How to Stop Dog Chewing On My Garden Gnome [10 Steps]
You’ve spent a lot of time and effort selecting the perfect garden gnome for your yard, only to find your dog has developed a taste for them. In this article, we’ll explore “How to Stop Dog Chewing On My Garden Gnome” in ten easy steps.
We’ll look at techniques to keep your dog from chewing on your precious gnomes, as well as discuss why dogs are attracted to these quirky figurines in the first place. Additionally, we’ll share some tips on how to keep your dog away from garden gnome statues and even how to repair a dog-chewed gnome if necessary.
Ready to protect your garden gnomes from your furry friend? Keep reading below!
How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Garden Gnomes
To stop your dog chewing your garden gnome statues:
- Keep your garden gnomes placed where your dog can’t get to them.
- Make sure your dog can always find an acceptable outlet for their chewing such as a toy they can relax with while staying occupied.
- Spray something to deter them, such as a 50/50 blend of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the garden gnomes with it.
- The vinegar smell will be gone after around 1 hour, but your dog will still be deterred.
- Give a calm but firm “no” or “stop” immediately when you catch your dog is once again chewing your garden statues.
- Do not get angry or scream, because if they’re acting like this due to anxiety (which is very likely), this will only make their worries worse.
- Place them into a quick time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for about ten minutes.
- If you see your dog beginning to go after the garden gnome statues, redirect their attention to a favorite toy.
- Give them pets, a small treat, and praise when they pick a toy instead of chewing on your gnome statues.
- Make sure that everybody who lives with you is also using these steps while remaining patient and consistent.
This will get your dog to stop chewing your gnome statues, but you’ll still need to do something about their misbehavior which was rooted in their underlying issues with anxiety or other behavior problems. Not doing anything will just lead to your dog continuing to think that they are in charge and that they make the decisions, and things will only get worse for the both of you.
And for us to properly go over that, we must first discuss what makes dogs tick deep down. I’m sure you’ve heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.
But every time that your dog chews garden gnome statues, they are clearly showing you that they have no trust for you in this leadership role.
If they did, they wouldn’t keeping chewing on your gnomes even though you’ve told them again and again to stop it. They wouldn’t display any other types of disrespect or misbehavior. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so immediately.
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 changes 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 worry and confusion that their behavior issues are currently burdening them with every single second of every single day.
That sounds wonderful, right?
“Absolutely, sure, but how do I actually do this then?”
You should watch a fantastic 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 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 critical changes in your dog in no time.
Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And 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 on Garden Gnomes?
Dogs chew on garden gnomes mainly due to anxiety, boredom, or teething. Anxiety can cause dogs to become destructive, and chewing on garden gnomes might provide them some relief.
Boredom is another factor; dogs need physical and mental stimulation, and if they’re not getting enough, they may turn to chewing on your garden decor. Lastly, teething is a common reason for puppies to chew on things, including garden gnomes.
If your dog is chewing on your garden gnome due to anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause. You can help your dog feel more secure by providing them with a consistent routine and environment, along with lots of love and attention. Exercise and mental stimulation are also key to reducing anxiety in dogs.
In the case of boredom, you can prevent your dog from chewing on garden gnomes by ensuring they have plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise, interactive toys, and quality time with you can all help keep your dog entertained and engaged.
When it comes to teething, puppies will grow out of this phase, but it’s important to address the chewing behavior 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 your garden gnome (see the next section) is the obvious first step, but remember that it doesn’t address the underlying issue. Your dog will just find other items to chew destructively as a way to soothe their problem.
Your dog may chew lawn ornaments, chew grill cover, chew shovel handle, or possibly even eat a pool noodle. Almost anything within reach can become a tempting target. It’s clear that addressing the root cause of the issue is absolutely necessary. To learn the exact steps to achieve that, go back to the first section of this article now.
How to Keep Dog Away From Garden Gnome Statues
To keep your dog away from garden gnome statues, start by creating a physical barrier. You can use fencing or other obstacles to prevent your dog from accessing the area where the gnomes are placed. It’s also a good idea to make the area unappealing to your dog by removing any other items they might be tempted to chew on, such as plants or toys.
Another effective method is to redirect your dog’s attention away whenever they start to go towards the garden gnomes. Provide them with appropriate chewing toys and make sure they’re readily available both inside and outside. Praise and reward your dog when they choose to chew on their toys instead of the garden gnomes.
Finally, never underestimate the power of exercise and mental stimulation. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing on garden gnomes. To learn about addressing the root cause of your dog’s destructive chewing, go back to the first section of this article now.
Can You Repair a Dog-Chewed Garden Gnome?
Yes, you can repair a dog-chewed garden gnome, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor damage, you can use a waterproof epoxy or super glue to fix any cracks or chips. Carefully apply the adhesive, press the broken pieces together, and hold them in place until the glue sets. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
For more extensive damage, you may need to use a combination of epoxy, sculpting clay, and paint to rebuild the gnome’s appearance. Start by using epoxy to reattach any large broken pieces. Then, use sculpting clay to recreate any missing parts of the gnome. Once the clay has hardened, paint the repaired areas to match the rest of the gnome.
Keep in mind that while these repairs can help restore the appearance of your garden gnome, they may not be as durable as the original material.
You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing on garden gnomes, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “How to Stop Dog Chewing On My Garden Gnome [10 Steps].”