![\"Chocolate](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-chews-woodwork-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNow the question is how do you stop your dog from chewing on woodwork, especially the baseboards and furniture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many reasons why dogs are attracted to chewing on wood. And both puppies and dogs do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can all relate to our puppies getting into trouble. Those little needle teeth need something to chew on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article will explore them and how to stop the destruction of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Chewing on Wood Normal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDogs explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. So chewing on wood can be normal canine behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many retrievers have a need to constantly have something in their mouths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s important to discover why your dog\u2019s chewing on it to help stop this unwanted behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Does a Dog Chew on Wood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons why dogs chew on wood, ranging from boredom to medical reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following are some of the main reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boredom <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYour pup may be bored when he\u2019s alone. So he seeks out something to do. Unfortunately, your woodwork and wooden chair legs are calling his name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To your puppy, it\u2019s fun to chew on the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teething <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYoung puppies have sore gums when teething. Chewing helps soothe the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If nothing else is available that the pup likes, he\u2019ll get creative and chew wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habit <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf chewing on wood isn\u2019t discouraged or another solution isn\u2019t found, your dog may have just developed a habit of chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like any other habit, it can be difficult to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hunger <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog isn\u2019t given a sufficient amount of food or the proper nutrients, he may seek them out elsewhere–including dining on wooden baseboards or table or chair legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curiosity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs may chew wood when exploring their environment. They want to discover what it tastes and feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety or Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs try to relieve anxiety or stress by chewing on whatever\u2019s available. If nothing else is available or alluring to the pup, he may chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs with separation anxiety are likely to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs with some type of dental problems may try to relieve pain by chewing on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog may have a loose or broken tooth, swollen gums, or other dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So he may chew on wood if nothing else is available or interesting to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lack of Other Chew Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPuppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBarriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPart of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProviding a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSmall wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLarger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHarsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Things<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Is](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-chewing-woodwork-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
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Now the question is how do you stop your dog from chewing on woodwork.","og_url":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/","og_site_name":"Puppy In Training","article_published_time":"2021-06-28T20:45:33+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-11-10T00:16:22+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-chews-woodwork.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Debbie DeSantis","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Debbie DeSantis","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/"},"author":{"name":"Debbie DeSantis","@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3633706e0185d8b7af6b137b646a3ff2"},"headline":"How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc]","datePublished":"2021-06-28T20:45:33+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-10T00:16:22+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/"},"wordCount":2094,"commentCount":1,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-chews-woodwork.jpg","articleSection":["Training"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/","url":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/","name":"How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-chews-woodwork.jpg","datePublished":"2021-06-28T20:45:33+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-10T00:16:22+00:00","description":"Do you have termites? 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There are many reasons why dogs chew on wood, ranging from boredom to medical reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following are some of the main reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boredom <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYour pup may be bored when he\u2019s alone. So he seeks out something to do. Unfortunately, your woodwork and wooden chair legs are calling his name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To your puppy, it\u2019s fun to chew on the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teething <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYoung puppies have sore gums when teething. Chewing helps soothe the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If nothing else is available that the pup likes, he\u2019ll get creative and chew wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habit <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf chewing on wood isn\u2019t discouraged or another solution isn\u2019t found, your dog may have just developed a habit of chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like any other habit, it can be difficult to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hunger <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog isn\u2019t given a sufficient amount of food or the proper nutrients, he may seek them out elsewhere–including dining on wooden baseboards or table or chair legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curiosity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs may chew wood when exploring their environment. They want to discover what it tastes and feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety or Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs try to relieve anxiety or stress by chewing on whatever\u2019s available. If nothing else is available or alluring to the pup, he may chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs with separation anxiety are likely to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs with some type of dental problems may try to relieve pain by chewing on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog may have a loose or broken tooth, swollen gums, or other dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So he may chew on wood if nothing else is available or interesting to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lack of Other Chew Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPuppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBarriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPart of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProviding a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSmall wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLarger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHarsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Things<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. Now the question is how do you stop your dog from chewing on woodwork.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. 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Young puppies have sore gums when teething. Chewing helps soothe the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If nothing else is available that the pup likes, he\u2019ll get creative and chew wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habit <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf chewing on wood isn\u2019t discouraged or another solution isn\u2019t found, your dog may have just developed a habit of chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like any other habit, it can be difficult to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hunger <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog isn\u2019t given a sufficient amount of food or the proper nutrients, he may seek them out elsewhere–including dining on wooden baseboards or table or chair legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curiosity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs may chew wood when exploring their environment. They want to discover what it tastes and feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety or Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs try to relieve anxiety or stress by chewing on whatever\u2019s available. If nothing else is available or alluring to the pup, he may chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs with separation anxiety are likely to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs with some type of dental problems may try to relieve pain by chewing on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog may have a loose or broken tooth, swollen gums, or other dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So he may chew on wood if nothing else is available or interesting to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lack of Other Chew Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPuppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBarriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPart of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProviding a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSmall wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLarger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHarsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Things<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. Now the question is how do you stop your dog from chewing on woodwork.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. 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If a dog isn\u2019t given a sufficient amount of food or the proper nutrients, he may seek them out elsewhere–including dining on wooden baseboards or table or chair legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curiosity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs may chew wood when exploring their environment. They want to discover what it tastes and feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety or Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs try to relieve anxiety or stress by chewing on whatever\u2019s available. If nothing else is available or alluring to the pup, he may chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs with separation anxiety are likely to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs with some type of dental problems may try to relieve pain by chewing on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog may have a loose or broken tooth, swollen gums, or other dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So he may chew on wood if nothing else is available or interesting to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lack of Other Chew Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPuppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBarriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPart of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProviding a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSmall wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLarger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHarsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Things<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. Now the question is how do you stop your dog from chewing on woodwork.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/stop-dog-from-chewing-woodwork\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Woodwork [Baseboards, Furniture, etc] - Puppy In Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you have termites? Nope just a dog who likes to chew the baseboards. 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Some dogs try to relieve anxiety or stress by chewing on whatever\u2019s available. If nothing else is available or alluring to the pup, he may chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs with separation anxiety are likely to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs with some type of dental problems may try to relieve pain by chewing on something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog may have a loose or broken tooth, swollen gums, or other dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So he may chew on wood if nothing else is available or interesting to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Lack of Other Chew Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPuppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEven adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBarriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPart of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProviding a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSmall wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLarger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHarsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Things<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
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Winner Channel 17's Philly Hot List #1 Dog Trainer. 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Puppies need safe chew items<\/a>. They may be teething or need something to occupy them. If they don\u2019t have them, they\u2019ll chew on what\u2019s available–including your wood baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even adult dogs need something safe to do. If they don\u2019t have it, they may also chew on items we don\u2019t want them to–like our baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you play fetch with your dog with sticks, he might think that wood is a toy. And he won\u2019t necessarily differentiate between your baseboards or furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs have a medical condition that compels them to ingest non-food items such as wood or rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pica can be caused by poor nutrition or an intestinal parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a dog has too much excess energy, he\u2019s more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can include chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs don\u2019t know what the rules are because they haven\u2019t been trained that chewing on certain items–like wood–isn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you can work on training commands like \u201cleave it\u201d to not chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many things that you can try to stop your dog from chewing<\/a> on your baseboards and other wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s good to first determine why your dog\u2019s doing so. When you do, it can help determine what you\u2019ll do to solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When dogs are given too much freedom too soon, they often engage in destructive behavior. This is especially true of puppies, as they have a need to chew when teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, until you\u2019ve trained your dog not to chew on wood, keep him in the same room with you. Then you can see what he\u2019s doing and correct it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gates<\/a> and other blocks can be used so that the pup can\u2019t roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I worked with a family with a labrador retriever puppy who was chewing on the legs of their dining room table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They let him roam into the dining room where they couldn\u2019t see him. That\u2019s when he got into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After they stopped letting him out of their sight, the problem stopped. And they also had toys to redirect him when he tried to chew on other items such as the television remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Problem solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not there to watch your pup, it\u2019s best to use some method of confinement so that he can\u2019t chew unwanted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be accomplished by using a crate<\/a> or an exercise pen<\/a>. Of course, you want to get your dog used to such confinement before just placing him there and leaving him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can put up gates or other barriers between the dog and the wood trim. But you\u2019d have to make sure that he can\u2019t reach other objects you don\u2019t want him to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some chew deterrents can stop dogs from chewing on items. Bitter Apple<\/a> has been around a long time and, for some dogs, is very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem is that you\u2019d have to spray all the possible areas your pup would chew, which would be very expensive. Also, the product evaporates and needs to then be re-applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people use hot pepper sauce on woodwork or other similar products. But, like any other chew deterrent, the dog may just go chew an area whether it hasn\u2019t been applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, some dogs aren\u2019t deterred by such products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use such a product in any area, first test it on an inconspicuous spot to determine whether it will damage such surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re present and you see your dog looking at the wood or going towards it, redirect him to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throw a favorite toy and have him retrieve it. Or call him to you and reward him with an item to chew for coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Praise him for performing the desired behavior of retrieving or coming to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you leave your dog alone, it\u2019s important that he has enough desirable items to occupy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be a Nylabone<\/a>, stuffed Kong<\/a>, or other safe chew. Also, provide safe puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler<\/a> or a treat-dispensing toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If he has other things that he likes to focus on, he\u2019ll be less likely to chew on things that he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an obedience instructor, I believe that all dogs should be trained. It helps us bond with them as well as teaches them what behaviors are desired and what they shouldn\u2019t do. And it exercises his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A very helpful command that you can teach your pup is to leave something. He has to learn that when you tell him to \u201cleave it,\u201d that means he cannot have it. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of training your dog is also rewarding good behavior. So, when your dog is engaging in a desired behavior, like sit, praise, and reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Providing a sufficient amount of physical exercise to your dog is crucial to his physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What type and how much exercise you give your dog will depend on his age, physical health, and breed or mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, if you have a labrador retriever, he\u2019ll need a lot more exercise than a Pekingese will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs engage in undesirable behaviors to get attention. Even negative attention is attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that you give your dog enough positive attention through play and training. Even just hanging out with him sometimes is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog loves petting, call him over and pet him. The more positive interactions we have with our dogs, the better our bond will be. And their behavior will be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve tried the other methods listed above with no success, it\u2019s time to consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to determine whether your dog has anything physically wrong, like pica or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important that your dog doesn\u2019t think that wood is a toy. Many dogs love to chew on sticks in the yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And some owners play fetch with those sticks. The problem then is that the pup thinks that it\u2019s alright to chew on and play with wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So I recommend that, as much as possible, pick up and dispose of loose sticks in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, block access to any wood pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chewing wood can be very dangerous to your dog. And he may even swallow it, causing further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small wood splinters can get into your dog\u2019s gums or between his teeth, causing infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Larger wood pieces can potentially cause digestive blockages or perforated intestines or of the stomach lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some wood may be treated with dyes and chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Also, the paint on some wood may be toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a dog tries to swallow a piece of wood, he may choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chewing on wood pieces can cause broken teeth as well as damage his gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harsh punishments shouldn\u2019t be used. They can ruin your bond with your dog and make him distrust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can even lead to more unwanted behaviors, including aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people try to use various noise aversives to correct unwanted behavior. They may use items that detect motion and beep when the dog approaches the wood baseboards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or they may shake a can filled with pennies to teach the dog not to chew on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A problem that can occur with noise deterrents is that a dog may become overly sensitive to sounds. And that problem will usually be much more difficult to correct than chewing on wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t recommend any harsh punishment to prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Or to correct any unwanted behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even grabbing him by the collar can have repercussions later. He may become hand-shy or not tolerate appropriate handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing so won\u2019t necessarily even teach him to leave the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, if you\u2019re reading this, you care deeply about your pup. And You want what\u2019s best for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But I have to still state that, of course, no one should hit their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you come home and see that the baseboard has been chewed, it\u2019s too late to correct your dog. He won\u2019t understand why you\u2019re correcting him. Instead, he may become fearful of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you see him chewing the wood, interrupt him by saying eh-eh and redirect him to the correct thing to chew or to another activity like fetching a favorite toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chewing on wood and other destructive behaviors can be solved by analyzing why they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By managing your dog\u2019s environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation, the problem should be resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog chew on the woodwork around the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What have you done to deter this behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You arrive home and see that the once sturdy woodwork is now down to the size of toothpicks. What happened? Do you have termites? Your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\nPlaying With a Dog With Sticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pica<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Dogs From Chewing on Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No Out-of-Sight Freedom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Confining the Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Barriers to the Wood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using Anti-Chew Aids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Redirection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Providing Chew Toys and Puzzles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Dog Enough Attention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consult With a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pick Up Wood in Your Yard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Chewing Wood Is Dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can Cause Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blockages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toxicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choking Hazard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Damage to Teeth and Gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What NOT To Do If Your Dog Chews On Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Noise Deterrents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Physical Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Correct the Dog After the Fact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n
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