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There
are a variety of reasons dogs chew.
One is a physiological need associated with teething. When
puppies reach a certain age, they must chew. If they don't
have anything to chew on, they'll find something - even
doors and walls. This need peaks between six and ten months
of age.
Another possible cause of chewing is due to a nutritional
deficiency. Dogs may even chew up rocks in order to get
some minerals which are lacking in their diet. When this
happens, adding the needed minerals in the dog's diet will
eliminate the problem.
Chewing can also be an action specific energy behaviour.
When the dog eats, the behaviour specific to eating is released.
If his diet is highly concentrated,
the amount of time spent eating may not be sufficient to
expend this energy. The left over energy results in chewing
after eating. The remedy is to provide the fog with a marrow
bone.
The main reason dogs chew is because of boredom, frustration
or lack of exercise. A dog left to his own devices all day
may find unacceptable ways to amuse himself.
Remember, if a dog is feeling tense and frustrated, he will
not hold these feelings in - chewing is one release.
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