By Dr. Cheryl Lane
You love your dog and he's your best friend in the world, not to mention the most adorable creature on the planet (but you're not biased!). But lately you've noticed that he is chewing up everything he can find. Perhaps you started a new job, are working longer hours, or went back to school and now your dog is on his own much more. Your furry friend is left to his own resources to entertain himself throughout the day. Unfortunately, the cost in damages can put a huge dent in your bank account!
While there are many reasons why a dog likes to chew, one of the most common is that he is simply chewing out of boredom. If you're a parent, or have spent much time around children, then you know that a child is mostly likely to get into trouble when he is bored and has nothing better to occupy his time. He'll find something to do, and it may not be something constructive. Your dog is very similar in this way. He is not looking to get into trouble, nor is he trying to punish you. He is simply doing what comes normally and naturally as a way to pass the time when he has nothing better to do. Chewing gives him a task to focus on and finish.
Dogs are task-oriented creatures. Canines in the wild, such as wolves and fox, are focused on survival, which involves many daily tasks. They are focused on hunting for food, finding shelter, and taking care of their young. Many dogs are bred to do specific tasks, such as herd cattle, assist their owner when bird hunting, or sniff out drugs or other things when trained as police or military dogs.
Most dogs, however, are primarily pets for companionship and thus don't have specific tasks that they are required to do for their owners. They don't need to hunt for food, as it is readily provided for them. They have no cattle to herd or drugs to find. So, they need something to do besides lay around all day long. Chewing is a stimulating activity for them, and dogs, just like people, need to be stimulated. They are very smart creatures, and need plenty of mental stimulation.
In addition to mental stimulation, dogs need plenty of physical stimulation to burn off energy. When a dog is bored and has excess energy to burn, he is especially prone to doing some potentially destructive behavior, such as chewing, to alleviate both. So, if your dog is not getting much exercise each day, he will find other ways to burn off the pent up energy. This is fun for him, but may be very frustrating to you!
| Dr. Cheryl Lane has a doctorate in clinical psychology and 15 years experience working in the mental health field. She is also a huge animal lover and has had many pets throughout her life, including a variety of wonderful dogs. |
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