Not much can ruin a Saturday like discovering your dog has chewed up your grill cover. If this has happened to you, you’re in the right place. In our article, “Dog Chewed up Grill Cover? Here’s How to Stop It! [10 Steps]”, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to preventing your dog from chewing on grill covers.

We’ll also discuss why dogs are attracted to grill covers and how to dog-proof your cover to keep it safe from your furry companion. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions about using and returning damaged grill covers. So, if you’re ready to put an end to the destruction, let’s get started below!

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Grill Covers

To stop your dog chewing your grill cover:

1. Keep your grill cover stored where your dog can’t get to it when it’s not in use.
2. Be sure your dog can always find an acceptable outlet for chewing such as a chew toy.
3. Spray something to deter them, such as a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water onto a cloth and wipe the grill cover with it.
4. The vinegar scent will go away after 60 minutes, but your dog will continue to be deterred.
5. Give a firm but calm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice that your dog is again biting the grill cover.
6. Don’t get upset or scream, because if they’re misbehaving like this due to anxiety (which is the most probable explanation), this will only make their issues worse.
7. Place them into a quick time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for about ten minutes.
8. If you see them beginning to go after the grill cover, redirect their attention to a favorite toy.
9. Reward them with praise, pets, and a small treat when they choose their toy instead of biting on the grill cover.
10. Ensure that everyone else who lives in your home is also following these instructions while being consistent and patient.

This should get your dog to stop chewing the grill cover, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issue of anxiety or boredom or it will only begin showing itself in other (likely worse) ways.

To properly address that, we must first talk about what makes dogs function and has for thousands and thousands of years now. You’ve probably heard before that all dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But when your dog chews the grill cover, they are clearly telling you that they have no trust for you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t keeping chewing up your grill cover even after you’ve told them to stop doing it. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands as soon as they’re given, and they would do so happily.

Prove to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable one worthy of respect, and you’ll make all of these wonderful changes your reality.

You’ll win for obvious reasons. But your dog will be the real winner here because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the confusion and worry that their behavior problems are currently saddling their little shoulders with every moment of every day.

That sounds wonderful, does it not?

“Absolutely, sure, but how do I actually do this?”

You should watch a tremendous free video series by a renowned trainer named Dan which is on this exact subject: how to be your dog’s pack leader. In Dan’s series, he explains all you’ll need to know in ways that are very simple to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these crucial changes in your dog before things escalate any further.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at your dog. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving teaching techniques at all times. Not just because they’re the right thing to do, but also because they’re the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Grill Covers?

Dogs chew on grill covers mainly because of anxiety, boredom, teething, or an attraction to food smells. Anxiety often comes first, particularly if your dog experiences separation anxiety when you’re away.

Boredom can also play a role when your pup lacks mental and physical stimulation. Teething is a typical reason for chewing in puppies, as they explore the world around them and seek relief from discomfort.

Another factor to consider is that your dog may associate the grill cover with food. Grilling often leaves behind food residue and lingering smells on the cover, which can be enticing to your dog. Their keen sense of smell might lead them to investigate and chew on the cover, hoping to find some tasty morsels.

It’s important to understand the root cause of your dog’s chewing behavior to address it effectively. You may find that a combination of factors is at play, and addressing one may not be enough to stop the unwanted behavior.

Taking steps to dog-proof the cover of your grill (see the next section) should be your first step, but remember, this alone won’t resolve the core problem. Your dog will simply look for other things to chew destructively to alleviate their issue.

Your dog might chew your garden gnome, chew your lawn ornament, chew your shovel handle, or chew your pool noodle. Virtually anything they can find will be a potential target. I’m sure you can see why it’s so important to deal with the root cause of the problem. To learn the exact steps to do that, go back to the first section of this article now.

How to Dog-Proof Your Grill Cover

To dog-proof your grill cover, you’ll want to make it unappealing and inaccessible to your furry friend. One way to do this is by using a sturdy, heavy-duty grill cover made from chew-resistant material. Additionally, you can secure the cover with bungee cords or straps, making it harder for your dog to grab onto and chew.

Another option is to store the grill cover indoors or in a secure area when not in use. This helps keep it out of your dog’s reach and prevents them from developing a habit of chewing on it. Remember to provide your dog with appropriate chew toys to redirect their attention and satisfy their need to chew.

You can also try making a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then misting it all over your grill cover. The smell will go away after about an hour, but your dog will continue to be able to detect it and will remain deterred.

My Dog Chewed My Grill Cover: Can I Still Use It?

If your dog chewed your grill cover, you might still be able to use it, depending on the extent of the damage. Small holes or minor tears might not affect the cover’s ability to protect your grill. However, if the damage is extensive or affects the cover’s structural integrity, you’ll likely need to replace it to ensure proper protection for your grill.

If you decide to continue using a slightly damaged grill cover, monitor its condition closely. Over time, the damage may worsen, requiring you to replace the cover eventually. To learn how to address your dog’s destructive chewing (and also the root cause behind it), go back to the first section of this article now.

My Dog Chewed up My Grill Cover: Can I Return It?

Whether or not you can return a chewed-up grill cover depends on the store’s return policy and the condition of the cover. Many retailers have specific guidelines for returning damaged or used items, and it’s best to check with the store where you purchased the cover.

In most cases, you’ll find that retailers won’t accept returns for items damaged by pets. However, if the cover was defective or there’s a manufacturer’s warranty, you might be able to get a replacement or refund. Always read the warranty and return policy carefully before attempting to return a chewed-up grill cover.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing problem, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewed up Grill Cover? Here’s How to Stop It! [10 Steps].”