As Bark Busters dog trainers in Las Vegas, we have seen dogs tear through drywall and knock down doors when they are suffering from separation anxiety. We have seen dogs chew through couches and dig up new plants. These are destructive behaviors. Although it is normal for puppies to play bite and chew, it’s time to do something about it. In fact, destructive behaviors are the number one reported behavior problem in dogs. Understand a dog is not being destructive to annoy you, nor does he understand when you say “no”.
Most often, dogs engage in destructive behaviors when they are bored, not trained properly to make good choices, scared, aggressive, diet deficient, or anxious. Just as many pet parents chew on their nails or have a glass of wine when they are nervous, licking, chewing, digging and toileting in the house are common behavior for dogs when they are nervous.
There are several different methods to stop your dog from chewing, depending on what he is chewing. Keep in mind that dog’s tastes vary and what deters one day may not deter others:
Chewing
Punishment is not very effective in stopping your dog’s destructive behaviors and can in fact make them worse. If you discover an item your dog has chewed even a few minutes after the fact, it’s too late to correct him. He/she does not associate his action to your reaction. You know that guilty look you think you are getting? It is really just your dog reacting to your angry tone or facial expressions.
To truly eliminate destructive behaviors, call your Bark Busters Las Vegas dog trainers — Derek and Lissette Anovick. We will teach you how to overcome destructive behaviors!