There's no denying that puppies and dogs love to chew. In fact, they're hardwired to do it! However, this can be a problem at times.

The “chewing instinct” is completely natural, but our furry friends can develop bad habits if they're not careful. Luckily, you can do plenty to encourage good patterns. Good chewing behavior happens when the puppy is cared for and calm. They also need safe chews for dogs, such as bully sticks and toys. Bad chewing often occurs when a puppy is scared, teething (and in pain), and overly hungry.

In this blog, we'll focus on how to channel a dog's chewing behavior after learning why they enjoy doing it. Plus, just in time for the holidays, we'll talk about different products your pup will love!

Why Do Dogs Chew?

What are the benefits of chewing for dogs? It comes down to three main things: self-care, exploration, and entertainment.

Self-Care & Self-Soothing

Puppies want to instinctively relieve the pain when new teeth pop up through their gums. Therefore, they will need natural dog chews, such as bully sticks, to feel better. At Bully Sticks Direct, we recommend our Bully Bites for new chewers!

Chewing can also be a nervous tick. An annoying one, we know, but chewing may be a pup’s last resort when they are feeling upset or anxious. If you come home to a destroyed couch, shoe, or trash, your dog may be extending a cry for help. Give them something proper to chew on, like an all-natural bully stick, to redirect their anxiety.

Exploration

Have you often asked, "Why does my dog love to chew everything?"

Young dogs want to explore their environment, and chewing is a way to do that. For example, after recently adopting a puppy, you may have to stop them from biting on things they shouldn't, including your toes and fingers! Have patience and remember that getting acquainted with a new setting is challenging. Many puppies are dealing with other dogs, unknown furniture, and much more. They instinctively taste and touch everything to understand it.

Entertainment

It's important to keep your dog occupied, but you can't be with them all the time. Therefore, they might chew to relieve mild anxiety and frustration or to combat boredom. These are all healthy as long as they're given appropriate objects. Every dog wants chew toys, but bully sticks are another option to consider that is both healthy and enjoyable!

If you're looking for safe chewing solutions for anxious dogs, some of our products might work, such as the odor-free 6" jumbo bully stick.

Causes for Destructive Chewing

Bad chewing by a dog is defined as gnawing in a way that destroys objects around the home. These can include books, table legs, clothes, and pillows. Ultimately, such destructive chewing behavior is often linked to other problems the dog might be dealing with, including:

Hunger

You've probably experienced frustration after waiting to eat for a while, which we often call "being hangry." This can happen to your dog, too.

Separation Anxiety

Does your dog only chew to the point of destruction when they're alone? This could be separation anxiety. It can manifest itself as gnawing on anything and everything available to relieve stress because they feel abandoned.

Typically, you can resolve the issue by leaving your puppy alone for a shorter time frame. Include a treat or a favorite toy, which will help them associate a happy place with fun items when you're gone.

Puppy Teething

Everyone knows that puppies bite! They do this to ease the pain of their teeth coming in, just like babies do! Not all chewing is bad, though. Chewing for dental health in dogs is essential because it keeps their teeth clean, scraping off plaque and tartar and can help them avoid periodontal disease.

The important thing with puppy teething and chewing is giving them a proper chew toy or treat. You can happily allow them to chew all-natural and single-ingredient bully sticks from Bully Sticks Direct.

How to Encourage Good Chewing Behavior

Overall, chewing is fun for our furry friends and will enhance brain stimulation, promote healthy teeth, and keep their jaws strong. However, dog owners should ensure that they're using appropriate items. Learning how to stop destructive chewing is the first step, which focuses on dealing with hunger, separation anxiety, and teething (in puppies).

Here are a few tips to manage dog chewing habits, encouraging normal behaviors:

• Provide your pup with chew toys and long-lasting bully stick bones.
• Dog-proof the house. Tuck shoes away, keep valuable items out of reach, tuck away cords, and keep doors shut.
• Take the time to train your pup. Dog’s don’t know right from wrong unless you train them!
• Exercise their mental and physical health. Daily walks, continued training, positive reinforcement, and quality time are important in a dog’s life.

Before you accept defeat, spend some extra time with your pup to understand why their chewing habits are destructive. Ask your veterinarian for assistance or check out Bully Sticks Direct’s blog page for more helpful articles!

Bully Sticks Direct: Your Choice for Chews!

You want to give your dog the best things in life without them damaging your stuff. We get it! Well, let them chew on bully sticks from Bully Sticks Direct! It’s a win-win: They can keep their teeth clean, subside hunger, and ease their anxiety while you provide them with an all-natural and high-protein snack.

Dogs and pet-parents love our treats so much, we offer an auto-ship option so your bully stick supply never gets low! Learn more about us, auto-ship, and our rewards program online.