How do you get your dog to stop chewing the bed?

Is your dog chewing the bed you recently bought for him? Of course, you want to stop it as soon as possible, because the house needs to be tidy. Besides, your pet can choke on pieces of fabric.

I’m going to help you save the dog bed from destruction. To do this, we first need to find out what makes dogs chew everything and how you can prevent it.

Why do dogs chew on beds?

Here are the main reasons for which dogs and puppies destroy their beds:

• Instinct. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, just like children. Chewing is a natural behavior in dogs, much like scratching in cats. It’s important to set boundaries and manage expectations for chewing behavior. You can redirect your dog to toys or other chewable items instead of trying to stop the behavior.
• Teething. Puppies between 3-7 months of age are teething and therefore need something to chew on.
• Boredom. It is important to keep in mind that your dog needs not only physical stimulation, but mental stimulation as well. Dogs that don’t get enough stimulation, such as toys or walks, can become destructive out of boredom.
• Anxiety. Due to separation anxiety, dogs are stressed and begin to behave destructively, such as chewing up the bed. This disorder occurs in dogs that are afraid of being alone.
• Compulsive behaviors (fabric sucking). Compulsive behavior is more common in dogs that have experienced trauma such as abandonment or violence, and in puppies that lost their mothers when they were young. Compulsive chewers can suck on fabrics for hours, even if it hurts their gums.

Watch your dog to find out what the problem is. Try to solve it soon, or the habit will become ingrained and difficult to stop.

In most cases, the first three reasons will be the main ones. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders are less likely, so don't worry without a reason. However, it's worth contacting your veterinarian in any unclear situations.

Solution of chewing problem

In most cases, it is not difficult to solve the chewing problem. Try one or more of the following tips:

📌Give your dog plenty of exercise. Normally, dogs only need 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. But some breeds need more activity or they will get bored. To know if your dog is active enough, you can use a special device like the FitBark 2. You will be able to set goals for each day and achieve them.

📌Make sure the dog has something to chew on. First and foremost, the dog should have chew toys or treats like chew bones. Get several different toys because every dog has different preferences. For example, you could have a rubber toy and a rope. To stimulate your dog mentally as well, you can give him interactive toys.

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📌Stop the dog. If you see your dog starting to chew on the bed, stop him. Say “no” or “stop” in a firm voice. The main thing is always to repeat the same word. Then offer him a toy. If the dog accepts your offer, praise him. This must be repeated constantly until the dog understands what to chew.

📌Buy a chew proof dog bed. Look for beds made of sturdy materials, especially for dogs that like to chew everything.

📌Train your dog to be left alone. Start gradually with 5-10 minutes. To help the dog be left alone, some people find the crate helpful. Read more about how to do it right and how long you can leave your dog or puppy alone.

If you suspect your pet is chewing things up due to health issues, contact the vet.

Watch this video to learn how to stop your dog from chewing his bed:

What you can do when your dog chews the bed out of stress

From your pet’s behavior, you can tell that he’s suffering from stress or anxiety. Such dogs may be anxious when someone fits or makes sharp movements. They are afraid to go outside, don’t want to play and look upset. They may also have potty training problems due to stress.

If your dog used to behave normally, but suddenly his behavior changed and he started chewing on a bed, try the following tips.

👉Give your dog enough time

Again, lack of socialization and training leads to stress. Dogs need to spend time with their owners. They also need physical and mental stimulation. Show your dog that you love him. Take care of him and make sure he’s comfortable and nothing bothers him.

Remember that the dog needs time to recover from the stress. This may take several weeks or a month.

👉Try to determine what is causing the dog stress

Of course, it is impossible to influence some factors, but you can change something. Pay attention to the dog, maybe he’s nervous because of the loud noises. Then his bed should be put in a quieter, isolated place.

👉Use calming aids

You can use a synthetic dog pheromone product. These products are very popular and can be used for a variety of nervous problems. There are many options, including plug-in diffusers and sprays, individual wraps, and collars.

They have no odor and imitate natural calming hormones that mothers release to their puppies. It takes a while for the pheromones to work on your dog. You’ll need to reapply them every month.

Last update on 2024-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can also buy anxiety vests or calming treats for your dog. But this is just an additional tool you can use in conjunction with other tips.

👉Use behavior therapy

This is a more complex strategy for anxious dogs. Talk to your vet to find specialists in your area.

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FAQ

Summary

To get your dog to stop chewing the bed, you need to use his energy elsewhere. Don’t scold your pet. This behavior can indicate problems, and you need to help your dog deal with it.

Sources:

https://www.petsradar.com/advice/how-to-stop-your-dog-chewing-their-bed

https://topdogtips.com/how-to-stop-dog-from-chewing-bed/

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/destructive-chewing

https://www.wikihow.pet/Stop-a-Puppy-from-Chewing-Its-Bed