Do you feel like you can have nice things or a cute pup, but not both? This feeling is understandable if your dog spends their free time gnawing on baseboards and chewing furniture. However, with a few helpful tips and tools, you don't have to pick one or the other.
Why Do Dogs Chew on Furniture and Baseboards?
First, it’s important to understand that your dog can’t help chewing. It’s a natural behavior for them. If you’re trying to stop them from chewing completely, you’re in for a pretty much impossible task. Instead, it’s best to focus your efforts on redirecting your dog’s need to gnaw to more desirable methods.
Puppies are big-time chew hounds, using their mouths to explore the world. Chewing also helps little pups soothe teething discomfort and pain.
Adult dogs can chew out of boredom, stress, or even to get your attention. Think about it. Every time your pooch takes a bite out of a baseboard, do you rush in to stop them? If so, your dog associates the behavior with your attention, even if it’s negative.
Overall, if your dog continues to nosh on the chair legs and snack on the sofa cushions, it’s likely they haven’t had proper training. Your pup isn’t born knowing the difference between a chew toy and a couch. Therefore, it’s up to you to teach them.
Six Tips to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture and Baseboards
Once again, the goal isn’t to stop your dog from chewing. It’s to stop your pooch from destroying your furniture and baseboards.
Therefore, most of the tactics you’ll use focus on redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to more appropriate places. Also, in some cases, it’s necessary to pinpoint and alleviate the root cause of the chewing, for example, anxiety.
1. Puppy-Proof Your House
Puppies usually chew a lot because that’s how they figure things out, plus they’re teething. It’s important to start teaching them what things are okay to chew on and what isn’t when they’re young. But it’s also a good idea to puppy-proof your house to make things a bit easier.
- Use baby gates or playpens to limit access to certain rooms.
- Keep tempting items out of your dog’s reach, like shoes, socks, remotes, and cords.
- Consider using protective coverings on furniture legs and baseboards until your dog learns better habits.
- Try chewing deterrents, like a repellent spray or citrus-based sprays. Dogs don’t like the smell or taste and will typically avoid these areas. (Make sure to spot-test surfaces first.)
Crate Training
Another important part of parenting a pup is learning the benefits of crate training. Crates aren’t a punishment and should never be treated as one. When properly introduced, many dogs view their crate as a safe place, their own cozy little den.
Utilizing a crate is an excellent way to keep your puppy (and your stuff) safe when you’re not at home. Overall, puppy-proofing your home and using a crate are ways to provide a controlled environment for your dog as they’re learning what they can and can’t do.
Think of it as reducing their opportunities to get into trouble. You’re setting them up for success. In time, as your dog adapts and responds positively, you can start giving them more access to things.
2. Train Your Dog to Not Chew on Furniture Using Redirection
The first tip was all about reducing your pup’s access to items as you teach them how to behave. Therefore, you need to make sure you’re actually training them at the same time.
Your dog needs to learn what they’re allowed to chew, so deterrents and limiting access are only a part of the equation. The best way to teach them is to use redirection.
Never punish your dog or yell at them for doing something wrong. Instead, you can tell them no in a firm voice and then give them something they can chew, along with a yummy treat for positive reinforcement.
Here are the main steps to teach your dog not to chew on furniture.
- Catch them in the act and interrupt the behavior with a “No.”
- Redirect your dog to an appropriate chew.
- Reward them with praise and a treat.
Be consistent and patient as you go through this process. Your dog will gradually learn what is acceptable and what isn’t. Remain calm, and don’t let frustration take over.
3. Provide Chew Alternatives for Your Dog
As previously mentioned, dogs need to chew, so trying to get them to stop entirely isn’t a reality. Instead, you need to give them things that are okay to chew so they have an acceptable way to fill that need.
Rubber chews and bones are good options for strong chewers. Puppies benefit from frozen chews that could ease teething discomfort. It can be something as simple as freezing a wet cloth.
Edible chews are also good options, and dental chews deliver the added benefit of helping clean your pup’s teeth. To keep your dog interested and engaged, rotate the chews to prevent boredom.
4. Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
One of the reasons dogs chew things they’re not supposed to is that they’re bored. When dogs don’t have something to do, well, this is usually when they get into mischief. Proper training is vital, but so are adequate mental stimulation and exercise.
- Give your dog interactive toys, like the Rolly Cannoli or treat puzzles.
- Schedule daily walks to help your dog release pent-up energy.
- Plan play sessions and training games with your pup that exercise the body and mind.
5. Alleviate Your Dog’s Stress and Anxiety
Another common reason for unwanted chewing is that your dog is anxious. Your pup could also be dealing with separation anxiety. If stress is leading to chewed-up baseboards, you can do a few things to help.
- Try a treat licking mat. Licking is one of the ways dogs self-soothe because it releases endorphins that help pups feel calmer.
- Practice shorter departures if your dog chews mainly when you’re away. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone.
- Leave something familiar with your dog, like a favorite blanket, one of your T-shirts, or a snuggle toy.
- Play calming background noise, like classical music or white noise.
6. Stay Patient and Consistent
Breaking your dog’s bad chewing habits takes time. Remain consistent and patient. If you give up or get frustrated, your dog won’t care; they’ll just keep chewing.
When you’re in the training phase, stay vigilant and keep a close eye on your dog. This way, you can catch them in the act and redirect the behavior. Over time, your dog will learn what’s acceptable, and their undesirable chewing habits will decrease.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Keeps Chewing the Furniture?
If your dog continues to chew on furniture and baseboards, despite your best efforts, discuss options with your vet. You may need the help of a professional to address underlying issues. For example, severe separation anxiety might require help from a behavioral specialist or even vet-prescribed medication.
Teach Your Dog a Better Way to Chew
Chewing is a normal, healthy behavior for dogs, but that doesn’t mean you need to let them go to town on your table legs. Provide them with appropriate chew toys, adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and proper training to teach them the right way to chew.
Stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your dog isn’t changing their ways. Your dog isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re just being a dog, so stay patient. Remember, your pup needs you to show them the right way.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more helpful training tips, pet care advice, and other insights into pet parenting.