Are you tired of your dog chewing on your deck railings and damaging your outdoor space? In this article, “How to Stop Dog Chewing on Deck Railings”, we’ll provide you with valuable tips and tricks to help you put an end to this destructive habit.

We’ll discuss the possible reasons behind your dog’s affinity for railings, how to dog-proof your deck railings to prevent damage, and how to repair any existing damage caused by your canine companion. Additionally, we’ll consider if chewing on wood railing is harmful for your dog’s health.

So, if you want to protect your deck railings and keep your dog entertained elsewhere, let’s get started below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Deck Railings

To stop dog chewing on deck railings:

1. Use barriers to keep your dog away from the deck.
2. Be sure your dog can always find a proper outlet for chewing such as a chew toy.
3. Give a firm, calm “no” or “stop” right away when you notice your dog chewing the railings on the deck.
4. Do not get upset or yell, because if they’re misbehaving like this stemming from anxiety (which is the most likely explanation), this will only make their issues worse.
5. Place them in a short time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for roughly 10 minutes.
6. If you observe your dog starting to go towards the railings, redirect them to a favorite toy.
7. Give them pets, praise, and a treat when they choose their toy instead of chewing on the deck railings.
8. Be sure that everyone else in the home is also going by these steps while remaining consistent and patient.

This should stop your dog from chewing railings, but you’ll still need to address the underlying issue which was likely causing all of this in the first place: your dog’s anxiety. If you ignore that, your dog will continue to suffer, and you’ll find that they’ll keep misbehaving in other related ways.

To properly cover that, we must first discuss what makes dogs function 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 when your dog chews railings, they are definitively showing you that they have no respect for you as the head of the family pack.

If they did, they wouldn’t chew up your railings even though you’ve told them many times to stop it. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of disrespect or misbehavior. And they would obey your commands at all times — immediately — and they would do so happily.

Make it clear to 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 changes a reality.

Obviously, you’ll win. But your dog will be the even bigger winner here because you’ll have freed them from all of the confusion and worry that their behavior problems are currently saddling them with every single second of every single day.

That sounds great, doesn’t it?

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

You should watch an outstanding 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 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 important 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 Deck Railings?

Dogs chew on deck railings mainly due to anxiety, boredom, or teething. Anxiety can cause dogs to develop destructive behaviors like chewing to cope with their stress.

Similarly, boredom can lead to destructive chewing if your dog lacks sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Lastly, teething is a natural stage in a puppy’s development where they feel the urge to chew to alleviate the discomfort associated with growing new teeth.

It’s important to understand that while some dogs may chew more during their teething phase, this doesn’t mean that they will automatically stop once they’re done teething. Addressing the chewing behavior immediately is crucial to prevent it from becoming a learned behavior that continues into adulthood.

Puppies eventually outgrow teething, but allowing destructive chewing to continue will give your dog the wrong idea, and they may still find it pleasurable and soothing as an adult.

Keeping your dog away from your deck railings will help in the short-term, but it’s crucial to recognize that this won’t address the underlying problem. Your dog will simply search for other objects to destructively chew as a way to soothe their issue.

Your dog might chew on bark, chew on landscape edging, chew on outdoor furniture, or eat from your bird feeder. Essentially, anything they can access will be at risk. It’s important to tackle the root cause of the issue. To learn the exact steps to do so, go back to the first section of this article now.

How to Dog-Proof Deck Railings

Dog-proofing deck railings involves making the area unappealing or inaccessible to your dog. To deter them from chewing on the railings, you can use taste deterrents or physical barriers.

Taste deterrents are substances with an unpleasant taste that you can apply to the railing, which will discourage your dog from chewing. Physical barriers, such as fencing or netting, can be used to block your dog’s access to the deck railing.

In addition to these measures, it’s crucial to provide your dog with adequate mental and physical stimulation. Engaging your dog in regular playtime, exercise, and training sessions will help prevent boredom and keep their mind occupied. Providing appropriate chew toys can also offer a safe and acceptable alternative for your dog to satisfy their chewing urges.

How to Repair Dog-Chewed Deck Railings

Repairing dog-chewed deck railings depends on the extent of the damage and the material of the railing. For wooden railings with minor damage, you can use wood filler to patch the chewed areas.

First, clean the damaged area and remove any loose wood. Then, apply the wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to dry. Once it’s dry, you can sand it smooth and paint or stain it to match the surrounding railing.

For more severe damage, you might need to replace the damaged section of the railing. This involves removing the damaged piece and installing a new one that matches the existing railing. Make sure to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the repair process or if the damage affects the structural integrity of the railing.

Is Chewing on Wood Railing Bad for Dogs?

Yes, chewing on wood railing can be harmful to dogs. The act of chewing on wood can cause splinters, which may lead to oral injuries or gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Additionally, some wood treatments, such as paint or stain, can contain harmful chemicals that could be toxic to your dog if ingested in large quantities.

Preventing your dog from chewing on the wood railing not only protects your deck but also ensures your dog’s safety. Make sure to provide your dog with safe and appropriate chew toys to help satisfy their urge to chew while keeping them away from potential hazards.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing on deck railings, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “How to Stop Dog Chewing on Deck Railings.”