8 Tips On How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Wood Trim?

Does your dog love to chew on wood trim? If so, you’re not alone. Several dog owners have thought about this question. People come up with different theories about why dogs chew on wood, but there is no clear answer to it.

Many dogs enjoy chewing on anything they can get their teeth on, including wood trim. To stop them the most common method is to provide them with an alternative, such as a chew toy. If you can’t keep your dog away from the wood trim, you may need to cover it with something or train your dog not to chew on it.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to stop a dog from chewing on wood trim and provide some tips for keeping your home looking good.

So let’s get started!

Reasons Why Dogs Chew On Wood

Dogs are carnivores, which means they have to chew on different things to satisfy their taste buds and that’s their natural behavior too.

Wood splinters or pieces of wood are considered a hard food for them, and it’s been found that not only do dogs chew on wooden trims, but they also like to push it around by shaking their heads or tugging on it.

A dog chewing on wood is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important that you try and find out why your dog is behaving this way. Some reasons for a dog to chew on wood are completely normal, but some may be signs of a more serious problem.

Among many, some of the reasons why dogs chew on wood or wooden furniture are as following

1. Boredom

Dogs get bored just like we do; if they don’t get the proper attention and stimulation, they may try to find things to do independently.

This could lead them to chew on wood furniture. It can help them with their teeth as well because they’re cleaning them as they chew.

If your dog is chewing on wood trims, he most likely is bored and needs more attention from you.

To avoid that you need to make sure your furry friend get’s enough mental stimulation and physical stimulation to burn his excess energy on regular basis in an engaging playtime or a physical activity such as a dog sport.

So, when your canine friends have no pent-up energy they are not likely to engage in an undesirable behavior, destructive chewing on expensive furniture, excessive barking or bad habits and destructive activities.

2. Teething

If your dog is a puppy, he may be teething, which is perfectly normal. You may notice that when they’re chewing on wood, it’s often the gum line.

This is because their milk teeth are falling out, and their adult teeth are growing in. It’s important to give them something to chew on so they don’t damage your furniture.

Your puppy will eventually grow out of this when their incoming teeth have all come in, but still, you may need to prevent him from chewing on certain things until his permanent teeth come in.

3. Habit

Sometimes dogs chew on wood or wood shards because they have a habit of doing it on any piece of wood they find.

This destructive behavior is often the case with adult dogs who have been chewing on wood for a long time. If this is the reason your dog is chewing, it’ll be hard to break the habit.

This wood chewing canine behavior can be dangerous as it can result in a broken teeth or a swallowed splinter, which can lead to an obstruction in their digestive system and cause life-threatening issues.

You’ll need to be patient and consistent with your training. Try positive reinforcement and provide him with an alternative, such as a chew toy, knotted rope toys for puppies, soft rubber toys, a textured dog bone, or some special treats to your fur baby and praise him when he uses it.

4. Pleasure

It’s not necessarily bad that your dog is chewing on wood for pleasure because dogs also need to have fun and express themselves in other ways than barking.

5. Hunger

If your dog tends to chew on wood when you’re cooking dinner and this is the only time he does it, then it may be because he is hungry.

Wood trim chewing often points to the fact that they do it when they’re hungry, so they will stop chewing on the wood if they get something to eat like adult bones or raw beef bones to chew on.

6. Anxiety

Some dogs chew on wood because of anxiety. It could be that they’re bored and anxious at the same time, or they’re nervous and feel the need to chew on something to calm themselves down.

Dogs with separation anxiety often get into nasty chewing habits and leave their bite marks everywhere from your leather shoes to phone chargers and beautiful throw pillows, laundry hamper, or other non-food items. Then there is no surprise if he starts chewing on wood trims too.

7. Trouble

Your dog could be in some trouble, where threats occur, or they’re going through some adverse environment. Or they may just feel like chewing on the wood is what’s going to alleviate their anxiety.

It’s their natural instinct and during stressful time they tend to engage in more self-soothing activities like licking their paw or chewing on a bone.

8. Breed Instinct

Different breeds of dogs will chew on wood for different reasons. For example, terrier dogs tend to chew to get rid of their prey instinct, but not all terrier dogs do this.

9. Pica

If your dog is chewing on wood and other things he should not be, it could be a sign of pica, which means that your dog could potentially have a disorder called pica.

Pica in dogs can lead them to eat or develop an inappropriate chewing habit towards certain things like wood or even feces because they miss an essential nutrient.

10. Condition

If your dog is chewing on wood because of a physical condition, you should be concerned about it. For example, anemia, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism because dogs won’t chew on wood if they have anemia.

By understanding why your dog chews on wood, you can better control its behavior and make it understand that it’s not allowed to chew on wood objects.

You should never let your dog chew on wood if he has any form of anemia or if he’s suffering from any other disease.

Now let’s discuss some of the effective methods for how to stop a dog from chewing on wood trim.

How to Stop A Dog From Chewing on Wood Trim?

The following steps can help you to stop your dog from chewing on wood

First and foremost, find the reason of your dog’s chewing on wood. If your pup loves chewing on wood, there’s nothing you can do about it, but if he chews on wood because he has pica or some other health condition, then you might want to take him to a vet.

Changing your dog’s behavior is possible if you treat it before it gets worse. So look for the reason behind your dog’s chewing activity and find out if he has any health problems like pica.

Ask yourself if the problem is serious enough for you to deal with.

1. Take Preventive Measures

You must make sure that your dog is not able to chew on wood at all times. One way to do this is to make sure that the wood trim in your home is well protected. That means your dog should not have access to wood items or stray branches or any other additional source to invest his energy into chewing bits of wood.

You can use bubble wrap or aluminum foil, which are considered an excellent deterrent for dogs.

You can also go in and try and remove anything your dog likes chewing on, as this could lead him to the wood trim.

2. Give Attention To Your Dog When He’s Not Engaging In Bad Behavior

If you give your dog a lot of attention when he chews on wood or pieces of shards it will be hard for him to stop because he most likely enjoys getting so much attention from you.

You should try giving your dog attention when he’s not chewing on wood and when he is, and make sure you reward him with a tasty treat when he’s acting the right way and doesn’t participate in any inappropriate chewing or follow destructive behavior patterns that might result in a fractured tooth or an internal damage.

3. Give Your Dog Something Else To Chew On

Give your pet something else to chew on, such as toys, rubber bones, smart puzzles, water Bottles and other things that won’t be dangerous for your dogs chewing phase when he chews on them.

If you do this, you can distract your dog from chewing on the wood trim, as it will be attracted to the new toy or bone that you give it.

Try finding some toys that will provide stimulation that can help your dog to stop chewing on wood.

It’s essential that you don’t give your dog old toys, as they may have a foul scent for him, and this could encourage him, even more to chew on wood again.

You can try giving your dog a bone or a rawhide, as they tend to have a taste that dogs love, which will make them stop chewing on wood items and show more anxious behavior.

For example, dogs like chewing on bones because they contain marrow. They like chewing on rawhides because they’re soft and provide entertainment in the form of chewing. This will not only fulfill their natural desires but also make their gums healthy too.

4. Keep The Stick In Shape Or Replace It If Needed

If you notice that your dog is chewing the bully sticks into a rounder shape, stop it as soon as possible.

This could hurt your dog’s teeth and mouth, so try to keep the stick in a straight line so it will be safe for your pup.

If you can’t do this because it’s natural for the bar to be curved, then replace it with a new high-quality product.

5. Deter Your Dog From Chewing On Wood By Using Different Materials As Substitute

People have been using nylon bones for puppy chewing, and they often work well because they have no scent or flavor and are hard enough not to break when a dog bites down on them or chews on them.

You can also make a homemade bone yourself. One way to do it is to get a hardwood stick and then soak it in some peanut butter for a few days and then leave it out to dry.

This will make your dog work at the peanut butter before he gets to the wood stick, which could distract him from chewing on the wood trim in your home.

It’s important that you don’t let your dog chew on sticks from outside because they may have been treated with chemicals and could cause organ damage in him.

6. Give Your Dog Lots Of Exercise And Play

Give your dog a lot of exercise and play that will make him happy. He will be able to work off any energy that he has when he engages in the bad behavior of chewing on wood.

Daily exercise helps to relieve boredom, and this is a significant factor in why dogs chew on things.

Try taking your dog on long walks or runs, playing fetch with him, or going to the dog park so he can socialize and play with other dogs.

You should also make sure that you spend time playing with your dog every day. This will help to build up the bond between you and make him less likely to chew on things when you’re not around.

7. Keep Your Dog Away From The Wood Trim

Encourage your dog to engage in other activities, so he won’t want to go near the wood trim and chew on it.

For example, if you give your dog a lot of time exercising with his toys or playing with his favorite toys, this will distract him from going near the wood trim and chewing on it too much.

8. Try Dog Chewing Deterrents ( They Will Certainly Help You With The Best Answer For How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Wood Trim )

You can try dog chewing deterrents along with bitter taste deterrent sprays to prevent your dog from chewing on wood.

Here are some of the most effective ones you could try to stop this unwanted behavior that leads to annoying property damage which then requires doggy behavior training and other additional actions.

Bitter Apple Spray

Dog chew deterrents have been used since ancient times to discourage dogs from chewing on things that may harm their health. This taste deterrent is one of the most effective because it contains no sugar like other dog chew deterrents and has the same efficacy as bitter acids.

The reason why it’s so effective is that dogs have a hard time resisting the taste of apples, which they may find sweet.

Peppermint Oil Spray

The reason why peppermint oil used to be so effective is because of the way it works. Dogs cannot stand the smell of peppermint, and this is why it can work as an excellent dog chew deterrent as well.

Animals have sour stomachs, and they see this as being harmful to them, so they are trying to figure out how to get rid of any scent that could damage their lungs.

This is why they tend to shy away from things that they find weird or different, which is why peppermint oil and bitter sprays tend to work very well as a dog chew deterrent against the wood.

Spot-On

This dog chew deterrent is a powder that dogs hate the smell of it. It’s very effective, and it contains no sugar, so it’s safe for animals and humans.

It may be hard to find in some stores, but you can always buy it online if you want to try it yourself.

Prickling Mint Spray

It has become very popular recently due to the growing popularity of dog chews. Peppermint oil has been around for a long time, and this one is one of the newest products on the market that you could possibly try now since this works very well and is safe for your pets.

You can spray this spray on baseboards, your favorite pair of shoes, or protective spaces ogs will not only be able to smell it but also taste it, and they will not like the experience.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective dog chew deterrents because it’s very sour and dogs hate the taste. You can use it on anything that your dog chews on, including wood trim.

If you don’t have it you can also use white vinegar, which is just as effective. Just apply some white vinegar to a cotton ball and apply it to the area where your dog chews.

You can also use a vinegar-based dog food deterrent spray, which is a great way to keep your dog away from places where he shouldn’t be chewing.

Lemon Juice Homemade Spray

Lemon juice is another sour ingredient that dogs hate, so it’s a great way to keep them from chewing on things. You can make a lemon juice spray by mixing one part lemon juice with ten parts water.

Spray it with the help of a spray bottle on anything that your dog chews, and its sour taste will keep him away from it. You can also use fresh lemons, but make sure to remove the seeds first as seeds could make the matters worse.

Dog Fence Sprays

Keep the dog fence in your yard, and this will discourage your dog from chewing on the wood trim. You can also place a line of chicken wire across the wood trim so he won’t be able to reach it.

Outdoor Containment Devices

There are lots of different ones that you can try, but you should pick something that’s secure enough for you and him to put in the yard so that he won’t be able to pull it off or chew through it, which could cause some severe damage to your dog.

The behavior for dogs that chew on wood trim is often very damaging, and this is why it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure that your dog doesn’t have access to it.

You should also take the time to train your dog not to chew on wood trim, so he knows that it’s not something that he should be doing.

What To Put On Baseboards To Keep Dogs From Chewing?

As pet owners know, dogs can be very curious creatures. They often like to explore their surroundings by sniffing, licking, and occasionally chewing on things.

While this behavior is usually harmless, it can become a problem if your dog starts chewing on your baseboards.

Not only is this unsightly, but it can also damage your home. There are a few things you can do to deter your dog from chewing on baseboards.

First, try using a bitter spray or gel. These products contain a bitter flavor that will make your baseboards unappealing to your dog. You can also try using double-sided tape or sticky pads.

These products create an unpleasant sensation on your dog’s tongue, making them less likely to chew on the affected area.

Use anti-chew sprays, bitter gels, or double-sided tape as a short-term solution while you work on training your dog not to chew on your baseboards

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to provide your dog with an alternate chew toy.

By giving your dog something else to chew on, you can help redirect their chewing behavior and protect your baseboards from further damage and train them to develop acceptable behavior.

Conclusion

A determined dog will always find a way to get what it wants, even if it means chewing on something he shouldn’t. If you don’t want this to happen, make sure that you take the time to train your dog from an early age and try all of these tips, which should tell you what you need to do for your dog so that he stops chewing wood.

The key is never stop training your pet and finding new ways of keeping him from doing things that destroy your home or furniture.

It’s vital that you notice the signs that your dog is chewing on wood and do the necessary things to prevent it from happening again.

If you’re training a puppy, then you need to be very careful about what you say. Because if you yell at your dog, then he may think that he’s done something terrible and try to keep it hidden from you so he won’t get punished or scolded.

This is why training a young puppy is different from training an adult dog. The younger ones are still learning how to live in the world. They respect their owners more when they don’t yell out loud at them for doing something wrong because they can feel more comfortable and start trusting them more.

Sometimes it’s essential that you do something to protect your dog, which is why you have to make sure that you use all of the tips I’ve provided for you here because they will work, and you can prevent your dog from chewing on wood. Hopefully this will clear all the doubts and help in answering the question How To Stop A Dog From Chewing On Wood Trim?

Thank you for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do dogs chew on woodwork?

Dogs have been chewing on woodwork for centuries, and there are a few different theories about why they do it. One popular theory is that it’s a way for dogs to relieve stress or boredom.

Chewing can be a soothing activity for dogs, and it’s also a great way to release pent-up energy. Woodwork is an especially appealing target for chewing because it’s usually made of softwood, which is easy on a dog’s teeth.

Another theory is that dogs chew on woodwork because they’re attracted to the taste or smell of the wood. Wood contains a variety of natural oils and sugars that can be appealing to dogs, and some types of wood (such as cedar) have a strong scent that dogs find irresistible.

Does vinegar stop dogs from chewing?

Yes, vinegar may help to stop some dogs from chewing, but it is not a guaranteed solution.

One reason why vinegar might work is because dogs do not like the smell.

However, if a dog is determined to chew something, the scent of vinegar is unlikely to deter them.

Additionally, vinegar can damage the finish on wood furniture, so it is important to use it sparingly.

In conclusion, vinegar may help to stop some dogs from chewing, but it is not a foolproof solution.

What can I put on walls to stop dog chewing?

There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from chewing on walls. One is to provide them with plenty of chew toys so they have something else to focus their attention on.

You can also try using a bitter spray or gel on the areas they tend to chew, which will make the area taste unpleasant and deter them from chewing there.

You may also try vinegar mixture or a nasty taste bitter lemon spray for his clear-cut destructive behavior.

Finally, make sure you are providing your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation – if they’re bored or restless, they may be more likely to start chewing on things out of frustration.

By taking these measures, you can help to keep your dog from chewing on your walls.