(spicy rhythmic music) [onscreen text] Chewing. [onscreen action] Dogs chewing bones. [Narrator] Every dog needs to chew. While most dogs will chew their whole lives, puppies and dogs under the age of two chew because they're teething, curious about new objects, looking for something fun to do, or because they simply need more exercise. [onscreen action] Small dog chewing a Kong. Small dog playing with a ball. Dog chewing a shoe [narrator] Most people don't realize that dogs have the reasoning ability of a toddler, so it's unfair to expect your dog to know the difference between acceptable chew toys and the numerous items in your home that you don't want him to chew on. [onscreen action] Man picking up baby toy. [dog] I can't chew the baby's toys? [narrator] So it's up to you to put your valuable items out of your dog's reach and dog-proof all the areas he'll have access to. [onscreen action] Woman closing door. Woman putting up baby gate. [narrator] You also need to limit your dog's freedom by closing off doors to unoccupied rooms and blocking off areas of your home where you can't supervise them. [onscreen action] Woman putting dog in crate. [narrator] Also, put your dog in his crate or dog-safe area when you can't keep an eye on him. [onscreen action] Woman takes her purse and leaves the house. [narrator] This way, you can leave the house or go to bed without worrying about him destroying the items in your house. [onscreen action] Man takes water bottle away from dog and gives the dog a more appropriate toy. Large dog chewing on Kong. [narrator] Now that you've taken steps to prevent your dog from chewing on the wrong things, you're ready to teach him what you do want him to chew on. [onscreen action] Smaller dog surrounded by a few different types of chew toys. [narrator] Start by making sure your dog has a variety of safe and durable chew toys. [dog] Hey what's that? [onscreen action] Dog eagerly approaches toy in man's hand. [narrator] Some dogs will immediately be interested in new toys, but others may need to be trained to enjoy chewing on their toys over other items. [onscreen action] Man stuffing a chew toy with treats. And giving it to dog. [narrator] Stuffing a durable rubber toy or hollow bone with yummy treats is a great way to get your dog interested in his toys and keep him occupied. [onscreen action] Man gets up from reading a magazine and praises and plays with dog. [narrator] Now here's the most important part of this training. Dogs thrive on attention, so always praise your dog when he's chewing on the right thing. Try to never miss an opportunity to let your dog know that he's doing something right. [onscreen action] Man realizes that his dog has taken the television remote. Small dog chewing sock. [narrator] So, what do you do when your dog is chewing something he shouldn't have? Well, chasing your dog to try to get the item back can be a really fun game for him. [onscreen action] Woman trades dog the sock for a treat. [dog] That's a good trade. [narrator] Instead of chasing him, approach your dog calmly to try to trade out the item for something more valuable, like one of his favorite toys or a treat. As he drops the item, be sure to praise and reward him. This way he'll learn that giving up items can still be rewarding. [onscreen action] As the dog is about to chew a shoe, the woman gives him a toy. [narrator] Also, when you see your dog about to pick something up that he shouldn't have, call him over to you and give him one of his toys instead. [onscreen action] Woman pets dog chewing a toy. [narrator] With these simple steps, your dog's chewing can be a rewarding pastime for the both of you.