Your Labrador retriever Sonny has become a canine delinquent. This spoiled four-year-old pooch has always been a prankster, hiding your other dog’s toys and swatting at the cat during mealtime. This week, however, your chocolate-colored clown displayed a behavior that wasn’t remotely funny. When you walked into the living room, Sonny was tearing up your couch cushions, tossing bits of colorful fabric and white stuffing onto the floor. Although your dog’s hobby helps to scrub his choppers, he’s chewing on the wrong objects. Tomorrow, your canine miscreant will visit your Aurora, CO vet for expert behavioral counseling. Meanwhile, try some tactics of your own.
Off-Limits Crime Scene
Keep your four-legged criminal out of that room. Close the door; or jury-rig a baby gate or other temporary barrier across the doorway. Fasten it securely to prevent your determined eighty-pound pooch from revisiting the crime scene.
Perhaps the furniture isn’t the only object at risk. If your canine gourmand is scoping out the books or magazines, move them to higher shelves. If he’s eyeing up the high-end shoes, lock them in an inaccessible closet.
Leave a Bad Taste
Give Sonny an absolutely miserable furniture-chomping experience. Buy a vet-approved chewing deterrent, and spritz this nasty-tasting liquid on or around your dog’s current targets. Spray more of the substance on a paper towel, and convince your curious pooch to lick it. He’ll probably display a shocked look, which is encouraging news. Hopefully, he’ll make the connection between the two unpleasant sensations.
More Appealing Alternatives
Next, provide your unsettled companion with a more desirable chewing target. Buy several “indestructible” chew toys for starters. If he’s permitted a few snacks, stuff a treat puzzle with tempting peanut butter or vet-approved kibbles. If he’d rather work his jaws with a hearty tug-of-war game, buy an especially sturdy pull toy. Schedule some vigorous playtime daily.
Exercise and Training
Sonny seems to have plenty of pent-up energy. By wearing him out with exercise, he’ll hopefully abandon (or postpone) his furniture-shredding plans. With the vet’s approval, give your dog longer and more frequent workouts. Consider more vigorous sports if that’s appropriate. Finally, enroll him in an obedience class (or a refresher).
Your Aurora, CO vet will provide guidance on stopping Sonny’s chewing when he’s home alone. If your dog seems focused on destroying your furnishings, contact us for expert advice.
