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Why Do Dogs Chew Shoes: The Secrets Behind Canine Appetite for Your Favorite Shoes
28.07.2024 06:10
Dog owners often face an unpleasant situation: their beloved pet turns expensive shoes into a chew toy.
This behavior causes confusion and irritation among the owners.
However, dogs have their own reasons for this seemingly destructive behavior.
Natural instincts
Dogs' tendency to chew on various objects, including shoes, is rooted in their natural instincts.
In the wild, dog ancestors used their teeth not only for eating, but also for exploring the world around them. Gnawing helped them understand the properties of different objects and develop their jaw muscles.
The smell of the owner
Shoes carry a strong scent from their owner, making them particularly attractive to dogs.
Animals may chew shoes to be closer to their owner's scent, especially if they are experiencing separation anxiety or missing an absent family member.
Lack of physical activity
Dogs often turn to shoes as an object of entertainment when they are lacking physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Energy that should be spent on walking, playing and training is directed towards destructive behavior, including damaging shoes.
Anxiety and stress
Shoe chewing can be a sign of anxiety or stress in a dog.
This is especially common in animals that experience separation anxiety or have recently experienced some kind of life change, such as moving or the addition of a new family member.
Attracting attention
Some dogs may chew shoes to get their owner's attention.
If an animal notices that such behavior causes an immediate reaction from the owner (even if this reaction is negative), it may repeat this action to get attention.
Boredom and loneliness
Dogs are social animals that do not tolerate prolonged loneliness well.
If your pet is left alone for a long time, he may start chewing shoes out of boredom or as a way to cope with anxiety caused by loneliness.
The Lack of Chew Toys
Dogs need to satisfy their natural need to chew. If your pet doesn't have suitable chew toys or bones, they may turn to shoes as an affordable substitute.
Teething period
Puppies often chew on shoes during the teething period. This process can cause discomfort and itching of the gums, and chewing on hard objects can help relieve the discomfort.
Taste and texture of shoes
Some materials used to make shoes may be attractive to dogs because of their taste or texture. Leather, for example, may remind animals of natural prey, stimulating their hunting instincts.
Lack of proper training
If your dog is not house trained and doesn't know what is and isn't acceptable to chew, he may not understand that shoe damage is undesirable behavior. Consistent training and positive reinforcement help your dog understand what items are available for him to play with and chew on.
