Why is my dog chewing on the couch?
When you come home and find some damage done by your dog, we understand that you get angry. But in that moment, you need to take a breath and think about why he did it.
When the dog has bitten the furniture, there are several reasons that tend to be the most common.
1. Boredom and anxiety
If your dog is home alone for a long time, doesn't get enough exercise, or doesn't play, he may become bored and anxious and start biting anything he catches, including furniture.
2. Teething and dental problems
One of the reasons puppies bite furniture is to relieve the pain they feel in their gums when their teeth come in. Once they have them, they love to bite to strengthen and sharpen them.
READ ALSO: Dental Care for Dogs
3. Stress and Fear
Stress or fear can make us react in strange ways to relieve their symptoms and make us feel better. Dogs do the same thing! If you're wondering why your dog is biting furniture, think about whether he's going through a stressful situation or has panicked recently.
It's very important that you find out why your dog is doing this and that you fix it. It's especially helpful to address the problem when your dog is a puppy, so you can prevent more damage as he grows up.
It's very important that you find out why your dog is doing this and that you fix it. It's especially helpful to address the problem when your dog is a puppy, so you can prevent more damage as he grows up.
How to stop your dog from chewing furniture
For all of the causes mentioned in the previous section, there are solutions that can help you stop your dog from chewing furniture and, if he hasn't already, stop him from doing so.
Chew toys
Your dog should always have toys nearby to keep him entertained, including some that are specifically designed for biting. They will provide entertainment when he is bored.
Toys should always be appropriate for his size and age. For example, you can't give a Labrador Retriever the same small ball you would give a Chihuahua, because he might swallow it.
Special Gum Toys
Special toys for teething puppies are worth mentioning. If you teach them to play with them, they won't be interested in biting other things because they are specialized for this stage.
Take him for a walk
Dogs need to get out of the house and go for walks for a variety of reasons, including socialization and learning about the outside world. This is not a routine that should be abandoned!
In addition, you can take advantage of playing and entertaining your pet when you leave the house, and you can maximize the time by doing some sports together or taking an object to accompany the activity, such as a Frisbee.