Dog Chewing Magazines? Here’s How to Stop It!
Dogs can be quite mischievous, and a common complaint among dog owners is discovering their pet has been chewing on magazines. In this article, we will explore how to stop your dog from chewing magazines, understand the reasons behind this behavior, and discuss whether it is safe for dogs to chew on magazines.
We will also look into whether your dog will grow out of this habit over time. Soon, this incredibly frustrating problem for you and your pup will all be a thing of the past. Keep reading below for our article “Dog Chewing Magazines? Here’s How to Stop It!”
How to Stop Dog Chewing Magazines
To stop dog chewing magazines:
- Keep your magazines placed where your dog can’t get to them.
- Make sure your dog can always find a safe outlet for their chewing such as a chew toy.
- Give a calm, firm “stop” or “no” the second when you see that your dog is chewing your magazines.
- Don’t get upset or scream, because if they’re behaving like this due to anxiety (which is very probable), this will only make their stress worse.
- Place them in a short time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for approximately ten minutes.
- If you notice them beginning to go for a magazine, point them to one of their toys.
- Give them pets, praise, and a small treat when they choose their toy instead of chewing up your magazines.
- Ensure that everyone else who lives in your house is also following these procedures.
- Remain consistent and patient.
This should get your dog to stop chewing your magazines, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issue of anxiety or it will only begin showing itself in other (likely worse) ways.
And for us to properly go over that, we must first discuss what makes dogs tick deep down. 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 magazines and continues to do so even after being told to stop, they are clearly proving to you that they have no respect for you as the head of the family pack.
If they did, they wouldn’t be so quick to ignore your direction. They wouldn’t display any other types of anxiety-related misbehavior. And they would immediately obey your commands at all times, and they would do so happily.
Make it clear to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable, deserving one who must be respected, and you’ll make all of these wonderful things your reality.
You’ll be better off for obvious reasons. But your dog will be too because you’ll have freed them from all of the confusion and worry that their anxiety issues are currently saddling them with every moment of every day.
That sounds terrific, does it not?
“Yes, definitely, but how am I supposed to do this?”
You should watch an outstanding 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 absolutely everything in ways that are very easy to follow and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these critical 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 never uses those types of methods. Not just because loving teaching techniques are 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 Magazines?
Dogs chew on magazines for various possible reasons, including boredom, teething, anxiety, or simply because they find it entertaining. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they explore the world around them using their mouth.
Magazines, with their unique texture and smell, can be quite appealing to them. Chewing on magazines can also provide some relief for teething puppies, as it helps soothe their sore gums. For dogs experiencing anxiety or stress, chewing can be a way to self-soothe and feel more at ease.
Your magazines have the added benefit of carrying your smell, which is also pleasing and comforting to your dog if they’re experiencing anxiety or stress. And while all of these reasons for why your dog chews magazines are common, that doesn’t mean you can allow them to continue.
Doing so will give your dog the idea that this type of misbehavior is acceptable, and they’ll soon get even worse and act this way even more frequently. All of your things will become possible targets for them. You’ll find your dog is chewing your books, chewing your mail, chewing your newspapers, and chewing your pictures.
Imagine how obnoxious dealing with all of that will be! But this problem is actually pretty easy to address, and you’ll use the same steps regardless of the specific reasons for your dog’s destructive chewing. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll go over everything.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew on Magazines?
It is not safe for dogs to chew on magazines, though it may seem harmless. The ink and chemicals used in the printing process could be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Additionally, if your dog swallows pieces of paper, it can lead to choking hazards or digestive issues, such as blockages or tears in their digestive system.
It’s also important to consider the potential damage to your property and the possibility of your dog developing a habit of chewing on other household items. This can result in costly repairs or replacements and may even pose a danger to your dog if they chew on something that is hazardous to their health. Go back to the first section now to learn how to handle things.
Will My Dog Grow Out of Chewing Magazines?
Dogs will grow out of chewing magazines only if they are puppies going through the teething stage. As they grow older, their need to chew on objects like magazines will decrease. However, some dogs may continue to chew because they’ve learned to enjoy it or if the underlying cause of their behavior, such as boredom or anxiety, is not addressed.
To help your dog grow out of chewing magazines, it’s essential to determine the root cause of their behavior and address it accordingly. For example, if your dog is chewing due to boredom, providing them with more mental stimulation and exercise can help curb this behavior. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular walks or play sessions can help keep your dog engaged and entertained.
If your dog’s chewing is anxiety-driven, it’s crucial to identify the source of their anxiety and work on reducing it. This involves creating a calmer environment and using positive reinforcement training techniques. Go back to the first section of this article now for the exact steps to follow to teach your dog to stop chewing magazines while also addressing their root issues.
I’m sure you’re sick of your favorite magazines getting ripped to shreds, so I’ll let you get going on things now. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Dog Chewing Magazines? Here’s How to Stop It!”