Dog Chewing Outdoor Furniture? How to Repair + Stop! [11 Steps]
If your dog has taken a liking to your outdoor furniture, we’re ready to fill you in on everything you need to know. In our article, “Dog Chewing Outdoor Furniture? How to Repair + Stop!”, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to stop this destructive behavior and repair any damage.
We’ll explore why dogs might be attracted to outdoor furniture, how to stop them from chewing it, and how to dog-proof your furniture to prevent further incidents. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to repair any dog-chewed outdoor furniture and get your backyard looking its best again. So, if you’re ready to protect your outdoor living space, let’s dive in below!
How to Stop Dog Chewing Outdoor Furniture
To stop dog chewing on the outdoor furniture:
- Keep your dog out of the areas where your keep your patio furniture.
- Use furniture covers.
- Be sure your dog is never without an acceptable outlet for chewing like a toy they enjoy.
- Spray a deterrent, such as a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth. Only apply to covers or non-wood furniture (vinegar will damage wood).
- The smell of vinegar will not be detectable after around an hour, but your dog will still be repelled.
- Give a calm, firm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice that your dog is chewing the outdoor furniture.
- Do not scream or get angry, because if they’re doing so out of anxiety (which is likely), this will only make their worries worse.
- Put them into a brief time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for about ten minutes.
- If you observe your dog beginning to go for the furniture, point them to a favorite toy.
- Reward them with praise, pets, and a treat when they select a toy instead of chewing on patio furniture.
- Make sure that everyone else in the house is also using these instructions while being patient and consistent.
These steps will get your dog to stop chewing outdoor furniture, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.
“So, how do I make these changes last then?”
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 outdoor furniture 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 outdoor furniture ever again!
Why Do Dogs Chew on Outdoor Furniture?
Anxiety can be a major reason why dogs chew on outdoor furniture. Dogs often experience anxiety when they are left alone or face new situations, which can lead to destructive behavior. Boredom is another cause, as dogs may resort to chewing when they don’t have enough mental or physical stimulation.
Teething is another possible reason if your dog is still a puppy, as they chew to alleviate the discomfort of growing new teeth. Although puppies eventually outgrow teething, it’s still important to tackle their destructive chewing habits right away.
Allowing it to continue gives your dog tacit approval, and they will not simply age out of this as chewing will still be pleasurable for them even as an adult.
Keeping your dog away from the areas where you keep your outdoor and other patio furniture is nice to start with, but it’s important to note that this won’t get down to what’s really causing things. Your dog will just find other items to destructively chew in an effort to soothe their issue.
Your dog might chew on bark, chew the deck railings, chew the landscape edging, or eat the bird seed. Essentially, anything within their reach can become a target. I’m sure you can see why address the root cause is so important. To learn the exact steps to accomplish that, go back to the first section of this article now.
How to Repair Dog-Chewed Outdoor Furniture
To repair dog-chewed outdoor furniture, assess the extent of the damage first. For minor damages, you can sand the affected area and apply a wood filler or putty to fill in the gaps. After it dries, sand the surface again and finish with a sealant or paint to match the original color.
For more severe damage, you may need to replace parts of the furniture. Consult with a professional carpenter or furniture repair specialist for the best advice on fixing larger damages. It might also be worth considering investing in more durable, dog-resistant outdoor furniture to avoid future damage.
How to Dog-Proof Outdoor Furniture
Dog-proofing your outdoor furniture begins with providing alternatives for your dog to chew on. Offer them safe and engaging chew toys to keep them entertained and deter them from targeting your furniture. Regular exercise and mental stimulation can also help reduce destructive behaviors caused by boredom or anxiety.
Additionally, restrict your dog’s access to the outdoor furniture when you’re not around to supervise. You can use barriers like baby gates or fences to create a designated play area away from the furniture. To learn how to keep your dog away from your outdoor furniture while also addressing their underlying issues, go back to the first section now.
Why Are Dogs Attracted to Outdoor Furniture?
Dogs are attracted to outdoor furniture for several reasons. One reason is the texture; wood or wicker furniture can provide a satisfying chewing experience for dogs. The furniture’s scent can also play a role, as outdoor furniture often absorbs various smells that dogs find appealing. Lastly, your dog may simply be seeking attention or trying to communicate with you through their destructive behavior.
Now that you have a better understanding of why dogs chew on outdoor furniture and how to address the issue, you’re ready to get started on repairing and preventing future damage. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewing Outdoor Furniture? How to Repair + Stop!”