If you have a German Shepherd Dog, you know that they can be very enthusiastic chewers. They may also enjoy biting furniture and other objects in your home. While this behavior can sometimes be cute, it can also be frustrating when your dog is gnawing on your furniture or bed.
If your German Shepherd has developed a habit of chewing on the bed, there are a few ways you can try to stop this habit:
- Redirect the chewing onto toys instead of furniture.
- Provide them with appropriate reinforcement when using chewing toys.
- Make sure your dog is not left feeling bored at home.
- Ensure that the dog is feeling safe at home and not anxious.
This blog post will discuss some things you can do to help curb the destructive habit of chewing or biting the bed. We will also provide tips for understanding what makes your dog prone to chewing habits. Let’s get started!
Understand Why The Dog Is Biting The Bed
When you notice that your German Shepherd has gotten into the habit of biting the bed, one of the best ways to solve this problem is to understand why the behavior is happening in the first place. Here are some common reasons why your dog may be chewing up things he or she shouldn’t:
They Are In Their Teething Stages
Just like human babies, puppies undergo a teething phase in which they chew on things to alleviate discomfort in their growing teeth and gums. If your German Shepherd is still within the ages of 4-6 months, it is possible that they are just going through this natural phase and should eventually grow out of it.
However, this does not mean you do not need to take steps to minimize this behavior. If not addressed when they are puppies, this teething behavior can also continue as an adult dog.
They Are Experiencing Anxiety or Boredom
Chewing and biting can also be a coping mechanism for anxiety or boredom. If your German Shepherd is left alone for long periods, he or she may feel stressed and start to chew on things to alleviate this stress.
Additionally, if they are not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they may turn to chewing on the bed as a way to entertain themselves.
They May Be Feeling Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common issue in German Shepherds, as they are bred to be working companions and thrive in the presence of their owners.
When left alone, they may experience excessive worry and stress, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing and biting the bed. Understanding stress as the root cause of such behavior is important because you may need to use different strategies to lessen the chewing.
They Have Been Reinforced To Chew On The Bed
It’s also possible that your German Shepherd has learned that chewing on the bed is a rewarding behavior. If they have been praised or given attention in the past for chewing on the bed, they may continue to do so because it has been reinforced.
Sometimes, we can unknowingly reinforce unwanted behaviors in a dog. For example, if you yell at your German Shepherd for chewing on the bed but then give them attention afterward, they may see the yelling as a form of play and continue to chew on the bed to receive more attention.
Correct The Behavior You Want To Change
Once you know why your German Shepherd is behaving in this way, you can take action to prevent such chewing habits from developing. Let’s tackle each cause and look at ways you can try and correct the behavior.
For example, if the issue is just the teething stage in a puppy’s life, you can try providing them with appropriate chew toys to redirect their chewing habits to something more acceptable.
If the source is boredom or anxiety, try giving your German Shepherd more physical and mental stimulation through exercise, training, and interactive toys.
On the other hand, if the issue at hand is that your German Shepherd is experiencing separation anxiety, try leaving them with familiar objects, such as a blanket or toy, when leaving the house.
This can provide some comfort for them while they are alone. Additionally, consider talking to a professional behaviorist or trainer for more tips and strategies to address separation anxiety.
Finally, it’s important to be conscious of how you may unknowingly reinforce the behavior. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, try to ignore the chewing and reward them for chewing on appropriate chew toys instead.
Stay Consistent With Reinforcement, Training And Rewards
For any of these strategies to be effective, it is important to stay consistent with reinforcing the behavior you want to see and rewarding your German Shepherd for it.
Remember, dogs thrive on consistency and routine, so stick to a plan and be patient with your German Shepherd as they learn and adjust. You should also make sure to involve treats or rewards that your dog likes so they have an incentive to follow your instructions.
For instance, if your German Shepherd starts to chew on the bed, calmly remove them from the situation and redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy. Consistently following this strategy will teach them that chewing on the bed is not desirable behavior.
It may take some time to see improvement, but with patience and consistency, you can teach your German Shepherd to stop chewing on the bed.
Consult With A Professional Trainer Or Behaviorist
In most cases, you will be able to tackle unwanted behaviors like chewing from your German Shepherd with ease. However, if you are struggling with setting a consistent plan, or the training does not seem to work, you can also take on the help of a professional.
A trainer or behaviorist can offer personalized advice and guidance on addressing chewing behavior. Don’t forget that your German Shepherd’s behavior reflects his or her environment and training.
The professional trainer can take all of that into account and help you develop a consistent routine for training and reinforcement to address the issue effectively. Additionally, a behaviorist can help understand the underlying behaviors if they are not easy to pinpoint.
Final Thoughts
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and often stems from teething, boredom, anxiety, or even a desire for attention. Understanding the cause of the behavior is the first step in addressing it. From there, try redirecting the behavior to healthy alternatives.
And don’t forget, if you are struggling, consider consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist for personalized advice and guidance. With patience and consistency, you can effectively teach your German Shepherd to stop chewing on the bed.