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 should help you make a lot of progress with getting your dog to stop chewing the recliner, but you still need to address the fact that they ever thought this was an appropriate response to any feelings of anxiety or boredom they were experiencing.
And to do 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 dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.
But when your dog chews the recliner, they are clearly proving to you that they have no trust for you in this leadership role.
If they did, they wouldn’t continue chewing on your recliner when you’ve already commanded them to stop. They wouldn’t display any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so immediately.
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 changes a reality.
Obviously, you’ll be better off. But your dog will be too because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the worry and confusion that their disobedient behavior issues are currently burdening them with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
That sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
“Sure, absolutely, but how do I do this then?”
You should watch an incredibly useful free video series which is on this very subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains absolutely everything in ways that are very easy to follow and teach to your own dog, and he gets right to the point so that you can start seeing these critical changes in your dog in no time.
Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because no, you’re not going to have to yell or be mean to 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 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].”