Dog chewing is a natural tendency for Jack Russell Terriers, and shouldn’t be curtailed or discouraged, but rather channeled appropriately. Dogs do not intentionally destroy your stuff in anger or spite, but rather as means to move or transport things (similar to how we use our hands) and to entertain themselves. They also use their mouths for communicating, which is especially important for training a Jack Russell Terrier. Dog chewing therefore is a natural behavior and you cannot train them to completely stop chewing. The following steps will help both you and your little puppy live together in harmony:

1.) Keep Your Stuff Out of Reach - It is best to train your jack russell terrier what they can and cannot chew. That being said, be sure to move your belongings out of your dog’s reach, including clothes, shoes, books, and anything else you don’t want destroyed (except maybe your homework….then you can really say your dog ate your homework).

2. Give Your Dog Proper Chew Toys - Don’t give your dog old shoes, clothes, or even plastic bottles or other rubbish to chew. They can’t tell the difference between old and new stuff, so unless you want them rummaging through your closet or garbage for a chew toy, stick to regular dog toys, which can also include items from a sporting goods store (tennis ball, other kinds of balls, etc.) or even small stuffed animals. The best deals are at your local Salvation Army, where you can usually find an entire bag of stuffed animals for a few bucks, vs. $7 for a single toy at your local pet store. Just be sure to remove any small plastic features on such toys (plastic eyes, nose, etc.)

3. Dogs Like Variety - Just like we don’t like playing the same game every day or eating the same meal day in and day out, it is important to give your Jack Russell Terrier variety so they don’t get bored and look for other “more interesting” things to chew like your sofa or new slippers. If your dog is fond of your scent, leave a toy in your dirty hamper for a day to get your scent, or fill a chew toy (like a Kong) with peanut butter to keep them interested for hours. This will help keep his attention diverted from chewing things he shouldn’t.

4.) Proper Daily Exercise - Similar to other behavior problems, the desire to chew can be reduced with regular exercise. Dogs which are mentally and physically stimulated are not as likely to get bored and go looking for your new silk shirt lying on your bed.

5.) Obedience & Reinforcement Training - There are certain programs on the market which help with dog obedience issues like dog chewing. Having a Jack Russell Terrier myself, I know they can have their own agenda and sometimes be “too smart for their own good.” Don’t be afraid to try proven and affordable programs like Clicker Training, which is a harmless correctional method to let your dog know he is in the right or wrong, and has an issue like dog chewing which needs correcting. This is a much more loving approach than yelling, hitting, or “time out” and your dog will appreciate understanding the rules so you both can live harmoniously under the same roof.

For More Information on curbing issues such as dog chewing using Clicker Training and the Proven Methodologies, CLICK HERE.