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Author: Jesse Miller
To be sure, dogs are smart. It often feels like they're the ones in charge. But, this does not and should not be the case. Fixing a dog's bad habits is not only possible, but it's relatively simple. You just need know-how and patience.
If your dog has a habit of choosing your favorite pair of shoes, gloves, or purse and shredding it, he doesn't mean any harm. Dogs are many things, but they're not malicious. In fact, it's very natural for a dog to chew. It's what they do. When you're outside, your dog may chew sticks, acorns, leaves, anything he can find. Being inside is no different except the things he finds are yours.
The first step to stop your dog from chewing is to clean up your act. How? Get down on your hands and knees and cruise around your house. What do you see? A shoe here, a glove there? Clean it up. Make sure that all tempting items are in their correct place. And, get in the practice of closing doors that hide yummy things. Your closet door is a great example. If your dog goes for the trash, stop him by shutting the doors to bathrooms.
Next, make sure your dog has toys he loves and loves to chew. With so many pet places rolling out the welcome mat to dogs, you can even take your pooch to the store and let him find a toy or two he likes. If he's gentle, he may go for a stuffed toy. If he is a bit more playful, he may need something more substantial. Regardless, make sure your dog knows this is his and only his toy. Reward him when he chews it, brings it to you, and plays with it.
But, be prepared for slip-ups. They are possible. If, for example, your dog saunters into the living room with your favorite high heel in his mouth, smile and say good boy. Now bring me the shoe. Thank you. Then, gently take the shoe and give him his toy and more praise. While your shoes should be away from your dog's reach anyhow, the worst this game can do is encourage him to bring you things. At least he's not chewing them.
Finally, recognize that your dog may not be able to say no. If this is the case, you may need to put your pup in a kennel when you're out at least until he matures and you both come to an understanding that chewing is not ok.
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