Shower curtains and dogs – not a combination you’d expect, but it’s a reality many pet owners face. In “How to Stop Dog Chewing Shower Curtain,” we’ll dive into the reasons why dogs might be tempted to chew on your shower curtains and, more importantly, how to put a stop to it.

We’ll also address whether shower curtains are safe for dogs to chew on, if dogs can get hurt in the process, and if this behavior is something your puppy will eventually grow out of. Say goodbye to tattered shower curtains and hello to a well-behaved pup!

How to Stop Dog Chewing on the Shower Curtains

To stop your dog chewing the shower curtain:

1. Keep shower curtains tucked away so that your dog can’t get to them.
2. Make sure that the door to your bathroom is always closed.
3. Ensure your dog always has a safe outlet for their chewing like a toy that keeps them occupied.
4. Spray something to deter them, such as a 1:1 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar, on the shower curtain.
5. The scent will not be detectable after an hour, but your dog will continue to be repelled.
6. Give a calm but firm “stop” or “no” right away when you notice that your dog is chewing the shower curtain yet again.
7. Don’t get mad or scream, because if they’re doing so out of anxiety (which is very likely), this will only make their difficulties worse.
8. Place them into a short time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for around ten minutes.
9. If you notice your dog beginning to go for the shower curtain, redirect them to a toy.
10. Give them praise, pets, and a treat when they select their toy instead of chewing on the shower curtain.
11. Be sure that anyone else who lives in your home is also going by these steps.
12. Be consistent and patient.

This will get your dog to stop chewing the shower curtain, but you’ll still need to do something about their misbehavior which is rooted in underlying issues like anxiety, boredom, or dominance. 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. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But every time that your dog chews the shower curtain, they are without a doubt proving to you that they have no trust for you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t keep chewing on your shower curtain even after being told to stop many times. They wouldn’t display any other types of disrespect or misbehavior. 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 deserving and capable one who they must respect, and you’ll make all of these wonderful transformations 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 saddling them with every moment of every day.

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

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

You should watch a wonderful 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 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 crucial changes in your dog in no time.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at 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 Shower Curtains?

Dogs chew on shower curtains primarily due to anxiety, boredom, or teething. Anxiety can lead to a variety of destructive behaviors, including chewing on household items such as shower curtains. A bored dog might find amusement in chewing, while teething puppies can find relief from discomfort by gnawing on objects.

It’s also possible that your dog is attracted to the scent or taste of the curtain, especially if it’s wet or has residual soap on it. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and may find the scent of the curtain appealing, leading them to chew on it.

In some cases, dogs may chew on shower curtains simply because they’re seeking attention from their owners. This behavior can be reinforced if the owner reacts strongly, even if it’s a negative reaction.

Moving your shower curtain out of your dog’s reach and keeping the bathroom door shut are good ways to start, but it’s crucial to understand that these won’t fix the root cause of the problem. Your dog will just search for other items to chew on destructively to soothe their issue.

Your dog might chew on your slippers, chew on your bath mat, chew on your towels, chew on your bathrobe, or even chew on your blankets. Nearly anything they can find will become an appealing target. You can probably see why addressing the root cause of the problem is so important. To learn the exact steps to do this, go back to the first section of this article now.

Are Shower Curtains Safe for Dogs to Chew On?

Shower curtains are generally not safe for dogs to chew on, as they can pose various hazards. Most shower curtains are made from materials like vinyl or plastic, which can be harmful if ingested. Small pieces of the curtain can break off and become choking hazards or lead to gastrointestinal blockages.

Additionally, some shower curtains contain chemicals like phthalates and other additives that could be toxic to dogs. These chemicals can leach out of the curtain when chewed, potentially leading to health problems.

Overall, it’s best to discourage your dog from chewing on shower curtains to ensure their safety and well-being. To learn the exact steps to follow to prevent this behavior while also addressing any underlying issues, go back to the first section now where we’ll explain the entire process.

Will My Puppy Grow Out of Chewing Shower Curtains?

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.

Aside from teething, other reasons for chewing on shower curtains, such as anxiety or boredom, may persist if not addressed. It’s crucial to identify the cause of your puppy’s chewing behavior and take appropriate steps to resolve it.

By providing proper training, redirection, and mental stimulation, you can help your dog develop healthy habits and prevent destructive chewing behaviors in the future.

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