Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Is your dog an avid chewer but for the life of you, you can’t figure out why? Are you at your wits end? Do you desperately want answers as to why he loves to chew so darn much?

In this short article, you will discover the REAL reasons behind why dogs chew so that you can understand this problematic behavior.

First and foremost, chewing is simply in their nature. Dogs love to chew because they’re dogs! They will chomp and chew on just about everything and this includes socks, bones, shoes, and even furniture. In fact, many of them go into a “semi-trance” when they are chewing and tend to “zone out” because they are enjoying themselves so much.

Dog teeth are built for chewing. They are sharp, pointy, and very strong. In the wild, they use those chompers to tear into their prey. In captivity, these natural impulses don’t just leave, so you have to handle your dog’s chewing instincts and tendencies by modifying their chewing behavior.

Interestingly, dogs can chew for emotional reasons. Just as people eat junk foods due to stress, dogs can be emotional chewers too.

In fact, many dogs chew on household items when they’re upset, frustrated or just plain lonely. Chewing soothes and comforts them.

Dogs who are bored or don’t get enough exercise may also chew to relieve stress. Dogs who aren’t exercised enough will have built up energy and need to vent it out in some fashion. And often, they will do this by chewing on everything in sight.

In conclusion, dogs chew for various reasons. By understanding the REAL reasons behind why your dog is chewing, you can then address these underlying issues directly, instead of trying to stop your dog from chewing.