My 4-year-old dog chews everything she can find. Even though she has toys, she prefers to chew on our clothes. How can I make her understand that she's not allowed to take our clothes?
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Hello,
At 4 years old, your dog can definitely learn to stop touching clothes. Clothing can often be very attractive to dogs: it carries your scent, has a pleasant texture, and can also become a way to get your attention.
If I could offer a few tips, I'd suggest offering an alternative, such as a toy, when she starts getting too interested in a piece of clothing. Don’t use treats as an alternative, as she might associate the clothing with the reward and keep doing it; however, a treat is a great way to reward her if she listens and lets go of the item.
Most importantly, be consistent: everyone in the family must follow the same rules. If she tries again, calmly redirect her to an allowed activity. Also, please be careful: if she swallows pieces of fabric, it can cause a bowel obstruction. In case of ingestion, contact your vet immediately without waiting for symptoms to appear. Finally, if she mainly destroys clothes when she is alone, it’s worth considering whether this might be linked to stress or separation anxiety.
I’m absolutely sure she can learn to tell the difference between your belongings and her toys. Good luck!
Fantine Rouquette
Hi there, a Griffon Nivernais lives through her nose. Your clothes carry your scent, making them far more interesting to her than a toy. It’s not a case of her being naughty.
Three things work well together:
1. Make clothes inaccessible (keep the laundry basket lid closed and bedroom doors shut). Every item she chews reinforces the habit.
2. Teach her to "swap". If she gets hold of something, don't chase her. Instead, offer a treat, say "give", and then retrieve the item calmly. Telling her off after the fact doesn't teach her anything.
3. Keep her nose busy: hide treats around the house, use a snuffle mat, or give her a stuffed chew toy. Rotate her toys to keep them feeling new.
If this has only started recently, think about whether anything has changed in her daily routine (such as being left alone more or a change in her walking schedule).
If she ever swallows bits of fabric, call your vet even if she seems fine, as fabric can cause a bowel blockage.
Dog Lover
