Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, so it can be difficult to stop them from gnawing on outdoor furniture. However, it’s important to take action to prevent this destructive behavior, as it can lead to costly repairs or replacements of outdoor furniture. There are several methods that you can use to help your pup break the habit of chewing on outdoor furniture.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
When trying to stop a dog from chewing on outdoor furniture, one of the most effective solutions is providing appropriate chew toys. Choose chew toys that are specifically designed for dogs and made out of durable materials.
Rotate these toys regularly so your pup won’t get bored and continue to chew on the furniture instead. You should also pay special attention to the size of the toy-it should be large enough so that your pup won’t swallow it.
Discourage Chewing with Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way of discouraging chewing on outdoor furniture. Whenever you catch your pup chewing on the furniture, use a gentle voice and give them a stern “no.”
Then, immediately provide them with an appropriate chew toy instead. Doing this will help your dog to understand that the chew toy is an acceptable option, while chewing on the furniture is not.
Use Deterrents
You can also use deterrents such as bitter apple spray or citronella spray in order to discourage your pup from chewing on outdoor furniture. These sprays have an unpleasant taste and smell that will make your pup less likely to continue chewing on the furniture.
Additionally, you can try using physical barriers like fence panels or crates around certain pieces of outdoor furniture in order to limit their access.
Conclusion
Stopping a dog from chewing on outdoor furniture isn’t easy but it can be done by providing appropriate chew toys, using positive reinforcement techniques, and utilizing deterrents such as bitter apple spray or citronella spray. Implementing these strategies will help you protect your valuable outdoor furnishings and keep your pup safe at the same time.
