🐶 Stop Furniture Biting

Dogs and puppies chew on furniture for several reasons, often tied to their natural instincts and developmental needs. For puppies, teething is a common cause, as chewing helps soothe their sore gums during this stage. For adult dogs, chewing may result from boredom, anxiety, or a lack of physical and mental stimulation. It can also be a way to explore their environment, release pent-up energy, or alleviate stress.

In some cases, chewing may occur because the dog hasn’t been taught what’s appropriate to chew on. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step toward addressing it effectively and ensuring your dog feels fulfilled and secure.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Give Your Pup a New Chomping Fix

Tips to Stop Your Dog or Puppy from Chewing on Furniture 

Chewing on furniture can be a frustrating habit, but you can help your dog or puppy break free of it with the right approach. Don’t run for a rehome when your pup is engaging in these destructive behaviors. They aren’t doing it to make you angry; they’re doing it because of a deeper reason, and they need some help breaking the habit.

First things first, keep all valuables away from them unsupervised. That way, they don’t ruin anything particularly special to you. Once that’s done, you can work with them to help get them back on the path to puppy dog redemption.

Here are some practical tips to guide you:

• Provide Plenty of Chew Toys: To keep your dog engaged, offer a variety of chew toys. Choose options suitable for their age and size, such as teething rings for puppies or durable rubber toys for strong chewers.

• Redirect Their Chewing: If you catch your dog chewing on furniture, calmly redirect it to a toy. Praise it enthusiastically when it chews on the appropriate item instead.

• Use Deterrent Sprays: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays, like bitter apple, to furniture surfaces. The unpleasant taste will discourage your dog from chewing in those areas.

• Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is less likely to chew out of boredom. To keep its mind and body active, provide regular walks, playtime, and mental challenges, such as puzzle toys or training sessions.

• Supervise and Limit Access: When you can't supervise your dog, use baby gates or close doors to prevent access to furniture. Crate training is another effective way to keep your dog safe and out of trouble when you’re not around.

• Address Anxiety or Stress: Chewing can be a sign of anxiety, especially for dogs left alone for long periods. Help ease their stress with calming techniques, safe chew toys, or by gradually increasing their comfort with being alone.

• Be Patient and Consistent: Breaking a habit takes time. Stay consistent with your training and always reward positive behavior to reinforce good habits.

By following these tips, you’ll save your furniture and create a happier and more well-behaved companion. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key!

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• Gaines Family Farmstead - Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• ANSWERS - All beef and chicken dog foods for potential listeria and salmonella.

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Vet Recommendation — Watch Your Pup and See What They Do

Vets recommend keeping a daily diary of your dog’s behaviors to investigate what is causing their biting/chewing habits. If you observe their chewing motivations, it can be easier to negate those and break the habit more quickly.

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