Does your dog keep going after your rake every time you turn your back? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In our article, “Dog Keeps Chewing Rake? Here’s How to Stop It!”, we’ll examine why dogs might be drawn to chewing on rakes and whether or not it’s safe for them.

We’ll also provide tips on how to keep your dog away from rakes and discuss whether using vinegar can deter your dog from chewing on it. Curious about how to save your rake from your dog’s teeth? Let’s dive in below!

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Rakes

To stop dog chewing your rake:

1. Keep your rake stored in your shed or somewhere that your dog can’t get to.
2. Make sure your dog always has a safe outlet for their chewing such as a toy they can relax with while staying occupied.
3. Spray a deterrent, like a 1:1 blend of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe down the rake and its handle with it.
4. The smell will be gone after 1 hour, but your dog will continue to be repelled.
5. Give a calm, firm “stop” or “no” immediately when you see that your dog is biting the rake.
6. Don’t get upset or yell, because if they’re behaving like this stemming from anxiety (which is extremely likely), this will only make their worries worse.
7. Place them into a short time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for approximately 10 minutes.
8. If you catch them beginning to go towards the rake, point them to a toy.
9. Give them praise, pets, and a treat when they pick a toy rather than biting on the rake.
10. Make sure that anyone else in the house is also using these steps while being consistent and patient.

This will get your dog to stop chewing the rake, but it’s important to remember that the issues which were causing all of this to begin with (anxiety and boredom) 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 to do that, we must first discuss what makes dogs function deep down. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But when your dog chews the rake, they are clearly telling you that they have no trust for you as the head of the family pack.

If they did, they wouldn’t keeping chewing the rake even though you keep telling them to stop it. They wouldn’t display any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands as soon as they’re given, and they would do so happily.

Show your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable one who must be respected, and you’ll make all of these terrific things 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 worry and confusion that their behavior problems are currently burdening their little shoulders with 24/7.

Sounds like a great thing, don’t you think?

“Yeah, definitely, but how do I do this?”

You should watch an outstanding 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 all you’ll need to know 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 before things escalate any further.

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 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 Do Dogs Chew on Rakes?

Dogs chew on rakes mainly due to anxiety or boredom. Anxiety can be triggered by factors like separation or changes in the environment, while boredom often results from a lack of mental stimulation or exercise. Teething can also be a reason, particularly in puppies, as they seek relief from the discomfort of new teeth erupting.

Chewing provides dogs with a way to relieve stress and release pent-up energy. It’s a natural behavior that can be redirected to more appropriate items, like toys or treats. Understanding the root cause of your dog’s chewing will help you determine the most effective way to stop it.

In addition the reasons already listed, your rake becomes an even more appealing target due to the fact that it carries your scent. While you obviously won’t smell anything, remember that your dog has an extremely powerful nose and will find comfort in objects you’ve used, even long ago.

Storing your rake in a place where your dog can’t reach it should be your obvious first thing to do, but it’s important to understand that this won’t resolve the core issue which is actually driving all of this. Your dog will simply turn their attention to other items to chew destructively in order to soothe their problems.

You may soon find your dog chewing gardening gloves, chewing pruning shears, chewing your wheelbarrow wheel, or chewing your sprinkler heads. Virtually any item within their reach could become an enticing target. It’s evident why it’s essential to tackle the root cause of the problem. To learn the exact steps to do that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Are Rakes Safe for Dogs to Chew On?

Rakes are not safe for dogs to chew on. Chewing on rakes can lead to potential hazards, such as splinters, ingestion of metal or plastic pieces, and even choking hazards. These risks could result in serious injuries, dental damage, or an emergency vet visit.

Furthermore, allowing your dog to chew on a rake may reinforce destructive behavior. This could make it more difficult to stop the chewing and redirect your dog’s attention to more suitable items. It’s important to prevent your dog from chewing on rakes and other inappropriate objects to keep them safe and healthy.

How to Keep Your Dog Away from Rakes

To keep your dog away from rakes, first, make sure to store them out of reach. Secure rakes and other gardening tools in a shed, garage, or behind a fence. By removing access to these items, you can prevent your dog from developing a habit of chewing on them.

Additionally, provide your dog with appropriate chew toys and engage them in regular physical and mental stimulation. This will help alleviate boredom and reduce their desire to chew on inappropriate objects. Go back to the first section now to learn more on keeping your dog away from your rake and other items.

Will Vinegar Deter My Dog from Chewing My Rake?

Yes, vinegar can deter your dog from chewing your rake. The strong smell and taste of vinegar can be unpleasant for dogs, making it an effective deterrent. To use vinegar as a deterrent, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle, then apply it to the rake.

Remember that while vinegar can help deter chewing on your rake and other items, it’s still crucial to address the underlying issue and provide your dog with appropriate outlets for their chewing behavior. Otherwise, your pup will just find something else to destructively chew.  Go back to the first section now to learn how to address their problem at its root.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing problem, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Keeps Chewing Rake? Here’s How to Stop It!”