Stop Rottweiler Chewing
A Rottweiler that chews on everything in sight is a source of immense frustration to its owner. Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that Rottweiler owners can implement to stop Rottweiler chewing. At the very least, Rottweiler chewing can be managed while the root causes of the chewing behavior are identified and addressed.
If you own a Rottweiler that exhibits undesirable chewing behaviors this article will help you eradicate the problem. Below I explore the most common causes of Rottweiler chewing, as well as highlighting the most effective strategies for eradicating the problem once and for all.
Stop Rottweiler Chewing - Puppies And Teething
Even though the damage to household items can be a real pain, all puppies need to chew on things while teething. The teething period runs from the age of 3.5 months old to 11 months old, and it is during this time that Rottweiler chewing is inevitable. Rottweiler puppies are unable to stop chewing because it is physiologically necessary for their growth and development.
Although there is nothing that can be done to stop Rottweiler chewing during the teething stage, you can manage the problem. The key is to channel the chewing away from your furniture and shoes. Give your Rottweiler a tough rubber chew bone or real bone, as well as a softer canvas field dummy to chew on instead. Your Rottweiler will have hours of fun with chew toys, and this will stop your puppy from inappropriately chewing your belongings. Scatter your Rottweiler puppy's chew toys around the house and train them to use them when they need to have a chew.
It's a good idea to put away your clothes, shoes, and other personal items in order to limit your teething Rottweiler's access to them. Get used to putting your stuff away and don't leave things lying around. When a teething Rottweiler puppy is left alone, it tends to start chewing everything it can. Make life easy for yourself by limiting access to your belongings and directing the chewing towards your dogs chew toys.
Another great technique to stop your Rottie chewing is to use a bitter tasting product such as bitter apple. The vast majority of Rottweiler's really hate the taste of bitter apple, and so it is really effective at discouraging chewing. Bitter apple (or similar products) can be purchased at all good pet stores and can be sprayed directly on items and objects you don't want your dog to chew on.
Stop Rottweiler Chewing - Older Dogs
If your Rottweiler continues chewing on your belongings after teething has finished, it indicates that your dog has developed a chewing behavioral problem. Common causes of such problems include loneliness, boredom, and/or anxiety. It is important to acknowledge that your dog's chewing habit is not a malicious act. Rather, it is an indication that your Rottweiler's emotional and psychological needs are not being met.
In the short term it is a good idea to confine your Rottweiler to prevent them from chewing on your furniture, or other personal items when you cannot be there to observe your dog directly. Doing so will save you money as you wont have to continually to replace destroyed items, and will also give you a break from having to constantly watch your Rottweiler to ensure they don't chew anything. A crate is a great tool to use when you need to confine your dog temporarily, and I highly recommend all Rottweiler owners invest in one.
I must emphasize that confinement offers only a short-term solution to stop Rottweiler chewing. You should only confine your dog while trying to find out what's the root cause of your Rottweiler's chewing behavior is. Remember that the most common causes of Rottweiler chewing (after teething has ended at 11 weeks) is loneliness, anxiety and a lack of mental stimulation. Make sure that your Rottweiler gets plenty of exercise outdoors, and is getting enough attention and company during the day. If, despite your best efforts, your Rottweiler continues to exhibit excessive, inappropriate chewing, it may be an indicator that your dog needs additional attention and stimulation. If this is the case, you should either make changes to your lifestyle, or arrange outside help to meet your dogs needs. It is not necessary to entertain your Rottweiler every single minute of the day, however being alone for extended periods on a regular basis can cause your pet to become neurotic, and as a result cause problems such as excessive chewing.
I hope that the advice in this article has given you a better understanding of why Rottweiler's chew, as well as how to stop Rottweiler chewing. It's important not to become angry and aggressive towards Rottweiler's that chew excessively. Instead try to remain calm, and patiently work towards finding the root cause of the problem.
For more proven advice on the subject of Rottweiler training and how to solve Rottweiler behavioral problems, please sign up for my free Rottweiler training newsletter using the form below.
All the best in your Rottweiler training efforts,
John Hewitt
