Dog Chewing My Recliner! How to Repair & Stop It! [10 Steps]
Does your dog have a penchant for chewing your favorite recliner? Don’t worry! In this article, “Dog Chewing My Recliner! How to Repair & Stop It!,” we’ll discuss the reasons behind your dog’s destructive behavior and provide helpful tips on how to stop them from chewing recliners.
Furthermore, we’ll also guide you through the repair process in case your furry friend has already done some damage. Ever wondered if your puppy will eventually grow out of this habit? We’ll address that question as well, and talk about potential risks to your dog’s well-being while they’re engaged in this activity.
Ready to save your recliner from your chew-happy pup? Keep reading below!
How to Stop Dog Chewing Recliners
To stop your dog chewing on your recliner:
- Make sure your dog always has an acceptable outlet for their chewing such as a chew toy.
- Spray a deterrent, such as a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the recliner with it (mix is safe to use on leather, but you may want to condition after).
- The vinegar scent will be gone after 60 minutes, but your dog will still be deterred.
- Give a firm, calm “stop” or “no” the second when you see that your dog is again biting the recliner.
- Do not get upset or scream, because if they’re behaving like this due to anxiety (which is very likely), this will only make their worries worse.
- Put them into a short time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for roughly 10 minutes.
- If you observe them starting to go towards the recliner, point them to a favorite toy.
- Reward them with pets, praise, and a small treat when they choose their toy rather than chewing on the recliner.
- Ensure that anyone else who lives in your house is also using these steps.
- Stay patient and consistent.
These steps will get your dog to stop chewing your recliner, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.
“Okay, how do I make these changes stick?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog chews your recliner and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog chewing on your recliner ever again!
Why Do Dogs Chew Recliners?
Dogs chew recliners primarily because of anxiety or boredom. When your furry friend is feeling stressed or has pent-up energy, they might turn to your recliner as an outlet. Anxiety can stem from various sources such as separation, loud noises, or a change in routine.
Boredom, on the other hand, can arise when your dog isn’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation. Chewing not only passes the time, but is enjoyable because the process releases soothing endorphins for your dog.
Another common reason for dogs to chew on furniture is teething. Puppies go through a teething phase during which their baby teeth are replaced by adult ones. This process can be painful and uncomfortable for them, so they’ll naturally seek out items to chew on to relieve the discomfort.
Spraying your recliner with a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water will deter your dog (and is also safe for leather, though you should treat it with a conditioner after), but remember that this won’t resolve the underlying problem. Your dog will just look for other items to destructively chew in order to soothe their issue.
Your dog might chew on your table legs, chew on your coffee table, chew on your couch, or chew on your chairs. Almost anything they can reach can become a tempting target. To learn the exact steps to stop your dog from chewing the recliner while also addressing their issues at their root, go back to the first section of this article now.
Dog Chewed Recliner: How to Repair
If your dog chewed your recliner, you’ll want to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repair. For minor damage, you can often use a fabric or leather repair kit to patch up the affected area. These kits typically come with various materials and adhesives that can help you fix small holes or tears.
For more extensive damage, you might need to consider reupholstering the recliner. This involves removing the damaged fabric or leather and replacing it with new material. If you’re not comfortable with doing this yourself, you can hire a professional upholsterer to do the job.
In some cases, the recliner’s frame or internal components may also be damaged from the chewing. If that’s the case, you might need to consult a furniture repair specialist to address these issues.
Puppy Chewing Recliner: Will They Grow Out of It?
While puppies are obviously going to grow out of teething, you still need to address the chewing behavior immediately. Even though the teething phase will eventually pass, it’s important not to let it become a learned behavior now as they will still find it pleasurable and soothing even as an adult.
To help your puppy through the teething process, provide them with appropriate chew toys. These toys are specifically designed to withstand a puppy’s strong jaws and provide the necessary relief for their sore gums. By offering these alternatives, you can redirect their chewing behavior away from your furniture and onto something more suitable.
Can Dogs Get Hurt Chewing Recliners?
Yes, dogs can get hurt while chewing recliners. Chewing on furniture can lead to several health risks for your dog, such as broken teeth, oral injuries, or ingestion of harmful substances. If your dog manages to chew through the fabric or leather, they could swallow pieces of it, leading to intestinal blockages or choking hazards.
Moreover, recliners often contain various materials, such as wood, metal, or foam, that can cause injury or be toxic if ingested. If you suspect your dog has swallowed any foreign objects or materials, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and possible treatment.
Now that you’re equipped with all this information, you’re ready to tackle the issue of your dog chewing on your recliner. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewing My Recliner! How to Repair & Stop It! [11 Steps].”