Is your dog chewing on your door mat constantly and you’re not sure what to do? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to explain why dogs chew on door mats and give you easy strategies to stop this behavior.

We’ll go over everything, from understanding why dogs find these so enticing, to finding door mats that are resistant to your dog’s destructive chewing habit. We’re also going to help you understand the unique reasons why puppies chew on door mats.

So, if you’re tired of constantly replacing your chewed-up door mat, keep reading below!

Stop Dog Chewing Door Mat

To stop your dog chewing the door mat:

1. Make sure your dog always has available an acceptable outlet for chewing like a chew toy.
2. Spray something to deter your dog, such as a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe down the door mat with it.
3. The vinegar smell will go away after about 1 hour, but your dog will continue to be deterred.
4. Give a firm, calm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice your dog is chewing the door mat.
5. Don’t get upset or yell, because if they’re behaving like this due to anxiety or boredom (which is extremely likely), this will only make their stress worse.
6. Place them into a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for approximately ten minutes.
7. If you catch your dog beginning to go towards the door mat, redirect their attention to one of their toys.
8. Give them a treat, pets, and praise when they select a toy instead of chewing on the door mat.
9. Be sure that everybody who lives with you is also following these procedures.
10. Stay patient and consistent.

These steps will get your dog to stop chewing the door mat, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, boredom) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog is chewing the door mat and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog chewing the door mat ever again!

Door Mats That Dogs Can’t Chew: What to Look For

Your dog chewing on the door mat not only damages your property but can also be harmful to them if they ingest the mat material. Therefore, finding a dog proof doormat becomes an important thing. In this section, we’ll focus on what you should look for when shopping for door mats that dogs can’t chew.

Durable Material

The first thing to consider when looking for a door mat that your dog can’t chew is the material it’s made of. The mat should be constructed from a durable material that can withstand your dog’s biting and scratching. Materials like rubber and certain durable fabrics are often used in dog proof doormats.

Non-Toxic

Ensure that the doormat you choose is made from non-toxic materials. This is crucial because even with a durable mat, there’s always a chance that your dog may ingest small parts of it. You’ll want to ensure that, if this happens, the material won’t harm your dog.

Heavy and Stable

A heavy and stable mat is less likely to become a chew toy. If the mat is lightweight and moves around easily, it may attract your dog’s attention. On the other hand, a heavy mat that stays in place is less likely to be seen as a plaything by your dog.

Texture

Consider the texture of the mat as well. Some dogs are discouraged from chewing if the texture is unappealing. A mat with a rough texture might be less attractive to your dog than one with a soft, plush feel.

Size

Finally, consider the size of the doormat. A smaller mat might be easier for your dog to pick up and carry off to chew. A larger mat, especially one that fits snugly in a doorway, might be less of a temptation.

Keep these things in mind and you should be able to find a dog proof doormat that meets your needs and keeps your furry friend safe. It’s always important to remember that while a good doormat can help, the best solution is to train your dog not to chew on items around the house. Learn how to stop your dog’s chewing in the first section.

Why Do Dogs Chew Door Mats?

Dogs chew door mats for several reasons including anxiety, boredom, and teething. It’s a behavior that may seem odd to us, but it can make a lot of sense from a canine perspective. Here are some of the main reasons why this behavior occurs:

1. Teething: If your dog is a puppy, they could be teething. Puppies go through a developmental stage where they need to chew on things to alleviate the discomfort of their teeth coming in. They feel an urge to gnaw and bite on things to help the new teeth break through the gums. Chewing on door mats, with their rough texture, can be particularly soothing for them during this challenging period of growth.
2. Boredom: Just like humans, dogs can get bored, and chewing is one way they entertain themselves. If your dog doesn’t have enough toys or activities to keep them occupied, they might start chewing on your door mats out of sheer boredom. They might find the texture of the mat engaging, or they may simply appreciate the change from their usual toys.
3. Anxiety: Chewing can be a way for dogs to relieve stress or anxiety. If something in their environment is causing your dog to feel anxious, like loud noises, a new house, or being left alone for extended periods, they may start chewing on things like door mats as a coping mechanism. This kind of stress-induced behavior can become a compulsive habit if not addressed quickly and properly.You may soon find your dog chewing your shoes, chewing up your headphones, chewing water bottles, or chewing your water hose. Obviously, you don’t want any of this happening and you don’t want your dog’s suffering to continue, so it’s important to handle things now and not let them get any worse.
4. Attraction to Scents: Door mats can carry a wealth of interesting scents, especially if they’re placed outside. Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, far superior to our own, and they might be attracted to the different smells the mat has absorbed. These could include smells from outside, from different people who have walked on the mat, or even residual smells from cleaning products used on the mat. Chewing allows them to explore these intriguing scents more deeply.
5. Dietary Needs: In some cases, dogs may chew on non-food items like door mats if they’re lacking certain nutrients in their diet. Although it’s less common, it’s worth considering if your dog constantly chews on non-food items. It’s called pica, a condition where dogs ingest non-food items, and it can sometimes be a sign of dietary imbalances. A conversation with your vet could help determine if this is the case with your pet.

Remember, while occasional chewing is normal, excessive chewing can be a sign of underlying issues, whether they be physical or psychological. If your dog’s door mat chewing becomes a persistent problem, learn how identify and properly treat your dog’s problem by going back to the first section of this article now.

Puppy Chews on Door Mats

Your puppy chews on door mats due to various reasons including teething, exploration, and boredom. These typically stem from their natural instincts and developmental stages. In this section, we’ll discuss the reasons why puppies chew on door mats and how to address this behavior.

Teething

Much like human babies, puppies go through a teething process. When your puppy’s teeth are growing, their gums can become sore and uncomfortable. Chewing on objects, such as door mats, can provide some relief for your puppy.

Exploration

Puppies explore the world around them with their mouth. They chew on various items to get to know their environment better. Door mats are often one of the accessible objects for puppies, so they become a primary target for this exploratory behavior.

Boredom

If your puppy is not provided with enough stimulation, they can become bored and resort to chewing on things around the house, including door mats. This can also be a sign that your puppy has excess energy and needs more exercise.

How to Address This Behavior

1. Provide Teething Toys: If your puppy is teething, make sure they have plenty of appropriate chew toys. This can help alleviate their discomfort and keep them from chewing on inappropriate items like door mats.
2. Provide Mental Stimulation: To combat boredom, provide your puppy with plenty of mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can help keep your puppy engaged and less likely to chew on door mats.
3. Regular Exercise: Regular physical exercise can help burn off your puppy’s excess energy and reduce their need to chew on objects around the house.
4. Training: Train your puppy to understand the difference between their toys and household items. Use positive reinforcement to reward your puppy when they chew on their toys and redirect them when they show interest in inappropriate items.

Addressing the issue of a puppy chewing on door mats requires patience and consistency, but with time and the right strategies (we went over these in the first section), you can effectively redirect this behavior.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to saying goodbye to your dog’s destructive chewing, so I’ll let you get going on things now. Good luck, and thanks for reading “Dog Keeps Chewing Door Mat? Here’s How to Stop It! [Easy].”