How to Stop a Borzoi Dog or Puppy Chewing

For many owners of the Borzoi breed, the dog is the perfect companion in urban living for many reasons.  For one thing, Borzois are quiet dogs with very little tendencies to bark, whine and growl unless otherwise extremely provoked.  Your pet will not be a hazard to peaceful living even in apartment buildings because of its love for peace and quiet.

For another thing, Borzois are gentle creatures with an innate respect for human beings.  As such, you can expect gracious manners in the house even when visitors are around.  And although Borzois are also athletic dogs, they are just as happy being couch potatoes.

But like all dogs, you will observe behavioral problems among your Borzois, too, of which chewing is one.  With their sharp teeth, it will be a real problem when your furniture, clothes and sundry other items are the objects of such misbehavior.

Well, don’t despair as Borzois are very easy to train because of their high intelligence. You will encounter a few difficulties given their independent, many say stubborn, streak but success in training is highly possible.

Do Be Firm but Gentle

Borzois follow instructions if and when these are given in a firm but gentle tone of voice.  Keep in mind that your pet becomes extremely unhappy when raised voices and/or veiled threats are directed at it.  Or as is the case with most Borzois, even when said voices are heard during human arguments.

Do Be Clear

Your commands must be clear and crisp in that these are given pen at a time in a clear voice.  Just say “Stop” and wait for the reaction, which should come in a few seconds.  If reactions are not forthcoming, repeat the command in a firmer voice.  The important thing is not to confuse your Borzoi with so many commands or one command in quick succession. Otherwise, its stubborn streak will kink in and chew away at the thing your Borzoi will continue.

Do Be Consistent

Borzois are definitely not golden retrievers, border collies and terriers, all of which are people pleasers.  As previously mentioned, your pet can be so independent that following your commands may not be on their top agenda.  Of course, a Borzoi is intelligent except that the stubborn streak often wins in the end.  To counteract such a quality, you have to be very consistent with your commands.  Whenever you see your pet chewing on something, use the same command as the last time.

Do Provide Guidance

You will be surprised at how a Borzoi requires a firm but gentle guiding hand.  Instead of punishing your pet for bad behavior, you should provide guidance in terms of showing your Borzoi the right things to chew.  In this case, toys and treats are necessary.  You should place them in their own personal space so that whenever they feel the need to chew, they will zone in on their allotted area.  Just be sure to respect their space, too, as they are sensitive to invasion of their personal space.

With these tips, you can train your Borzoi to stop chewing.  If nothing else works, then you can call in the big guns – dog trainers, of course.