Most people who have ever owned a dog, especially a puppy, will know how they can easily wreak havoc with their teeth. Whether you own a teething puppy, energetic juvenile or behavioral adult, you may have experienced the damage that destructive dog chewing can cause. Many things can lead to destructive dog chewing, from separation anxiety to a thunderstorm phobia. Some dogs chew out of boredom. Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do to combat destructive dog chewing in their home.

Offer Toys

Give your dog an outlet for his chewing problem. Provide several chew toys for your pet that are safe for the chewing habits of the particular breed. Dog toys should have a variety of textures and be of various sizes and shapes to meet the dogs chewing needs. Many dogs enjoy chew toys that also dispense food, such as a Kong, which can be filled with peanut butter, canned dog food, ground raw meats, or other foods to keep the dog busy.

Provide a Safe Area

When you are not able to supervise your dog, it's ideal to offer a safe place for the dog to rest. Put the dog into a comfortable crate to prevent the dog from causing destruction. Avoid putting the dog in a room behind a door or gate, as this often leads to other forms of destruction, such as clawing the flooring at the base of the door.

Chew Spray

Many pet owners have success with the use of dog chew sprays. Bitter apple sprays and similar products have been around for a long time and are not harmful to dogs that ingest it. It also does not stain most surfaces. This training tool is easy to use and since it's alcohol-based, it evaporates quickly. Spray the anti-chewing product on the area in which the dog chews most often up to four times per day. Keep dog toys in the same area to direct their attention away from these areas.

Destructive dog chewing occurs in all breeds and ages of dogs. It is natural for a dog to chew, but important to have it chew the right items in your home. Dogs require consistent training to stop the destructive behavior. The destructive chewing stage can last for several weeks to several years, but typically ends by the time the dog is two years old. Until then, directing the puppy or dog to appropriate toys and trying other simple methods can help minimize the destruction.