Stop Retriever Chewing

Chewing is a natural tendency of all dogs, especially Retriever puppies, but to stop retriever chewing on your expensive shoes it needs to be controlled and directed.

Retrievers have strong jaws so if they develop an incessant chewing habit they can wreak havoc and destruction in your home.  Chewing should be viewed in the overall context of doggy behavior as a sign that a dog is bored, frustrated or anxious.

Stop Retriever Chewing From Becoming a Problem

• Teething. Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of teething, so make sure there are plenty of chewable items around the house. Rope toys are very effective, especially if you wet them and freeze them before giving them to your dog. A puppy will chew whatever he can get his teeth into. If he chews on your furniture or clothing, say a firm “No” and replace it with something more appropriate. Keep repeating this until he understands what he may and may not chew. Don’t forget to praise him for the right reaction.
• Crate training. This is especially useful for confining a destructive puppy when you can’t keep an eye on him. Again, ensure he has plenty of appropriate chew toys available in the crate or it will just defeat the purpose of the exercise.
• Boredom. Retrievers are very active dogs that need plenty of exercise to tire them out. If they don’t have a sufficient outlet for all their pent up energy they will try to occupy themselves with chewing or some other destructive behavior. Daily walks, runs and games should be a fixed routine as well as play time with other dogs to help with socialization and entertainment.
• Training. Physical exercise is not the only form of stimulation required by retrievers. They have been bred as active working dogs, which means that they require mental stimulation too. They are intelligent dogs that thrive on a challenge. Dog toys like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter provide physical and mental exercise and can keep your pet occupied for a long time. Playing games like hide and seek can be fun for your dog too and help to stop retriever chewing from becoming his only pastime.
• Separation anxiety. Many dogs chew to relieve anxiety and stress. They are social animals that thrive on companionship, and, most importantly, on leadership. Don’t make a fuss of your dog before you leave or when you come home. In fact it is best if you completely ignore him for about 10 minutes at these times. He needs to understand that you are in charge and responsible for his safety and well being. This way he can get on with being a dog instead of fretting about your safety when you are away from home.

As you can see, the trick to stop retriever chewing is to work out why your dog is chewing in the first place. If the solution leads you to a better relationship with your dog, then the effort to stop retriever chewing could be a blessing in disguise.