How To Stop a German Shepherd from Chewing

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German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and boundless energy. However, one common behavior challenge that many owners face, especially with puppies, is chewing. Understanding why German Shepherds chew and implementing effective strategies to redirect this behavior is crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your canine companion.

Why Do German Shepherds Chew?

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, including German Shepherds. It serves several purposes:

1. Exploration and Investigation: Puppies, in particular, use their mouths to explore their environment. Chewing helps them learn about objects and textures around them.

2. Teething: Like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort of new teeth pushing through their gums.

3. Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs may chew out of boredom or anxiety. It can be a way to relieve stress or excess energy.

4. Natural Instinct: Some chewing behaviors are instinctual, especially for breeds like German Shepherds that have strong jaws and teeth.

Strategies to Stop Chewing

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Addressing chewing behavior involves a combination of management, training, and providing appropriate outlets for your German Shepherd's natural tendencies. Here are effective strategies to help curb chewing:

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Offering a variety of chew toys designed for puppies or strong chewers is essential. Opt for toys made of durable materials like rubber or nylon that can withstand chewing. Toys that can be stuffed with treats or have interesting textures can keep your German Shepherd engaged and satisfied.

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like baby-proofing a house for a toddler, puppy-proofing is essential to prevent destructive chewing. Remove items that are tempting or dangerous for your puppy to chew on, such as shoes, electrical cords, and household plants. Keep valuable or sentimental items out of reach until your puppy learns what is appropriate to chew.

3. Supervise and Redirect

Supervision is key, especially during the early stages of training. When you catch your German Shepherd chewing on something inappropriate, calmly redirect their attention to a suitable chew toy. Praise and reward them when they chew on the toy instead of furniture or household items.

4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing out of boredom. Ensure your German Shepherd gets enough physical exercise through walks, runs, or playtime. Additionally, mental stimulation through puzzle toys, obedience training, or interactive games can tire them out mentally and reduce the urge to chew.

5. Use Bitter Apple Spray or Deterrents

Bitter apple spray or other bitter-tasting deterrents can be applied to objects you want to protect from chewing. These sprays have a taste that dogs find unpleasant, discouraging them from mouthing or chewing on treated items. Always test a small area first to ensure it won't damage surfaces.

6. Consistent Training and Positive Reinforcement

Consistency is crucial in training any dog behavior, including chewing. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your German Shepherd when they chew on appropriate items. Redirect and reinforce desired behaviors consistently to help them understand what is expected.

7. Address Underlying Issues

If chewing persists despite consistent training and management, consider whether there are underlying issues contributing to the behavior. Separation anxiety, stress, or lack of appropriate outlets for energy can exacerbate chewing. Addressing these factors may require consultation with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

8. Avoid Punishment

Avoid punishing your German Shepherd for chewing. Punishment can create fear or anxiety, which may worsen behavior problems or lead to other issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection to teach appropriate chewing habits.

9. Crate Training

Crate training can be beneficial for managing chewing behavior when you cannot directly supervise your German Shepherd. A crate provides a safe, den-like environment where your puppy can rest and chew on appropriate toys. Make the crate a positive place by associating it with rewards and comfort.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If chewing behavior persists despite your best efforts or if it's accompanied by other behavioral issues, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist is advisable. They can provide personalized guidance and training techniques tailored to your German Shepherd's specific needs.

Conclusion

Stopping a German Shepherd from chewing requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their natural behaviors. By providing appropriate chew toys, puppy-proofing your home, supervising and redirecting, and addressing underlying issues, you can effectively curb destructive chewing habits. Remember that each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With positive reinforcement and proper training, you can help your German Shepherd develop good chewing habits and enjoy a harmonious relationship together.

People Also Ask

What age do German Shepherds stop chewing?

The destructive chewing stage can last for quite some time, but in most cases will end by the time the dog is 2 years old or so.

Why do German Shepherds chew so much?

After all, chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps them keep their teeth and gums healthy, they enjoy it, it can serve as a distraction, can reduce stress, and provides hours of mental stimulation throughout their lifetime.

Are German Shepherds heavy chewers?

German Shepherds are also strong chewers, they'll need durable toys like Kongs. Living with a German Shepherd also means being educated on the perils of bloat.

Do dogs know when to stop chewing?

Your dog won't simply grow out of chewing. If you don't help them learn what's okay to chew on and what isn't from a young age, they'll have a habit of making any and everything a chew toy. Puppies will often chew more than adult dogs because of their teething, which will lessen when teething ends around 7 months old.