How To Stop Dogs Chewing Skirting Boards | Training & Sprays
Posted by Lee Watkinson on 2nd Mar 2023
Dogs have a natural tendency to chew on things, including skirting boards and door frames, which can lead to costly damage to your home and furniture. Various reasons can cause dogs to chew skirting boards, such as boredom, anxiety, teething, or curiosity.
If left unchecked, this behaviour can cause damage to your skirting boards and trims and even cause a safety hazard if they ingest any pieces of wood. In this blog post, we will provide some effective tips to help prevent or stop your dog from chewing on skirting boards, mouldings and woodwork.
Take your dog for more walks
Taking your dog for more walks is an effective way to prevent them from chewing skirting boards. Dogs need physical exercise to release energy, and if they don't get enough, they may become bored and seek out destructive behaviours like chewing.
Regular walks can help provide your dog with the exercise they need, as well as mental stimulation from exploring new environments and interacting with other dogs and people. Walking your dog can also help reduce anxiety, which is another common cause of chewing behaviour.
By incorporating more walks into your dog's routine, you can help redirect their energy and prevent them from turning to skirting boards as a chew toy.
More playtime
Playing with your dog is an excellent way to prevent them from chewing on skirting boards. Puppies and young dogs, in particular, have a lot of energy and need regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
You can play fetch, tug-of-war or hide-and-seek games with your dog, especially if you have a Labrador Retriever, to help them burn off excess energy and keep their minds occupied.
Additionally, providing your dog with interactive toys, such as puzzle boxes or treat-dispensing toys, can also provide mental stimulation and help prevent destructive behaviour. Older dogs may benefit from different types of play, such as gentle walks or short sessions of low-impact activities, such as therapy exercises.
If you cannot supervise your dog, placing them in a crate with appropriate chew toys and a comfortable bed can also prevent them from chewing on skirting boards while you are away.
Keep your dog occupied with chew toys and bones
One of the easiest ways to stop your dog from chewing skirting boards is to provide them with appropriate chew toys and bones. Ensure that the toys are of the right size and age for your dog and rotate them regularly to keep them interesting and rewarding.
This way, your dog will have something to chew on instead of the skirting board and furniture.
Pro Tip: Too many toys out on the floor at once can signal to your dog that everything is a play toy, by keeping only a few playtoys out at once and rotating them, you can keep your dog interested in the right things for longer.
Use a deterrent spray
Another effective tip is to use a deterrent spray on the skirting board. The spray has a bitter taste that will discourage your dog from chewing. You can buy a commercial spray or make your own by mixing water, white vinegar, and lemon juice in equal parts.
You can spray the mixture on the skirting board to create an unpleasant taste. This method is not suitable for all dogs or skirting boards, consult your veterinarian for a professional opinion and make sure your skirting boards are painted with moisture-resistant paint.
It's also important to consider whether the paint on your skirting boards contains any toxic compounds, conventional paints sometimes include: Lead, Formaldehyde, VOCs, Heavy Metals and Chlorinated Solvents. If your dog ingests the paint from your skirting boards it could pose health risks, consider non-toxic paints for your MDF skirting boards, such as milk paint, chalk paint and plant-based paints.
Important: Do not apply any sprays to your dogs mouth or body as punishment, this is not an effective punishment and is cruel.
Create a physical barrier
You can also create a physical barrier between your dog and the skirting board by using furniture, baby gates, crates, or mats. These barriers will prevent your dog from accessing the skirting board and redirect their attention elsewhere.
Alternatively, you can cover the skirting board with double-sided tape, which will make it unpleasant for your dog to make contact with.
Train your dog with positive reinforcement techniques
Positive reinforcement is a proven technique to help modify dog behavior. Train your dog with positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or treats to associate chewing on toys with praise and reward. Additionally, teach your dog the "leave it" command to redirect their attention away from the skirting board when they show interest in it.
Dogs chewing skirting boards is a common behavior problem that can cause significant damage to your home and furniture. However, there are several effective tips to help prevent or stop your dog from chewing skirting boards, such as providing appropriate chew toys, using deterrent sprays, creating physical barriers, and training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques.
By following these tips, you can save your home and furniture from costly damage and create a happier, healthier relationship with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies stop biting?
Puppies typically stop biting around 6-8 months of age. This is when their adult teeth have come in, and their bite inhibition should have developed through play and training.
Why does my dog keep chewing skirting boards?
Your dog or puppy might chew on skirting boards for various reasons, including boredom, anxiety, teething, curiosity, or a lack of appropriate chew toys. It can also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, dental issues, or obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Is it safe for dogs to chew on wood?
It depends on the type of wood and the size and chewing style of the dog. Some types of wood, such as cedar, can be toxic to dogs, while others, like untreated pine, can splinter and cause injury. MDF Wood will not splinter but rather expose the softer wood fibres. Always supervise your dog when they are chewing on wood, and provide safe and appropriate chew toys instead.
How can I prevent my dog from chewing on wood?
You can prevent your dog from chewing on wood by providing them with plenty of appropriate chew toys and bones, using a deterrent spray with a bitter taste, creating physical barriers or using double-sided tape to make the wood unappealing, and training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques.
Lee Watkinson
Digital Marketing Director at Skirting World with 10 years of experience in Home Interiors & Manufacturing.