Dog Chewing On Table Legs? How to Repair + Stop It! [10 Steps]
Are you fed up with your dog chewing on your table legs? Of course you would be! In “Dog Chewing On Table Legs? How to Repair + Stop It!,” we’ll delve into the reasons why dogs tend to chew on table legs and share practical tips on how to stop this behavior.
Additionally, we’ll guide you through the process of repairing your table legs so they look as good as new. For those wondering if their puppies will ever outgrow this habit, we’ll address that question as well. And lastly, we’ll discuss whether your dog’s chewing could potentially harm their teeth.
Ready to tackle this issue and preserve your furniture? Let’s get started below!
How to Stop Dog Chewing Table Legs
To stop dog chewing table legs:
- Ensure your dog can always find a safe outlet for their chewing such as a toy they can relax with while staying occupied.
- If they’re not made of wood, you can spray a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the legs of the table with it.
- The smell of vinegar will be go away after about 60 minutes, but your dog will still be deterred.
- Give a firm, calm “no” or “stop” right away when you notice that your dog is chewing the legs of the table.
- Do not yell or get upset, because if they’re behaving like this stemming from anxiety (which is incredibly likely), this will only make their worries worse.
- Place them in a short time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for about 10 minutes.
- If you notice your dog beginning to go after the table legs, redirect them to a favorite toy.
- Reward them with praise, a treat, and praise when they choose their toy rather than biting on table legs.
- Make sure that anyone else who lives with you is also going by these procedures.
- Stay consistent and patient.
This should get your dog to stop chewing table legs, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issues (like anxiety) or it will only begin showing itself in other (likely worse) ways.
And to do that, we must first talk about what makes dogs tick and has for thousands and thousands of years now. I’m sure you’ve heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.
But when your dog chews table legs, they are clearly showing you that they have no respect for you in this leadership role.
If they did, they wouldn’t chew on the legs of your table and continue doing so even after you’ve told them to stop. They wouldn’t display any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — immediately — 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 transformations happen.
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 behavior issues are currently placing on their little shoulders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
That sounds terrific, does it not?
“Yeah, sure, but how am I supposed to do this then?”
You should watch an incredibly helpful free video series which is on this exact subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains everything in ways that are very simple to follow 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 before things get any worse.
Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because 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 is My Dog Chewing on Table Legs?
Anxiety is often a primary reason dogs chew on table legs. Dogs may feel anxious due to separation from their owners, changes in their environment, or even boredom. When dogs experience anxiety, they may turn to chewing as a way to cope and self-soothe.
Another possible reason is that your dog is seeking attention. Dogs sometimes engage in destructive behaviors to get a reaction from their owners. In these cases, the chewing is often a symptom of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as a lack of mental stimulation or exercise.
Lastly, teething might be the cause if you have a young puppy. Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, and chewing on things provides relief from the pain and discomfort they’re experiencing.
Redirecting your dog to a toy and praising them when they choose it instead is a good first step, but it’s crucial to remember that this won’t address the core issue. Your dog will simply find alternative items to chew on destructively to alleviate their problem.
Your dog might chew recliners, chew coffee tables, chew couches, or chew chairs. Essentially, anything within their reach can become a potential target. You can probably see why it’s so important to address this at its root. To learn the exact steps to achieve that, go back to the first section of this article now.
Puppy Chewing Table Legs: Will They Grow Out of It?
Puppies often chew on table legs and other objects when they’re teething. This is a natural phase that all puppies go through, and it typically subsides as they grow older and their adult teeth come in. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the problem.
While puppies will grow out of teething, it’s crucial to address the chewing behavior immediately. Even though the teething phase will eventually pass, it’s important not to let the chewing become a learned behavior now, as they will still find it pleasurable and soothing even as an adult.
To help your puppy through this phase, provide appropriate chew toys and encourage them to use these instead of your furniture. Consistent redirection and positive reinforcement will help your puppy understand what is and isn’t appropriate to chew on. Learn more about this by going back to the first section of this article now.
Dog Chewed Table Leg: How to Repair
If your dog has already chewed your table leg, don’t worry; it’s usually possible to repair the damage. Start by cleaning the chewed area with a damp cloth to remove any debris or saliva. Next, use a wood filler or putty to fill in any gouges or indentations. Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the filler is dry, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and level with the surrounding wood. Finally, apply a matching stain or paint to the repaired area, blending it into the existing finish. With a bit of patience and care, you can have your table leg looking good as new.
My Dog is Chewing Table Legs: Will it Hurt Their Teeth?
Chewing on hard surfaces like table legs can potentially damage your dog’s teeth. While their teeth are built for chewing, excessive gnawing on hard objects can lead to fractures, chips, or other dental issues. Furthermore, chewing on furniture could also pose a choking hazard if your dog accidentally swallows splinters or small pieces of wood.
To protect your dog’s dental health and prevent choking risks, it’s important to address the underlying cause of their chewing behavior and provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural instincts. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your furniture, but also your furry friend’s health.
You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewing On Table Legs? How to Repair + Stop It!”