Is your German Shepherd turning everything into a chew toy? While it’s natural for them to chew, excessive chewing can be a sign of deeper issues. In this post, we’ll cover how to address excessive chewing, from identifying the root cause to finding healthy outlets for your Shepherd’s chewing instincts.
Understanding Why German Shepherds Chew
German Shepherds, like all dogs, have a natural instinct to chew. It’s their way of exploring the world, relieving stress, and keeping their teeth clean. However, excessive chewing can become a problem when it’s destructive or harmful.
There are several reasons why your German Shepherd might be chewing excessively. Puppies often chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. Adult dogs might chew due to boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise.
Sometimes, chewing can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If your dog’s chewing habit suddenly increases or becomes obsessive, it’s worth consulting with your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
Understanding the root cause of your German Shepherd’s chewing habit is the first step in addressing the issue effectively. Once you know why they’re chewing, you can tailor your approach to solve the problem.
Providing Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the most effective ways to curb excessive chewing is to provide your German Shepherd with appropriate chew toys. This gives them a healthy outlet for their natural chewing instincts.
Choose toys that are durable and safe for your dog’s size and chewing strength. German Shepherds are powerful chewers, so opt for toys designed for large breeds. Rubber toys, rope toys, and specially designed chew bones are all good options.
Rotate your dog’s toys regularly to keep them interested. You can even stuff some toys with treats to make them more enticing and provide mental stimulation.
Remember, the goal is to make the appropriate chew toys more appealing than your furniture or shoes. Praise your dog when they choose their toys over other items to reinforce good behavior.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired German Shepherd is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. These high-energy dogs need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Aim for at least an hour of exercise daily. This can include walks, runs, fetch games, or agility training. German Shepherds excel in activities that challenge both their body and mind.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games can help keep your dog’s mind occupied. A bored dog is more likely to seek out inappropriate items to chew.
Consider enrolling your German Shepherd in obedience classes or dog sports. These activities provide both physical exercise and mental challenges while strengthening your bond with your pet.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
While you’re working on training your German Shepherd, it’s important to set them up for success by puppy-proofing your home. This reduces the temptation to chew on inappropriate items.
Start by putting away anything you don’t want chewed. This includes shoes, clothes, remote controls, and children’s toys. Use child-proof locks on cabinets if necessary.
Apply bitter apple spray or other pet-safe deterrents on furniture legs and other items that can’t be put away. These sprays have an unpleasant taste that discourages chewing.
Consider using baby gates to restrict your dog’s access to certain areas of the house when you can’t supervise them. This is especially useful for puppies who are still learning the rules.
Remember, puppy-proofing is not a permanent solution but a temporary measure while you’re training your German Shepherd. The goal is to eventually trust your dog with full access to your home.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in addressing excessive chewing. The idea is to reward good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.
When you catch your German Shepherd chewing on an appropriate toy, praise them enthusiastically and maybe even offer a small treat. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.
If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, calmly interrupt them and redirect their attention to an appropriate toy. When they start chewing on the toy, praise them.
Consistency is key in training. Make sure all family members are on board with the training approach to avoid sending mixed messages to your dog.
Remember, punishing your dog for chewing inappropriate items can lead to anxiety and may actually increase destructive behaviors. Always focus on rewarding the behavior you want to see.
Addressing Separation Anxiety
Sometimes, excessive chewing can be a sign of separation anxiety. If your German Shepherd only chews destructively when left alone, this might be the case.
Start by gradually accustoming your dog to being alone. Leave for very short periods at first, then gradually increase the duration. This helps your dog build confidence and learn that you’ll always return.
Provide plenty of mental stimulation when you’re away. Puzzle toys filled with treats can keep your dog occupied and reduce anxiety.
Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. These can help some dogs feel more secure when left alone.
In severe cases of separation anxiety, it’s best to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide a tailored plan to address your German Shepherd’s specific needs.
Consistency and Patience
Dealing with excessive chewing requires consistency and patience. Remember, you’re trying to change a behavior that comes naturally to your German Shepherd.
Be consistent with your rules and training methods. If chewing on shoes is not allowed, it should never be allowed, even if it’s an old shoe you don’t care about.
Patience is crucial. It may take weeks or even months to fully resolve excessive chewing issues, especially in younger dogs. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Celebrate small victories along the way. If your German Shepherd goes a whole day without inappropriate chewing, that’s progress worth acknowledging!
Remember, your dog isn’t chewing to upset you. They’re following their instincts. Your job is to guide those instincts in a more appropriate direction.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many chewing issues can be resolved with home training, sometimes professional help is needed. If excessive chewing persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a professional.
A certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist can assess your specific situation and provide tailored advice. They may spot issues you’ve overlooked or suggest new strategies you haven’t tried.
Professional help is particularly important if the chewing is related to severe anxiety or if your German Shepherd is causing harm to themselves through their chewing habits.
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed. It’s not a sign of failure, but a proactive step towards solving the problem and improving your relationship with your dog.
Take Home Message
Dealing with excessive chewing in German Shepherds requires understanding, patience, and consistent training. Remember that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and your goal is to direct it towards appropriate outlets.
Provide plenty of suitable chew toys, ensure your German Shepherd gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Puppy-proof your home to set your dog up for success, and address any underlying issues like separation anxiety.
With time and effort, you can help your German Shepherd develop better chewing habits. The journey may have its challenges, but the reward is a well-behaved companion and a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. Remember, every small step forward is progress, so keep your tail wagging and your spirits high!