Effective Tips to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Paper Tiss
When it comes to the first step in a dog's destructive behavior, it's often as simple as chomping through every tissue in the house, and sometimes, not even leaving the trash can's contents untouched. But why do dogs have such a penchant for paper? And how can we put a stop to this unwanted habit? Let's delve into these questions.Why Do Dogs Love to Chew on Paper?1. Instinctual NatureDogs are naturally curious and have a strong urge to explore and bite, essential skills for their hunting and survival in the wild. In the wild, they use their teeth to catch prey and tear apart food. Thus, chewing is an instinctual behavior for them.2. Oral NeedsDuring the teething phase, dogs may experience itching and discomfort in their gums, which can be alleviated by chewing. Moreover, the development of their jaw muscles requires exercise through biting throughout their growth.3. CuriosityDogs are naturally inquisitive creatures, and the unique scent of paper in the trash can be particularly intriguing to them. They may chew on paper to explore this mysterious new world.4. Lack of SecuritySome dogs turn to chewing as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, or boredom. For them, gnawing on paper can be a comforting method to seek relief or distract themselves.How to Correct a Dog's PaperChewing Habit?Here are several strategies to help put an end to your dog's paperchewing antics:1. Positive Reinforcement• Offer Suitable Chewing Toys: Provide your dog with a variety of chew toys, such as dental chews, rubber bones, or rope toys, to satisfy their need to chew and redirect their interest away from tissues.• Increase Interactive Time: Spend more time playing with your dog or taking it for walks to burn off excess energy and reduce destructive behavior due to boredom.• Supplement with Trace Elements: If your dog has a tendency to eat nonfood items, it might be due to a deficiency in certain nutrients. Consider enriching its diet or adding a petspecific supplement to its meals.2. Training and Correction• Set Up Trap Training: Place tissues in areas where your dog is likely to reach them, and when it approaches or starts to chew, firmly say "no" or "don't" while gently tapping its mouth (be cautious to avoid startling the dog).• Reward at the Right Moment: Immediately praise and offer a small treat when your dog stops chewing on the tissues or shows interest in its toys to reinforce the correct behavior.3. Environmental Management• Limit Access: Keep tissues and other chewable items out of reach of your dog, especially when you're not around. You may need to confine it to a crate or a secure area.• Provide Companionship: If you have to leave the house, consider leaving on a TV or radio to provide background noise and reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Also, prepare some engaging toys to keep your dog occupied and entertained.Correcting a dog's bad behavior requires consistency and patience. If the above methods don't work, it may be time to seek the help of a professional dog trainer for more intensive behavioral training.
