How to Stop a Pomeranian from Chewing Furniture

🤔 Why Do Pomeranians Chew Furniture?

Before you can effectively address the chewing, it’s important to understand why your Pomeranian is engaging in this behavior. Several factors can contribute to destructive chewing.

• Teething: Puppies, including Pomeranians, go through a teething phase where they experience discomfort as their adult teeth erupt. Chewing provides relief from this discomfort.
• Boredom: A bored Pomeranian with excess energy may turn to chewing as a way to entertain themselves. Lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to destructive behavior.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety or other forms of anxiety can trigger chewing. When anxious, a Pom might chew on furniture to self-soothe or as a displacement activity.
• Attention-Seeking: Sometimes, a Pomeranian may chew on furniture to get your attention, even if it’s negative attention. They quickly learn that chewing elicits a reaction from you.
• Habit: If chewing isn’t addressed early on, it can become a habitual behavior that’s difficult to break.

✅ Effective Strategies to Stop Furniture Chewing

Here are several strategies you can use to stop your Pomeranian from chewing furniture. Consistency is key, so implement these methods diligently.

1. Provide Plenty of Chew Toys

Make sure your Pomeranian has a variety of appropriate chew toys available at all times. Rotate the toys regularly to keep them interesting. Different textures and materials can appeal to your Pom’s chewing preferences.

• Offer durable rubber toys, rope toys, and plush toys specifically designed for dogs.
• Consider puzzle toys that dispense treats, providing mental stimulation and rewarding appropriate chewing.
• Avoid giving your Pom old shoes or socks to chew on, as this can confuse them about what is acceptable to chew.

2. Redirect Chewing Behavior

When you catch your Pomeranian chewing on furniture, immediately interrupt the behavior with a firm “No!” or “Leave it!” Then, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Praise and reward them when they start chewing on the toy.

• Keep chew toys readily available in areas where your Pom is likely to chew on furniture.
• Be consistent with your commands and redirection.

3. Make Furniture Unappealing

Use deterrents to make your furniture less appealing to chew on. Several products are available that have a bitter taste but are safe for pets.

• Apply a bitter apple spray or other dog-safe deterrent to furniture legs, corners, and other areas your Pom is prone to chew.
• Reapply the deterrent regularly, especially after cleaning or if you notice your Pom is still interested in chewing.
• Consider covering furniture with blankets or sheets to protect it and make it less accessible.

4. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A bored Pomeranian is more likely to engage in destructive chewing. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep your Pom occupied and reduce their urge to chew.

• Take your Pom for daily walks or play sessions.
• Engage in interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war.
• Provide puzzle toys or training sessions to challenge their minds.

5. Address Anxiety

If your Pomeranian is chewing due to anxiety, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the anxiety. Consult with your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist to develop a plan to manage your Pom’s anxiety.

• Identify the triggers for your Pom’s anxiety.
• Use calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming supplements.
• Consider crate training to provide your Pom with a safe and secure space.
• Work with a professional to desensitize your Pom to their anxiety triggers.

6. Supervise Your Pomeranian

Especially during the training process, it’s important to supervise your Pomeranian closely. This allows you to catch them in the act of chewing and redirect their behavior.

• Keep your Pom in a confined area when you can’t supervise them, such as a crate or a puppy-proofed room.
• Remove any tempting items from their reach.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. When your Pomeranian is chewing on an appropriate toy, praise them and give them a treat.

• Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
• Avoid punishment, as it can create fear and anxiety, which can worsen chewing behavior.

⏱️ Patience and Consistency

Stopping a Pomeranian from chewing furniture takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Be consistent with your training methods and eventually, your Pom will learn to chew on appropriate items instead of your furniture. Remember every dog is different, and some may take longer to train than others.

It is essential to remain calm and avoid scolding your Pomeranian excessively. This can create a negative association with you and may lead to increased anxiety, potentially worsening the chewing problem. Positive reinforcement and consistent training are the most effective approaches.

Consider enrolling your Pomeranian in obedience classes. Professional trainers can provide valuable guidance and support, helping you address chewing and other behavioral issues. These classes also offer opportunities for socialization, which can further reduce boredom and anxiety.