How Can I Stop My Poodle From Chewing?
Dogs chew. They need to chew and your poodle is no exception. The problem you need to address is not how to get your poodle to stop chewing but how to get your pet to only chew on those toys made for that purpose.
Puppies and Teething
Puppies exhibit chewing behavior much more often than adult dogs simply because like babies they go through a teething stage. At this stage puppies will have a tendency to chew on overstuffed furniture or fingers and toes. That is because these materials ease their sore gums. Stopping them from chewing these things is a matter of substituting the forbidden things for acceptable chewing sources. A soft rubber toy that has been kept in the freezer for several minutes will bring some relief as will stuffed toys that you pick up at the salvation army for a small pittance per bag.
When your puppy starts to chew on a forbidden item telling them “No” sternly and substitute the forbidden item for an acceptable one. Using the anti chewing sprays that that are especially designed to prevent chewing in dogs can also help them to quickly learn not to chew on unacceptable items. These sprays are odorless to humans, but taste awful to dogs.
Adult Dogs
If you have an adult dog that is chewing on forbidden articles he is either doing so because he was never taught not to as a puppy or he is bored. Adult poodles are just as easy to break of annoying chewing habits as are puppies. Using the anti chewing sprays will help keep them from chewing on forbidden objects. Giving them enough chew toys to keep them busy and offer them a variety also helps.
Most experts recommend that your dogs toy chest should include at least 12 to 14 toys made of varying materials. These toys can include those hard rope chew toys, hard rubber toys, Rawhide or any number of other toys that offers your pooch a variety of playing items and will help keep him entertained.
Puzzle toys will both activate his mind and allow him to chew. These toys allow you to put a bit of peanut butter or meat paste or even a small dog bone inside and then the dog must figure out how to get the treat out. These toys will keep your poodle occupied for long periods of time and are a sure way to combat the boredom that has cause him to chew on the inappropriate items.
Whenever you catch your dog chewing on anything inappropriate tell him “No” sharply and immediately substitute the forbidden item for an acceptable one. By doing this you are teaching your dog what he can and cannot chew on.
By using a combination of authoritative voice, bad tasting sprays, and toys that occupy your poodle and prevent boredom you can lick your dogs chewing problem quickly and easily saving you aggravation and allowing your dog to live a happier, more socialized life.