We’ve all heard it before: The dog ate my homework. Sure, maybe the dog didn’t chew and swallow it. But they certainly may have torn it to shreds.

It’s a universal experience, leaving your dog home alone and finding your living room all chewed up, or trying to keep your pet from biting at an itch on their leg. But if you want to avoid a “dog ate my homework” situation, there are tools and training methods available to help you and your pet.

Anti-chew sprays are great training tools to teach your dog what isn’t appropriate to chew on. Their bitter taste and natural ingredients make them a great contender for pawrents who want to ensure their pup is getting the best resources.

With a little training and some patience, your pup can learn not to chew on their environment.

Let’s talk about:

Why Do Dogs Chew Furniture?

Dogs chew up furniture and toys for a number of reasons.

For puppies, chewing is their way to explore the world around them. It’s often also a symptom of teething, similar to how human babies will chew on teething toys to relieve pain.

For dogs that are older, it may be anything from a sign of anxiety to just a plain-and-simple boredom buster. For dogs with separation anxiety, chewing is often a physical manifestation of their stress. It’s also a habit that many dogs use to keep their teeth clean.

It’s totally normal for your pup to be chewing up your furniture or their paws. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating when your furry friend sets their sights on your new couch. But what can be done?

Training Your Dog Not to Chew

According to the ASPCA, providing “appropriate” things for your pet to chew is not enough; they need to be gently trained to know what is and isn’t appropriate for themselves.

When training your dog, reward them for their good behavior. It can be helpful to start off with a big, irresistible treat when you begin teaching them this new behavior pattern. But once they start showing this as part of their everyday routine, transition to regular treats, their favorite toy, and/or heavy praise to show them some positive reinforcement.

The ASPCA recommends putting away any items that you consider valuable or that you think your pet might jump at the chance to explore. That can be everything from your nicest new pair of shoes to your all-too-enticing hamper of dirty laundry (or yes, even the bathroom garbage).

Many people also recommend giving your dog toys that are clearly distinguishable from anything of yours or any household goods. If your dog does try to chew something that isn’t appropriate, they recommend trading your dog for an object that is okay for them to chew, such as one of their toys, or a lick pad to keep them entertained.

And if you’re looking for some help with training, anti-chew spray might be the solution.

Anti-Chew Spray

Anti-Chew Sprays are training aids to help teach your pup what is not okay to be chewed on. While dogs have a lower sensitivity to taste than we as humans do, they can generally taste sour, salty, sweet, and bitter. Anti-Chew sprays taste bitter to dogs, prompting their natural response to make chewing seem unappealing. Mighty Paw’s Mighty Yucky Bitter No Chew Pet Spray is a great option, as it’s vet formulated and made in the USA with quality ingredients for your pup’s benefit.

Because dogs have a strong sense of smell, they will likely learn to turn up their nose at the scent of anti-chew spray. But when that isn’t enough, the yucky bitter taste will deter chewing on the surfaces you spray.

How to Use Anti-Chew Spray as a Training Aid

Using Anti-Chew Spray to train your dogs is simple. Sprays like Mighty Paw’s Mighty Yucky Bitter No Chew Pet Spray are safe to be sprayed on pets, plants, and furniture that you don’t want your dog to chew. It can be resprayed as often as needed.

Eventually, your pup should associate the yucky bitter taste with chewing up your furniture. Yay for your rug!