Dog beds are designed to provide our furry pals optimum comfort for them to rest their tired bodies in. Unfortunately, some dogs also find comfort in chewing their beds until they are completely shredded to bits. Most dogs with such problem behaviors do so out of boredom, frustration, and even lack of social interaction from you. Stopping your dog from chewing its bed is thus anchored on your understanding of the reason or reasons behind your pooch’s bed-chewing behavior. Here are some ways you might want to give a try.
If the Bed-Chewing Behavior is Related to Anxiety…
Animal behaviorists say that destructive chewing in dogs is almost always associated with canine stress. It could very well be that it resorts to destructive chewing as a means to prevent you from leaving the home to go to work. Sometimes, pooches chew on beds simply because they feel uneasy or nervous. Here are the things you need to do.
- Identify and manage, if possible, the various sources of stress
If the bed-chewing behavior only occurs when there’s no one else at home to accompany your pooch, you know what this means. You can invest in some new forms of doggie smart camera systems with two-way audio and video capabilities as well as built-in treat dispenser and pheromone sprayer. This way, your pet will know that you are still ‘with’ it. Alternatively, you can get a pet sitter or leave the radio or TV on while you’re away. If the bed-chewing behavior is caused by other stressors, then make sure to identify what these stressors are and do something about it.
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- Consider enlisting the help of a pet behaviorist
Sometimes no technology is ever enough to alleviate the anxiety of dogs. Only a professional pet behaviorist can help your pooch in such cases. This is especially indicated in dogs with severe anxiety problems.
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- Try synthetic canine pheromones
There are a number of products that work more like aromatherapy oils for relaxation purposes. These can be in the form of collars, sprays, diffusers, and even wet wipes. The idea is to emit these fragrances which your dog can smell causing it to feel more relaxed and calm. A calm dog is a non-destructive dog.
If the Bed-Chewing is Associated with Canine Boredom …
How many of us consider our pets to be little bundles of joy? Well, there really is a good reason for that. They have plenty of energy. And if this energy is not put to good use, what happens? Boredom sets in. Regrettably, one of the most ‘productive’ ways to spend canine energy is by chewing on almost anything including their beds. So, here are some of the things you can do:
- Exercise
This is one of the most effective ways you can help save your dog mattress. By engaging your dog in vigorous exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes, you are actually helping dissipate all that pent-up energy so that it will not have anything left to chew with its bed.
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- Provide interactive dog toys as well as chew toys
Interactive toys do more than simply stimulate the problem-solving skills of your pet dog. These toys are also designed to keep them very busy so they won’t feel easily bored. Interactive toys come in different types. Most come in the form of puzzle treat dispensers that your dog will have to work on to reach the treat. Chew toys serve the same purpose of keeping your pooch preoccupied while satisfying its need to chew, albeit non-destructively.
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- Consider using deterrent sprays
Some dog owners actually use some type of electronic collars that spray liquid into their dog’s face whenever the dog starts to chew on its bed or initiate an undesirable behavior. Many pet parents don’t like the idea since it still operates on the principles of aversion training.
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- Buy indestructible beds
For pet parents who clearly don’t have the time to bring their pooch to exercise or even to buy expensive dog toys that can get destroyed anyway, an indestructible dog bed might be a good choice. There are several types of chew-proof doggie beds in the market so you’d really have to pick one that is best for your pooch.
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Destructive bed-chewing is a concern that is shared by many pet parents. Determining the reason why your dog is acting this way holds the key towards the more effective resolution of the problem. Whether it is because of anxiety or boredom there will always be ways to help you stop your dog from chewing its bed.
Sources:
- Sherry Woodard, Dog Chewing and How to Redirect It, Best Friends Animal Society
- Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM, How to Stop a Puppy (or Adult Dog) From Chewing Everything, PetMD
- Destructive Chewing, ASPCA
