhood that you wouldnt want from a full-grown dog. Anything a puppy practices in her formative weeks and months is likely to be a habit by the time shes an adult.
As youve learned, a behavior thats cute in a puppy, like slipper chewing, can be less appealing if not downright destructive in adulthood. And when that puppy becomes an adult dog with a greater resolve, increased independence and a body thats larger, stronger and faster, breaking bad habits can be far more challenging.
What To Avoid When Teaching Your Puppy Not To Chew
Disciplining your puppy after the fact will not teach him not to chew. If you discover a chewed item even minutes after heâs chewed it, youâre too late to administer a correction. Animals associate punishment with what theyâre doing at the time theyâre being punished.
A puppy canât reason that, “I tore up those shoes an hour ago and that’s why I’m being scolded now.” Some people believe this is what a puppy is thinking because he runs and hides or because he “looks guilty.” Guilty looks are canine submissive postures that dogs show when theyâre threatened. When youâre angry and upset, the puppy feels threatened by your tone of voice, body postures and/or facial expressions, so he may hide or show submissive postures.
How To Stop Your Dogs Destructive Chewing
If youre a dog parent, youve probably been there: You come home from work to find a prized possession chewed to bits. Maybe its your favorite pair of new shoes, or the wooden legs of your furniture, or even the walls of your house. Either way, its frustrating, its expensive and it has a name: destructive chewing. So, how do you stop a dog from chewing on your stuff?
Like it or not, chewing comes naturally to your four-legged friend. Wolves, dogs ancestors, chewed on bones, sticks and other materials in the wild, and those instincts remain in their domesticated brethren.
Dogs use their mouths like we use our hands, explains dog trainer and author Victoria Schade.
Theyre an essential tool for exploring and interacting with their world. But that doesnt mean you need to resign yourself to years of mangled footwear and bite-marked hallways.
Whether you want to get your dog to stop chewing on your furniture, your shoes or anything else in your home, its important to appease this natural instinct. Veterinarians and trainers say the first step to solving your dogs destructive chewing is understanding whats driving your dog to chew, then designing a solution to match.
Also Check: What Does 4e Mean In Shoe Size
Why Do Dogs Chew Shoes
First off, chewing is part of a dogs innate behavior. The problem arises when the dog starts to chew your possessions, such as shoes and furniture. In addition to it being a part of their normal habits, dogs may also chew shoes for the following reasons:
- Boredom: this tends to be the biggest cause of destructive chewing and a big problem for single dog owners. Dogs will chew or find something to entertain themselves if they are left alone.
- Attention: your dog might start to think that chewing shoes is a great way to get your attention if you show a strong reaction anytime he chews a shoe.
- Smell: dogs are curious animals and they rely heavily on their sense of smell to fully explore their environment. The slightest hint of shoe odor may spark a dogs interest.
- Teething: dogs, especially puppies, may also chew to alleviate their teething pain. Shoes happen to be made of material that has the right amount of softness and durability.
Dont Provoke Your Puppy To Bite
This may seem obvious when youre researching how to get your puppy to stop biting, but Ive definitely seen people provoke their dogs and expect the dog to just take it.
For some reason, some people think its funny to pick on animals and do things they dislike to get a reaction, but then grow angry or confused when that reaction is biting.
Its not funny at all, and it only hurts you and your puppy both.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Ship Shoes Ups
Why Do Dogs Chew On Things
The answer to this question depends on the dog who is doing the chewing. The three most common reasons your stuff is being destroyed are:
For dogs who are still young and growing, its a natural behavior. Puppies love exploring everything, and they usually do that by sniffing, licking and chewing objects.
However, problems can start when your fur baby decides your beautiful wooden furniture or the new carpet are the things they want to nibble on. Of course, it doesnt help if theyre teething as well as gnawing on everything they can get their paws on helps relieve their pain.
On the other hand, if you have an older dog that suddenly starts chewing or chews things when youre not at home, chances are that it might not be normal, puppy chewing, but a clear-cut destructive behavior. Whenever your dog is anxious or bored, they might be channeling that energy into chewing.
Why Does My Dog Attack Peoples Feet
For some dogs, biting can be a form of aggression that develops out of frustration or fear. Your dog may feel anxious when someone passes him on the street. For other dogs, biting at other peoples feet is actually a fun game.
It may not be easy to differentiate between biting that results from aggressive behavior and one that is playful.
Playful dogs have a relaxed face and body. Theres often no tension in their facial expressions. Their biting is also less painful and less serious. An aggressive dog will have a stiff body accompanied by quick and painful bites.
To stop you dog from attacking peoples feet, train your dog to perform an alternative behavior and reward him for it.
For example, you could ask him to stay or sit when a person approach. You may need to carry treats during practice. The idea is to eventually treat your dog once the person has passed.
With time, hell be able to relax and part ways with his ankle-biting habits.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Hey Dude Shoes
My Dog Already Has A Chew And Lots Of Toys So Why Does He Still Chew Things He Shouldnt
The dog is bored with the chew, because it is available all the time. Toys are no fun unless the owner is playing too, but usually when your dog picks up a toy or a bone this is ignored by you. Conversely, if your dog chews the table leg, you pay attention immediately so your dog finds it more fun to chew the table leg. You have not taught your dog properly what is right and wrong to chew.
The Solution Training With An E
If all else fails and no amount of exercise or toys will stop Wags from gnawing on the wrong objects, you may want to try an electronic dog collar .
Using an e-collar to prevent your dog from biting and chewing is a great solution. E-collars come with a remote control that creates an electric stimulation. You might think this sounds torturous or cruel, but for chronic problem behaviors they can be the most humane choice. Most e-collars come equipped with variable intensity to insure that you dog not overstimulate or hurt your pet.
Contrary to what you may read online, E-collars are a sure-fire way to solve dog behavior problem safely and humanely. When used responsibly electronic collars can be the most effective method to eliminate behaviors such as destructive chewing, jumping up, running away and other unwanted activities.
Also Check: Mold On Shoes How To Clean
How To Stop A Puppy From Biting Your Feet: This Works
Adopting a new puppy can be a great source of happiness for both you and your family. You have probably been getting ready for this moment for some time now, and it is understandable to be very excited.
However, every owner should be aware of the complications and difficulties that could come with introducing a puppy into the household. While this should not stop you from dedicating all of your love to your new furry friend, being aware of the obstacles you might be facing can avoid your serious frustrations.
Being prepared in advance might help you build a better and more regarding the relationship with your dog. So lets have a look at how to stop a puppy from biting your feet or nipping your ankles. Learn about all the training tips youll need in the weeks to come!
Teach Your Puppy Bite Inhibition
Learning how to moderate the force of a bite is very important for all dogs. There may come a time when theyre in pain or fearful, and they put their mouth on you or someone else. But if theyve learned bite inhibition, they understand that they shouldnt bite down hard. Puppies naturally nip at each other while playing. If they bite too hard on their mother or littermate, the other dog will likely make a loud yelp sound, warning the puppy, Hey, that hurt!
Depending on the dog, you can teach this, as well, by making a high-pitched ow! sound if they bite you. Beware though, because, for some puppies, this actually gets them even more worked up and likely to bite. In this case, it is better to turn quietly around, walk away, or gently put the pup into their crate for a few minutes to calm down. If they do back off, be sure to reward your dog with a treat and some verbal praise.
Also Check: Shoe Widths 4e
Bad Behavior In Dogs: How To Stop Chewing Biting Digging And More
Does your puppy chew slippers? Its natural for dogs to put things in their mouths. It feels good. They eat with their mouths. They drink with their mouths. They even play using their mouths.
The problem is that they want everything in their mouths. Your job is to teach your dog which things are okay to chew on.
Lets look at some of the most common behaviors that dog owners want to stop, as well as the easiest way to get your dog on the right path to leaving their naughty behavior behind them.
Contents
Leave Your Scent Behind
If you are leaving your dog for a longer duration, rolling your dogs favorite toy or nylon bone between your hands will transfer your scent to help soothe him.
It is also important to avoid making an emotional farewell so that your puppy does not respond with anxiety , which can lead to whining, barking and other destructive behaviors.
Many puppy owners have also found that leaving the radio on at a low volume will help to calm an anxious puppy.
Also Check: Can You Buy Kuru Shoes In Stores
Do Not Give Your Dog An Old Shoe Or Old Socks To Chew On
You are unintentionally teaching him that it is acceptable to chew on shoes and socks, and there will come a day when one of your very favorite or very expensive shoes ends up as a dog chew toy.
Your dog cannot be expected to distinguish which chewable items are off limits and which ones are meant for him.
Hire A Professional If Needed
If you cant get your puppy to stop biting your feet and need some extra help, look into a puppy training class or hiring a professional dog trainer.
Just make sure you look into their training methods first. Choose a trainer who uses positive training methods, not one who believes in punishments or dominance training.
I once was horrified when I found myself in a class with a trainer who actually promoted abuse as a training method.
You would think dog trainers would care about dogs enough to know what they were doing and keep up with the science on the topic, but unfortunately some of them dont.
Read Also: How To Get Stains Out Of Hey Dude Shoes
Why Puppies Bite Feet
It can sometimes seem to people as if their puppy is biting for no reason, but there is absolutely always a reason for any behavior.
It might even be something small or unimportant from a humans perspective, but I promise you its there.
The problem is that theres a huge language barrier between humans and dogs!
But through using a combination of reading body language and noticing patterns, hopefully you can determine whats causing the biting.
Below, Ive discussed various reasons in-depth to hopefully help you out.
Dogs Just Want To Have Fun
Some scientists think that the act of chewing itself can cause the release of dopamine. Activation of the dopamine system can decrease stress and increase sense of well being.¹ There are other things that cause dopamine release for people and pets. Things that you enjoy, like listening to music or painting a picture, probably cause a dopamine release for you. We think of these type of activities or hobbies as fun. Some dogs may engage in shoe chewing for entertainment, but some may engage in destructive behaviors to self-soothe because of anxiety or stress.
If your dog chews your shoes, you want to be sure to remove them from easy access. If you see that he has your shoe, try to trade him for a more appropriate item so he does not think keeping the shoe away from you is a fun game. Distract, never punish. He might not be able to associate the punishment with the shoe and then he will just learn to fear you. If your dog is consistently destructive, be sure to talk with your veterinarian. Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety and need professional help.
Do you want to know more about dogs and other animals? Follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
Don’t Miss: Removing Mold From Shoes
S To Stop Dog Chewing
You walk into your bedroom to find your dog chewing up your favorite pair of shoes. What do you do, and how do you stop it from happening again? Here are 5 steps to reclaiming your shoes, your socks, your sofa, and any other household object your dog enjoys destroying. If your dog chews on everything, here are five helpful tips.
Remain calm. Unleashing your anger on your dog wont accomplish anything. In fact, it can further unbalance your dog and move him to seek another object to chew to calm down!
Correct your dog. Do not try to grab the object away or take the dog away from the object. Instead, you can use a light touch correction on the neck or hindquarters to get your dogs attention away from the object.
Redirect the behavior. If the correction didnt get your dog to drop the object, find something else that will, such as the scent of a treat or another toy.
Claim the object. Use your energy and body language to communicate to your dog that the object is yours. It can be helpful to imagine an invisible boundary around you and the object.
Find safe chew toys. Many dogs use chewing as a way to calm themselves. Puppies who are teething chew to relieve pain. Provide an object that they can safely chew, such as a chew toy or a bully stick.
If your dog chews up objects while you are away from home, this may be a symptom of separation anxiety. Learn more about this common issue.
How To Make A Dog Stop Taking Shoes
If that cute puppy you’ve adopted has grown into a professional shoe thief, the damage can be costly. You might have tried chasing and yelling after your pet companion to get your shoes back, only to find that they’ve gone missing again. Incorrectly disciplining your dog can frighten him and even worsen the behavior, because he might enjoy the attention and think it’s a game you’re playing. To avoid this, stop your furry thief in his tracks and provide plenty of entertainment so stealing your shoes is the last thing on his mind.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Hey Dudes Shoes
How To Stop Dog Biting From Happening
Dog bite prevention begins at home with your own dog by being a responsible dog owner. If you do not intend to breed your dog then having them spayed or neutered will help decrease the risk of bite-related behaviors. Exercise and play with your dog on a regular basis to reinforce the human-animal bond and to expend excess energy that might otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. However, avoid aggressive games such as wrestling and tug of war which can lead to dominance issues. Train your dog well, they should know the basic commands such as sit, stay, come and leave it. Dont allow your dog to roam free where they can be a danger to other people.
Do try to socialize your dog and expose him to many different people and situations but take care not to overwhelm him. Keep your vaccinations up to date for a worst-case scenario. In most states a dog can be destroyed if they bite someone and they are not up to date on vaccines. Seek professional help from your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of aggression. If you have children take the time to educate them on how to act around dogs, what to watch for and what to do if a dog attacks.
