Pet Problem #6- Destructive Chewing
Dogs have a natural desire to chew. This is so true and foundational that Canophera made this statement the primary slogan for their company. Chewing is instinctual for dogs and goes way back to their ancestral roots for survival. The behavior of chewing is driven by the dog’s instinct to tone and strengthen their jaw muscles. The strength of this instinct can vary in dogs; however, it is important to understand that ALL dogs have a desire to chew.
Aside from the instinctual perspective, dogs desire to chew for a variety of reasons. Puppies chew to help with teething and begin to learn about their environment. Dogs in general may chew out of boredom and could be looking for something to do or to engage in play. Other reasons may include having excess energy or anxiety. In this case, they are searching for a way to calm down and relieve stress.
Chewing also allows dogs to explore and connect with their environment. If dogs have the opportunity to chew natural products, they can feel more connected and grounded to the earth. It could be considered a similar principle to “grounding” or “forest bathing,” in which humans get energy from the earth and feel more connected in nature.
Canophera chews give dogs the opportunity to satisfy their instinctual desire to chew. Our chews help to relieve boredom, while also increasing mental stimulation. Chewing our all-natural chews also helps to relieve anxiety and stress. Just twenty minutes of chewing activates the dopamine receptors in a dog’s brain, allowing them to achieve their optimal relaxation state.
Since all Canophera chews are all-natural and come straight from Mother Nature without any plastics, additives, or chemicals, dogs can truly connect to nature. That means all those “feel good” chemicals could be heightened and give your dog the ideal chewing experience.
As an added benefit, pet parents can have peace of mind, knowing their dog isn’t getting any added chemicals or plastics. Taking these additives out greatly lowers the chance of problems like choking or obstructions. However, just to be extra safe, we always suggest monitoring your dog while chewing.
With this natural desire to chew, many dogs engage in some sort of destructive chewing throughout their lifetimes. Whether it is out of boredom, anxiety, or exploration, no pet parents want to deal with the wrong things being chewed. Maybe your dog has chewed on furniture, bedding, toys, or you name it-none of it was welcome or appreciated.
The best way to deal with a dog's destructive chewing is to not discourage chewing altogether but to use redirection. You can encourage your dog to chew on the right things instead of the wrong ones. Giving your dog Canophera chews redirects your dog and tells him what is ok to chew on. Plus, he will most likely be way more interested in a chew that entices him in some way.
Canophera animal chews like Sheep Horns and Red Deer Antlers smell and taste delicious to dogs. Many dogs especially enjoy the Red Deer Antler Split, which gives direct access to the delicious marrow inside. Coffee Wood sticks and the Coffee and Coco toy have a texture dogs love. All of the Coconut Rope Toys offer play opportunities, as well as the chance to chew and gnaw on the coconut fibers. The Briar Root is a great challenge for aggressive chewers.
Mojo here was an aggressive chewer from the day he came home. He would chew on walls, windowsills, furniture, toys-you name it, he chewed on it. His pet parents tried all sorts of chews and bones, but nothing could keep him occupied for very long. Either he would devour the chew in minutes or he would lose interest. Plus his pet parents were concerned about some of the ingredients and plastics that the toys and chews contained.
Getting a Canophera Sheep Horn changed everything for Mojo. When he was first given the Sheep Horn, Mojo did not want to stop chewing. However, his pet parents realized they could use it as a training tool. So after 20 minutes of chewing, they took it away. When they saw he was becoming bored or began to chew on something he wasn’t supposed to, they gave him the sheep horn back. After doing this a few times, he began to understand what he was and wasn’t allowed to chew. Plus the best part was that he would be more calm and relaxed after chewing.
The Sheep Horn was a great solution for Mojo and his family. Could a Canophera chew help solve the problem of destructive chewing in your home? If so, we would love to hear your story!