Biting

My Dog Chewed My Flip Flops! How Do I Stop It?

In “My Dog Chewed My Flip Flops! How Do I Stop It?”, we’ll explore the reasons behind your dog’s flip flop obsession and how to put an end to it. We’ll discuss how to deter your dog from chewing on them, the possible reasons they find them so irresistible, and whether it’s safe for your dog to be chewing on your flip flops.

Additionally, we’ll look into whether those damaged flip flops can be salvaged and if your furry friend is likely to outgrow this behavior. Let’s make sure to save your precious flops from any further destruction by getting started in the article below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Flip Flops

My Dog Chewed My Flip Flops

To stop dog chewing flip flops:

  1. Keep flip flops hidden away or as out of reach as possible.
  2. Be sure your dog always has a proper outlet for chewing like a toy that keeps them occupied.
  3. Spray a deterrent, such as a 50/50 blend of water and distilled white vinegar onto a cloth and wipe down the flip flops with it.
  4. The vinegar smell will not be detectable after 1 hour, but your dog will still be repelled.
  5. Give a firm, calm “stop” or “no” immediately when you notice that your dog is biting your flip flops.
  6. Do not yell or get upset, because if they’re behaving like this due to anxiety (which is very probable), this will only make their problems worse.
  7. Place them into a quick time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for approximately 10 minutes.
  8. If you observe them starting to go after the flip flops, redirect their attention to a favorite toy.
  9. Give them a small treat, pets, and praise when they select their toy instead of chewing, ripping, or tearing up your flip flops.
  10. Make sure that everybody in the home is also following these instructions.
  11. Stay consistent and patient.

This should get your dog to stop chewing on your flip flops, but you’ll still need to take care of their underlying issues (likely anxiety or boredom) or they’ll only begin showing themselves 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. 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 up your flip flops, they are clearly showing you that they don’t respect you as the head of the family pack.

If they did, they wouldn’t keep chewing on your flip flops even though you’ve told them to stop. They wouldn’t display any other types of disrespect or misbehavior. And they would immediately obey your commands at all times, and they would do so happily.

Show 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 your 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 confusion and worry that their behavior problems are currently burdening them with every moment of every day.

Sounds wonderful, don’t you think?

“Absolutely, sure, but how am I supposed to do this?”

You should watch an excellent 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 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 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 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 Does My Dog Chew Flip Flops?

Anxiety could be a primary reason your dog is chewing on your flip flops. Dogs often feel stressed or anxious due to changes in their environment, separation from their owners, or even loud noises. Chewing can be a coping mechanism, helping them relieve some of that stress.

Another possible reason is boredom. Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they don’t get enough of either, they may resort to chewing on objects around the house, including your flip flops.

Lastly, teething may be the culprit, especially if your dog is a puppy. During this phase, their teeth are growing in, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort associated with that process.

Keeping your flip flops out of your dog’s reach is a useful first step, but it’s crucial to recognize that this won’t address the core issue. Your dog will merely seek out other items to chew destructively in order to soothe their problem.

Your dog may chew your Crocs, chew your high heels, chew your sandals, or chew your boots. Virtually anything within reach will become a tempting target. I’m sure you can see now why it’s you need to get down to the root cause of this issue. To learn the exact steps to achieve that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Can My Dog Chew Flip Flops Safely?

While chewing on flip flops might seem harmless at first, it can actually be dangerous for your dog. Small pieces can break off and become a choking hazard, or they could ingest larger portions, leading to intestinal blockages.

Moreover, flip flops are often made of materials that aren’t safe for consumption. Some contain harmful chemicals, which could lead to toxicity if ingested in significant amounts. So, it’s best to prevent your dog from chewing on flip flops in the first place. Learn the exact steps to do that in the first section of this article.

Can Dog Chewed Flip Flops Be Repaired?

Depending on the extent of the damage, it might be possible to repair your dog-chewed flip flops. For minor damage, you could try gluing the torn parts back together or use a strong adhesive to fix any separated layers.

However, if the flip flops are severely damaged or chewed to the point where they no longer function properly, it’s best to accept the loss and replace them. After all, your main concern should be to stop your dog from chewing on flip flops in the future.

Do Dogs Grow Out of Chewing on Flip Flops?

While puppies will grow out of teething, it’s essential 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.

If your dog is chewing on flip flops due to anxiety or boredom, addressing the underlying issue is crucial. Providing mental and physical stimulation, as well as creating a stress-free environment, can help curb this unwanted behavior. To learn how to get down to the root problem, go back to the first section now.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started so your dog will quit chewing on your flip flops, so I’ll let you get going. Best wishes, and thanks for checking out our article “My Dog Chewed My Flip Flops! How Do I Stop It?”

The Author

KB

KB

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.