Why Do Dogs Chew

Barking, digging, rolling in mud, scratching and chewing are some of a dog's innate behaviour. Dogs are well loved pets. It would not be surprising given the significant influence these animals made on the quality of humans lives. On the other hand, an owner that highly values the affectionate and loyal temperament of the pet can't help but be annoyed by the destructive behaviour of the pet. A dog that has developed a destructive chewing habit is one of the concerns a dog owner has to face. A pet owner that needs to replace the things destroyed by the dog would certainly be annoyed by the pet's excessive chewing habit.

It is natural for dogs to chew. Three month old puppies are commonly seen starting to exercise the gums and teeth by chewing . Puppies, unlike humans, have no hands thus the mouth and the teeth are used to investigate their environment . Chewing things is the only way by which puppies satisfy their curiosity about their new world . Teething pains entices puppies to chew more. Teethers are commonly given to teething babies to lessen the pain and to strengthen the gums.

Puppies that are not provided with chew toys would find their own teethers to manage their teething pains. Destructive chewing can have other consequences. A dog that has been chewing can swallow an object that can create a life threatening blockage. Indiscriminate chewing would be easier to manage in puppies as an owner would simply need to confine the pet and provide safe chew toys. The excessive chewing habit is noticed to gradually decrease as the puppy matures.

What concerns most owners is when a well behaved mature dog suddenly grow into an indiscriminate and excessively chewing pet. There has to be an underlying reason for the dog's destructive behaviour. The dog's destructive chewing behaviour can be triggered by boredom, loneliness or inactivity.

Knowing why dogs chew is only the first step. It is also a priority to know what to do when it chews. Dogs are social animals. A dog is not similar to a cat that would be contented to stare into space alone all day. A dog would need to have another dog or a person to interact with. In spite the famed canine intelligence, dogs are expected not too know the value things. A shoe with the master's scent would be a poor substitute but it would do for a dog missing its master. A dog would require opportunities where it can expend its excess energies. Dog owners must be aware that it would not be a good idea to confine the pet with no toys or playmate inside the house as with most certainty, the dog will develop into a destructive pet.