Dogs have natural instincts to chew, lick, and scavenge. Whether it's a toy, your favorite slippers, or the legs of your coffee table, chewing, licking, and foraging are simply part of their nature. 

Instead of denying dogs their biological needs, you can redirect their more destructive tendencies with toys and enrichment tools that mimic their natural instincts and reinforce positive behavior. Chew toys, treat dispensers, and lick mats are all fantastic alternatives to gnawed-on coffee table legs and complimentary wastebasket sorting.  

WHY DOGS CHEW 

Dogs engage in behaviors like chewing, licking, and foraging to help regulate their emotions, concentrate on tasks, and in the process, exercise their minds and bodies. When dogs chew, lick, or forage, their brains release endorphins that alleviate stress, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness.  

When people unwind, they might enjoy pairing a good book with their favorite beverage or indulging in video games and pizza. Dogs, on the other hand (or the other paw, if you will) find comfort in chewing on or digging through things.  

So the next time you consider scolding your dog for chewing, remember that they may be trying to relieve stress through self-soothing behaviors. Think about it! Could you give up bubble baths, long walks, or listening to music? So why expect your dog to give up the activities that help them feel regulated?   

Instead of training your dog to avoid these perfectly natural behaviors, consider providing toys that encourage them to express their instincts in a healthy way. 

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR DOG’S NATURAL BEHAVIORS

1. CHEWING

   

Dogs can get into trouble with destructive chewing around the house, but it’s just part of their nature. To redirect their instinct to chew, provide stuffed KONGs or other durable rubber chew toys to protect your belongings and promote relaxation through healthy chewing and licking.  

HEALTHY OUTLETS 

• KONG® Classic  

• KONG® Extreme 

• KONG® Goodie Bone®  

1. TEETHING 

Puppies, just like babies, go through a teething phase, which makes their mouths sore and leads them to chew on just about anything. Providing an appropriate outlet, like the softer rubber of a KONG Puppy toy, helps relieve their discomfort safely. Pro Tip: Freeze your stuffed KONG Puppy toy for a soothing treat that further eases teething pain. 

HEALTHY OUTLETS 

• KONG® Puppy 

• KONG® Puppy Tires 

• KONG® Puppy Goodie Bone® 

• KONG® Ziggies® Enhanced Puppy 

1. SCAVENGING

A culprit behind mischief and destruction at home is often boredom. A stuffed KONG keeps their minds and bodies engaged, providing enrichment and stimulation. Giving your dog a fun and rewarding activity can help prevent behaviors like sorting your trash or countertop food heists!  

HEALTHY OUTLETS 

• KONG® Classic 

• KONG® Stuff-a-Ball® 

• KONG® Wobbler® 

• KONG® Licks 

Professionals around the world use KONG toys for obedience training, behavioral changes, and mental enrichment. When used to supplement training and daily enrichment, KONG toys can help calm dogs by activating their natural instincts to chew, sniff, scavenge, lick, and more!  

Like any lifestyle change for your dog, it’ll be more effective if you ensure your dog eats a healthy diet in appropriate portions, receives enough exercise, and has daily opportunities for mental stimulation.   

If you have any concerns about your dog or your specific situation, talk to your vet, a dog behaviorist, or a certified trainer.  

Is your coffee table literally on its last leg? It may be time to look into long-term solutions like durable rubber toys or puzzle toys. Once that's taken care of, you can finally feel good about letting your dog gnaw and lick the day away!