I had an interesting query from one of my lovely email readers last week.
She said: “My daughter has a wee rescue dog, it looks like a Patterdale, why would she eat throws and her bed?”
My reply was that it could be due to a range of reasons.
Chewing things is normal dog behaviour. It’s how puppies start exploring the world – using their mouths is their way to find out about things, because they don’t have hands with opposable thumbs.
This type of behaviour is most commonly a habit, something dogs develop either through stress or boredom. Chewing is a way dogs and we humans relieve anxiety – think about human habits such as chewing gum, or biting fingernails, or chewing hair. Dogs will chew household items or rubbish such as sticks or stones for the same reasons.
It could be because she enjoys it! Some dogs just love particular textures and get satisfaction from chewing them – similar to human babies who suck blankies or their thumbs. (I have an embarrassing confession here – I used to love sucking a face flannel when I was in the bath – there was something about that rough texture soaked in water that I found irresistible! I don’t do it any more though now I’m nearly grown up.)
Finally, as always, it’s important to rule out anything medical going on. Sucking certain objects can be a sign of a dietary imbalance, gastro-intestinal disturbances or a compulsive disorder. It’s important to get a vet check if you’re worried. It’s very unlikely but needs to be ruled out.
What can you do about it?
Prevention helps – monitor your dog and interrupt the behaviour, then substitute the chewing with something acceptable.
Find out what types of chew things your dog prefers – perhaps a soft toy, for example, and help your dog transfer their chewing habit from throws and beds to something more suitable.
Finally, make sure you are giving your dog enough to do. Daily walks are vital, making sure your dog gets plenty of time to sniff. It’s also important to do some training every day – this helps your dog be mentally tired and satisfied, so far less likely to chew things.
I love hearing from you. So, if your dog shows any odd behaviour, just email and ask me about it. Or about anything else to do with dogs. Let me know how I can help you most through these emails.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol