My Poodle Chews on EVERYTHING!
Question: My poodle chews all my furniture and eats my shoes. I know it is something related with the breed, but I also know that it might be able to be solve with training. Any tips? - from Ana
We encourage you to share your "dog wisdom" - Please Feel FREE to Help Answer this Dog Question!!Answer: Age and breed are two important factors in a dog’s behavior. As far as chewing being a breed issue for your poodle, no matter what nature brought along, there’s always something that can be done to change a behavior or re-direct a manifestation.
Think of your kids or the children of someone you know well. There are 3 kids in a family, they are all from the same parents (breed), but they’re all very different in temperament and how they learn. Some kids will potty train quicker, some learn how to read faster, some take longer to talk or walk; kids from the same parents, who raised them in the same manner, will be different, and yet eventually, no matter how long it took, they will walk, and they will talk, just as your poodle will learn to stop chewing; there is hope.
Knowing there is hope is a start, but still, while this is all happening, it’s very frustrating. Despite your frustration however, you care enough to want to help your dog learn.
That’s the key (learning), and not necessarily punishing. Dogs at a certain age (like kids under the age of 2) can be punished consistently, and will understand the punishment, but not the reason behind it. Some people “train” by punishing, and the dog will finally get it when he realizes every time he lifts his leg to urinate on your house plants, you bring out a rolled newspaper, but in the beginning, all he realizes is that a rolled newspaper really hurts!
Training by punishing works, but may also encourage aggressive behavior - your dog may rebel. Besides, there are other, much nicer, ways of teaching your dog the difference between what is right and what is wrong.
Let’s start from the fact that dogs can learn. In the case of chewing, unless its food your dog is chewing, it is a behavioral or special needs problem.
The first thing I’d like to do is ask you some questions about your dog and your family. All of these questions may have relevance on your dog’s chewing habit.
o How old is your dog?
o How long have you had him/her?
o Is this a new problem, or is it something your dog has always done?
o How have you dealt with it thus far?
o Are your dog’s teeth in good health?
o Have there been any recent changes in your home or lifestyle, like a move, a new baby, a new job, pet, or a new diet?If you think about it, any of the above situations may be responsible for your dog’s actions. The solution isn’t getting rid of your newborn baby or quitting your job, but the problem behind the chewing is your lead on how to best deal with it.
Based on possible scenarios, chewing is a necessity as well as a manifestation for dogs, but keep in mind is that dog’s are naturally oraland will most likely continue to try you on this matter.
Dogs use their mouth in the same way that we use our hands (to pick things up, to move items to another place, to check them out, and even to feel their consistency) - that is natural and should be allowed to a certain point.
Dogs learn from chewing. When they’re puppies, they teach their litter mates limits. A yelp says ‘that was a bite and not a nibble’, stop it! The yelp conditions them and they yelp in return when it is done to them. If they bite you, make sure you yelp! If they had enough time with their litter mates, they’re sure to recognize a yelp or ouch as a “stop it” command.
Dogs need entertainment. This means attention and toys. Dog’s are easily bored and if you’re not around to entertain them or keep them company, they’re going to act out in some way. Unfortunately, we’re never around enough as far as dogs are concerned. Toys are a decent substitute, as well as a companion (another pet).
Yucky taste! Despite the fact that dogs can be truly distasteful (they lick fire hydrants, their privates, and go and sniff where others would never sniff), they are somewhat discriminating when it comes to taste. Bitter apple (sold at pet stores) can be put on certain items to keep him away. Furniture polish, if it’s oily, may actually attract your dog. Dogs love creams and lotions, or soapy smells when you come out of the shower - they also like certain furniture polishes.
Hide your goods! If your shoes are in the closet, your dog will not be able to chew them. If you throw a sheet over your couch when you’re not home, your dog will have a harder time getting to the upholstery and stuffing of your brand new couch. Don’t tempt or try him!
Crating. Crating is a long subject that requires much discussion. Crate training is something that needs to be done to make the crate a sanctuary, and not a prison cell. If training is done correctly, the crate could be a solution to saving household goods while you’re away.
What to do once he’s committed the crime or if you catch him in the act? There are a few things you can do. Keep in mind that training is not a one time deal - consistency and dedication are essential.
What to do:
1. A stern NO! always gets their attention.
2. Body language. You know your dog is smart, and much smarter than your neighbor’s dog I’m sure, but isolated words don’t mean as much as how you say them and how you look when you’re saying them. Raise your finger or put your hands on your hips. Let him know you mean business!
3. Point to the chewed up object and say NO! or BAD! Remember, you’re not calling your dog a bad boy or girl, you’re saying what he did is bad.
4. If you caught him in the act, after a firm NO! take him outside or put him in the kitchen or laundry area (he’s in time out) to think about what he did wrong.
5. Once you’ve made sure he understands that his actions upset you, give him a toy and praise and rub him when he begins to mouth it. This way he’ll understand that chewing isn’t a bad thing and is only bad when you choose the wrong object to chew.Be consistent! Don’t give your dog the other shoe to chew on simply because you already lost the pair! Dogs are natural pleasers and will do anything to make you start smiling again.
Best of luck!
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