We know. Every time you catch your dog chewing on a stick or branch, you can’t help but run after him to grab it. It is a recurring behavior among dogs that should be analyzed in isolation to determine if it requires treatment or not.

And not only that, but we are also going to provide you with some keys so that you can reverse the situation since, in a high percentage of cases (in adult dogs), it is usually related to a lack of stimulation. Your excess energy is misdirected. It is not recommended that adult dogs chew sticks. Here you will know why not and what to do.

My Puppy Chews Everything

Among puppies and young dogs, it is a recurring practice, which should not worry you, since the animal is exploring the environment through its mouth and needs to experiment. At 4 months of age, the teething change takes place, with which the impulse to bite is aggravated and the branches are very appetizing for them.

New mothers may also feel the need to bite to relieve stress. The act of nibbling secretes serotonin and endorphins. In this way, dogs feel some relief in unknown or distressing situations.

The stick can defragment and a splinter can get stuck in the tongue, palate, or gum. This could lead to an infection. If the stick is contaminated by toxic substances, fungi, or bacteria, your pet’s health could be threatened. The most serious case is that of digestive obstruction or organ perforation.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Sticks?

Once the cause is established as non-organic, the measures that you can apply on your trips abroad are very simple. We recommend that you focus on diverting attention from your pet. Here is how to go about it.

• Changing scenery. Try going to another park or area. Your dog will have enough stimuli to forget about the sticks.
• Giving greater prominence to shared play (with you) using toys that are not harmful to him, such as rubber teethers, balls, or Frisbees.
• Introducing small games in your fun times.
• Offering snacks that promote healthy chewing.
• Teaching him the command “let go” or “let go” and using it every time he picks up a stick. To internalize it, sit in front of your dog and hide his favorite food in your fist. Let me smell it. Every time he backs up, reward him with a pet. He sees opening his hand and rewards again when he steps back. When you leave the food on the ground and back away you can now pronounce the command “drop” or “drop” after giving him his reward.
• Trading with him. For example, let him bring the sticks to you for safekeeping, and in return, he gets his favorite treat or toy (something that really motivates him to give up the stick).

There are ages when dogs cannot avoid putting everything in their mouths and there is no reason for alarm. However, when they are adults it can be a sign of infectious, gastric disease or behavioral disorders that should be stopped in time. Now that you know why dogs eat sticks, all you have to do is put what you have learned into practice.

One of the most elite and sought-after Import German Shepherd breeders | Wustenbergerland will help you train your dog to stop chewing sticks, along with other dog training tips from a world-renowned breeder Michael Kempkes.
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