A few weeks ago, three weeks into lockdown, during an online class I realised Gus was chewing away at something on the carpet. I couldn’t do anything until the class was finished, but then I discovered he’d chewed my wooden doorstop to bits. I wasn’t happy.
This week’s Talking Tip is all about chewing.
Gareth and I chat about why dogs chew. As is the case with all dog behaviours, the answer is “it depends”. It can depend on many factors.
Dogs use their mouths to find out about the world, as you may have found out when you’ve had to replace chairs, tables or other household items damaged by your puppy’s gnashers. Dogs also chew when teething, to explore stuff, when distressed or upset, or through boredom. And you’ll see Gus demonstrate just what we talked about!
You can find today’s Talking Tip here along with all the others from previous weeks.
One thing I mention in the Tip is that dogs often chew when they are emotionally upset or distressed – just like humans sucking thumbs or biting fingernails. Chewing can be a symptom of separation problems, especially if it only occurs when your dog is left alone.
Separation problems are distressing for you and for your dog. if ignored, they only ever get worse, so it’s best to do something about it as soon as possible.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol
PS It took me much longer to clear up the doorstop remains than it had taken Gus to chew it to pieces. It also takes much longer to cure a dog with separation problems than it does to do the training to prevent the problem in the first place.