Destructive chewing is one of the most common behavioral issues in our canine companions, and there are several possible causes for this behavior. Separation anxiety, boredom, puppyhood teething, and natural instinct are all possible triggers for this behavior, and each one has a different approach for correction.
If your dog is taking out it's excess energy on your house slippers, your dog might be chewing out of boredom. You can combat this behavior by rethinking your play strategy - take longer walks, and schedule in more time for one-on-one play sessions with your pet.
If your dog is chewing as a puppy, we have good news - this is most likely just a phase! Puppies will use their mouths to explore the world around them - just like you did when you were a baby. Puppy-proof your home in the meantime, and encourage interaction with "legal" chew items, such as toys.
If your dog is still chewing past puppyhood, they may be chewing instinctively. Direct your dog's attention away from the couch cushions and on to safe options - such as edible chewies and rubber toys.
Last, but not least, if the chewing behavior happens while you are out of the house, your dog may have separation anxiety. To stop this behavior, you will first need to work on the underlying issue. We will be covering separation anxiety in an upcoming Pet Fact, so stay tuned for more!