Dog Chewing - How To Curb Your Dog's Appetite For Shoes

Dog chewing is a problem in many households, especially when it's your new high dollar leather loafers that are at risk. So here we're going to take a look at why shoes are so appealing, and also give you some ways to stop your dog from chewing up every pair of shoes you own.

First consider this: human feet have about a half a million sweat glands which are constantly secreting moisture. This is going to sound disgusting but when feet are tucked into hot, humid shoes, the glands can release a half a pint of sweat a day. That perspiration is loaded with your scents, making it hard for your puppy to resist.

I said puppy because adult dogs generally understand that just because something smells good, doesn't necessarily mean it has to be chewed. Puppies on the other hand respond to shoes in much the same way they respond to anything else that gets their attention - by putting it in their mouths. Dog chewing is natural. And when that puppy happens to be teething, look out. Nothing makes the gums feel better than a nice pair of loafers.

As a side note, although it seems like your pet's interest in shoes is directly related to cost, it's not. They really can't tell the difference between a pair of shoes from Wal-Mart and one from Nordstrom's.

Instead it's the personal smell that is most attractive. Your smelly shoes are the next best thing to you. I'm not suggesting you stink, but most dogs really want to be close to the familiar and pleasant (to them) smell of their owners. Add to that the fact that shoes are so convenient. It's natural that your pet will explore when you are gone. and sooner or later they're going to come across a pair of shoes. They are just sitting there on the floor waiting, and they smell like you!

Another side note, dogs generally prefer leather. Some will chew up rubber galoshes if that's all they can find, but given the choice, most will head straight for the leather shoes. It's made from cowhide. And in spite of all the treatments and tanning, dogs still can tell leather is a substance that's pretty darn close to food.

And leather gets softer and tastier when chewed. It massages their gums much like a rawhide. So you have a good taste, a good smell (again to them only) and mouth appeal as well. Is it any wonder that dog chewing is a problem? And if they happen to have tassels, well now you've got a great smelling chew toy with a tail. If you were a dog, could you resist?

So the question is "How do you stop dog chewing, especially on your shoes?". Well since it's the smell your your feet that makes them so tempting, you can start by using shoe inserts that absorb most of the odor. Of course you need to remove the inserts when you get home, otherwise the shoes will be just as tempting as ever.

An easy way to make shoes less appealing is to cover the human scent with a scent that dogs dislike. Some vets recommend using medicated and scented shoe inserts.

Or you can simply spray the insides of your shoes with mint breath spray. Most dogs don't like the smell of mint and will stay away. As an added bonus, your stinky shoes may not smell as bad to the rest of your family. Deodorants with alum are also a good choice. Put a heavy layer of roll-on deodorant on the footpad. If you're using inserts, roll it on both sides. That will certainly slow down the dog chewing.

There are also commercial products available designed to stop dog chewing. We've had good success with . It has no harsh chemicals and is safe for fabrics (and shoes). It comes in an easy spray applicator, starts working instantly, and is relatively inexpensive.

But if you really want to put a permanent end to dog chewing, you need to teach your dog the difference between shoes and toys. Dogs don't typically target shoes, they're just attracted by the scents and their natural chewing instincts take over.

Here's what you do. Several times a day, bring out a tempting shoe and put it on the floor. Put one of you dog's toys a few feet away and watch as he heads for the goodies. If he approaches the shoe, tell him "no". When he shifts towards the toy, tell him "good boy!"

Practice this regularly and periodically move the shoe and toy farther and farther apart. Most dogs will learn the difference within a few weeks.

Of course in the early days of training, remember to keep your shoes out of reach. Young dogs get bored easily and are going to explore. You don't want them to find anything good when you're not around to watch.

One other thing, fuzzy slippers are also especially appealing. All that fake fur is hard for a chewing dog to resist. Chances are they don't really think those slippers are alive, but they have great fun pretending they are!

Go To Dog Articles Page 1 2

Back To Miniature Pinscher World Home Page From Dog Chewing - How To Curb Your Dog's Appetite For Shoes