In the period between the third week and the eighth month, puppies change existing and get new teeth, so they often have a strong need to bite various things. During that period, it is even normal and necessary for them to bite. Unfortunately, most often it is your furniture and various house items, and below you can read some useful tips on how to get rid of this habit in time, so that it would not continue when they grow up.
As much as puppies are sweet and irresistible in this period, biting and destroying everything that comes under their snout can drive owners crazy, and all breeds are prone to this habit. In puppies, this happens due to the growth of teeth, while in adult dogs it is one of the ways to draw attention to themselves.
Puppies
As we have already mentioned, puppies gain and lose teeth in the period from the third week to the eighth month, which causes itching, pain and nervousness, and by nibbling they alleviate these ailments. The best solution is to provide them with rubber toys during this period, which will be a substitute for items they can easily bite in your home.
Adult dogs
This habit remains with some dogs when they grow up. According to experts, adult dogs bite everything in front of them for several reasons. The first and basic reason is the excess energy that they have nowhere to spend. Walking and running are one of the basic needs of your pet, and if they spend a lot of time indoors, they have no way to spend energy. Concentrated food, i.e. granules, give them a lot of strength.
Most dogs have a need to play and they find an alternative, and one of them is nibbling things in your house. Also, according to veterinarians, as babies explore the world around them with their hands, dogs often do it with their teeth.
Lack of attention
When they lack attention, dogs will also ask for it by biting. Dogs are like children – they want someone for cuddling, “talking” and playing, and they will find a way to draw the attention of their owners.
You probably know that dogs enjoy spending time together, and it is not natural for them to be separated from the pack. This can cause them both fear and anger, which they will express by nibbling and destroying objects.
Physiological causes
In addition to psychological, there are physiological reasons why dogs need to bite our toes, feet or things around the house. According to the veterinarian, the bite secretes saliva in dogs, which is medicinal for them, i.e. which is the PH base and goes to the stomach, and in that way the acidity of the stomach is partially neutralised.
Also, you have probably noticed that many dogs have a habit of biting their paws, and they do so for hygienic reasons. However, this can also be a reaction to itching, i.e. a consequence of allergies, so in this case it is necessary to pay attention.
How to wean them?
The basic advice to all owners who want to wean their dog from biting is to arm yourself with patience. The younger the dog, the easier it will be to establish new rules of behaviour. It is important to know that everything a pet learns while it’s young is just the basis for upgrading later knowledge. All bad habits can be corrected in time with enough patience and persistence, time and work.
For starters, you need to protect things from pets, especially while they are puppies, like when the baby is in the house. All things that you do not want your little one to destroy or that can be dangerous for him, should be put out of his reach. The book, flowers and cables should be stored at a height that he cannot reach. When it comes to toys, you should take care that they can’t be swallowed, as well as for them to be made of quality, solid material that will not be able to easily dismember and tear. As soon as you notice that your dog is approaching an object, it is important to tell him immediately not to do that.
Boredom and loneliness
If your dog bites things out of boredom and loneliness, veterinarians state that it is important to change the habits, not only of the dog, but also of the owner. Pets like to know what awaits them, so it is useful to devise a ritual before they are left alone at home. For example, you can play with your dog, after which you will calmly tell him to leave the house, without sudden movements or sneaking. Repeat the same sentence every time you leave him alone.
This way, the dog should understand that leaving is nothing special and he will not be scared. This ritual will help him not to get nervous about your departure, but to calm down.
It is very important that the dog is not confused. Many owners have a habit of leaving their pets old socks or slippers to play with. As dogs do not distinguish what is new to you and what is old, they will understand in this case that it is perfectly okay to nibble on the same object.
Another way to wean your dog from destructive chewing is to coat objects you don’t want to touch with repulsive odors and flavors that you know your pet doesn’t like.