Chewing on newspapers is another destructive habit that some dogs develop. In this article, we will guide you through the process of stopping your dog from chewing newspapers, and help you understand why dogs might be inclined to chew on them.

We will also fill you in on whether or not it is safe for dogs to chew on newspapers, and if this is a habit your puppy will eventually grow out of. So without further ado, let’s get started on our article “Dog Chewing Newspapers? Here’s How to Stop It!”

How to Stop Dog Chewing Newspapers

To stop your dog chewing on newspapers:

1. Store your newspaper where your dog can’t get to it when not reading.
2. Be sure your dog can always find a proper outlet for chewing like a chew toy.
3. Give a firm, calm “stop” or “no” right away if you catch your dog chewing the newspaper again.
4. Do not get angry or yell, because if they’re doing so due to anxiety (which is very probable), this will only make their problems worse.
5. Place them in a quick time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for around 10 minutes.
6. If you notice your dog starting to go for the newspaper again, point their attention to one of their toys.
7. Reward them with praise, pets, and a treat when they select their toy rather than chewing on your newspaper.
8. Ensure that everyone else who lives in your home is also going by these steps.
9. Be consistent and patient.

This will get your dog to stop tearing up the newspaper, but it’s important to remember that the issue which was causing all of this to begin with (likely anxiety) will still remain. And you definitely need to address those, because not doing so means that your dog will continue to suffer, act up, and misbehave in other ways.

And for us to properly go over that, we must first discuss 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 every time that your dog chews your newspaper, they are clearly showing you that they don’t respect you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t destroy your newspaper even after being told to stop. They wouldn’t display any other types of anxiety-related disrespect. And they would immediately obey your commands at all times, and they would do so happily.

Prove 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 great changes happen.

Obviously, you’ll win. But your dog will be the even bigger winner here because you’ll have freed them from all of the confusion and worry that their anxiety issues are currently saddling them with every single second of every single day.

That sounds terrific, don’t you agree?

“Absolutely, yeah, but how do I actually do this then?”

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 absolutely everything in ways that are very easy to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these important changes in your dog in no time.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t stress, 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 Newspapers?

Dogs chew on newspapers for several possible reasons, ranging from natural instincts to behavioral issues. One is that dogs, especially puppies, use their mouths to explore their environment. Chewing on a newspaper allows them to investigate its texture and scent, satisfying their curiosity about the world.

Another reason is that dogs may chew newspapers to relieve boredom. If a dog isn’t getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they might turn to chewing on items around the house, like newspapers, to occupy their time. Additionally, chewing can provide a sense of comfort to dogs, helping to alleviate stress or anxiety.

Dogs might also chew on newspapers as a way to seek attention. If they’ve learned that chewing on a newspaper gets a reaction from you, even if it’s negative, they may continue to do it as a means to gain your attention. In some cases, this can develop into a habit, making it more challenging to break the behavior.

Your newspaper is a particularly attractive target for your dog due to it carrying your scent. This will be especially true if your dog is chewing up your newspaper as a way to relieve their stress and anxiety. And while all of this is not an unusual type of misbehavior for dogs, it becomes a major issue when they behave this way and then refuse to quit even when commanded.

This is an obvious sign of disrespect and must be handled through training right away. Allowing it to continue will give your dog the belief that you’re approving, and then things will only get worse. Your dog will be chewing books, chewing magazines, chewing mail, chewing pictures, and more.

I’m sure you don’t want any of that occurring, so if you’d like to learn how to stop all of this while also addressing the problem at its root, go back to the first section now where we’ll teach you everything you need to know step-by-step.

Is Newspaper Safe for Dogs to Chew On?

It is not safe for dogs to chew on newspapers. Though it may not seem like a serious issue, it can pose several risks to their health. One potential danger is the ingestion of paper and ink, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as blockages or irritation. Ingesting large amounts of paper can also lead to choking hazards, particularly for smaller dogs.

The ink used in newspapers can contain toxic chemicals that, if ingested in large quantities, may harm your dog. Although most newspapers today use soy-based inks, which are generally considered safe, it’s still essential to be cautious and monitor your dog’s newspaper-chewing habits.

Moreover, if your dog becomes accustomed to chewing on newspapers, they may be more likely to chew on other household items. This can lead to further damage to your belongings and potential health risks if they chew on something harmful. Go back to the first section now where we’ll teach you how to correct this behavior.

Will My Puppy Grow Out of Chewing Newspapers?

Your puppy will grow out of chewing newspapers as they mature in most cases. Teething puppies often chew on various items to help soothe their gums and alleviate the discomfort associated with the growth of their adult teeth. Once they’ve finished teething, usually around six to nine months of age, the newspaper-chewing behavior usually subsides.

However, if the newspaper-chewing habit is due to boredom, anxiety, or attention-seeking, it may continue if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. To help your puppy grow out of this behavior, it’s crucial to identify the reasons behind their chewing and take appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Providing your puppy with adequate mental and physical stimulation, using positive reinforcement training, and addressing any anxiety-related problems can all help curb the chewing of newspapers. It’s also important to not allow the behavior to continue as they could learn to enjoy it, meaning that it will become a habit and continue into adulthood.

To learn how to stop puppy your chewing newspapers using an easy-to-follow process, go back to the first section of this article now where we’ve got everything covered for you.

I’m sure you’re ready to enjoy your newspaper in peace, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Good luck with all of this, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewing Newspapers? Here’s How to Stop It!”