How many times have you come home from a night out and found your furniture or other belongings chewed beyond recognition? Dogs instinctively chew – sometimes out of anxiety, sometimes out of curiosity or boredom. As an owner, you can use some safe and effective deterrent measures to overcome your dog’s chewing habit. The first step is to understand the root of your pet’s destructive nature. Young dogs primarily chew during the painful teething process, and they will chew virtually anything within reach. For dogs of all ages, boredom and not enough exercise or playtime contribute to chewing. If you let your dog’s chewing get out of hand, he could become a danger to himself (obsessively chewing his own limbs) or his surroundings. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.