7 TIPS TO GRIND OUT THE URGE

Dogs are born chewers, and when the urge to be oral strikes, almost any object will do. Chewing knows few bounds. It's a popular pastime among all kinds of animals. But while unauthorized munching may be a source of great amusement for your dog, it can wreak havoc around the house, so if your pet's chewing is gnawing at your patience, don't stand around biting your nails… try these suggestions.

1) JUST SAY NO. Letting your pet get away with chewing even once can set the stage for a lifetime of bad habits. When you catch your pet chewing something he shouldn't, say "NO!" then replace the object with an appropriate chew toy and praise him when he takes interest in it. They learn pretty fast this way.

2) ROTATE HIS TOYS. Instead of lavishing your pet with a dozen of his favorite chew toys all at once, give him one or two at a time. Then change them every couple of days. This makes life more interesting. There's always something new to do.

3) MAKE THE GOOD BETTER. Particularly when they're young, pets can't always figure out why it's okay to chew rawhide but wrong to feast on the Corinthian leather couch. To help him figure it out, it helps to make his toys really appealing. Try dragging a chew toy on a string until your pet gets interested. Or try coating the toy with peanut butter, soaking it in chicken or beef broth, or even rubbing it between your hands to get your scent all over it. When he starts chewing, get all excited and tell him "Good, chew! Chew, chew, chew!" after a while, you'll just have to say 'Chew' and your pet will know what to do.

4) MAKE THE BAD BETTER. If your dog persists in noshing things he should leave alone, try using pet repellent. Pet stores sell a variety of repellents, with names like Get Off My Garden and Habit Breaker. One of the favorites is bitter apple repellent. Just wipe it on furniture or spray a little on objects you want them to stay away from; they hate the bitter taste, and they learn quickly.

5) SPICE UP HIS LIFE. Putting a dash of hot pepper sauce on whatever your pet is chewing will quickly quell his desire to come back for more. Sometimes Tabasco sauce works too. It wipes off furniture, walls and lots of other chewables almost as easily as it wipes on - and it works. But add this caution: try a test spot first to make sure it won't permanently stain your belongings orange.

6) HAVE BAD SCENTS. Most pets dislike the smell of perfumes and colognes, so mixing one part perfume with ten parts water and spraying the solution on whatever your pet shouldn't be chewing. The cheaper the perfume, the better.. .they won't even come near it. Then again, it may not exactly be a sensory joyride for you, either.

7) HIDE THE SHOES. People often wonder why pets always seem to go for their favorite belongings. The reason is that these objects smell like you. Your pet thrives on your scent, especially when you're gone. Shoes are a real favorite. Not only are they overflowing with your scent, but also the leather is fun to chew. If you have a pair of $500 Gucci shoes and a dog that still doesn't know what to chew, simply put the shoes out of his reach.