To stop a dog from chewing your wood deck, make the wood unappealing with a pet-safe bitter spray, give your dog better things to chew, tire them out with more exercise, supervise and redirect them to a toy every time they start, and block access to favorite spots while you train. It also helps to work out why your dog is chewing, since boredom, teething and stress each need a slightly different fix.
While it’s natural for dogs to chew, it can be frustrating when they start ruining your property, and wood splinters aren't good for your dog either. Here are our five tips.
5 tips to stop your dog from chewing wood deck
So how can you stop your dog from chewing wood deck railings? Here are five tips:
- Use a taste deterrent
- Provide your dog with chew toys
- Plenty of exercise
- Train them not to chew
- Cover up the deck
1Use a taste deterrent
A simple and effective solution is using a taste deterrent. There are many products on the market that can deter your dog from chewing. Simply spray or apply the product to the area you want to protect, and it will make the surface unpleasant for your dog to chew on.
Dogs typically avoid things that taste bad, so this is a great way to train them to stay away from wood deck railings. Just be sure to choose a product that is safe for dogs and won’t harm them if they ingest it. Test it on a small, hidden patch first in case it marks the wood, and reapply it regularly outdoors, since rain washes it off.
One well-known taste deterrent for dogs is Bitter Apple spray. This product can be found at most pet stores or online. We compared the options in our guide to the best bitter apple spray for dogs.
2Provide your dog with chew toys
One way to combat chewing is to provide your dog with plenty of their own chew toys. This will help your dog stop chewing on your wood deck and start chewing on something safe instead.
Although any type of chew toy will work, some are specifically designed to help dogs with teething or excessive chewing. These toys are often made of durable rubber or nylon and can stand up to even the most vigorous chewers. For indoor chewers, see what to put in a dog crate for chewers.
3Plenty of exercise
Another way to stop your dog from chewing wood deck railings is to make sure they are getting enough exercise. Dogs that are bored or with excess energy are more likely to chew on things they shouldn’t.
A trip to the dog park will not only provide your dog with some much-needed exercise, but it will also give them a chance to socialize with other dogs. This can help tire them out both mentally and physically, making them less likely to chew on your wood deck when they get home.
So, be sure to take your dog for walks, runs, or to the dog park regularly. Many dog walking and pet sitting services can help if you can’t do this yourself.
4Train them not to chew
If you catch your dog chewing on wood deck railings, it’s important to train them not to do this. The best way to do this is with positive reinforcement.
When you see your dog start to chew the deck, calmly interrupt them, then hand them a chew toy. Every time they chew the toy instead, give them a treat or verbal praise. They will quickly learn that the deck is boring, but chewing on their toy pays off. Until the habit is gone, don't leave your dog alone on the deck.
If you find fresh chew marks after you've been away, don’t punish your dog when you get home. This will only make them afraid of you and could cause other behavioral problems. Instead, just redirect their chewing habits as soon as you see them and provide positive reinforcement when they stop.
5Cover up the deck
As a last resort, you can cover up the wood deck with chicken wire or another type of fencing material, or use a pet gate to block off the areas your dog targets. If you make it more difficult for your dog to chew on the wood, they will eventually be discouraged from trying.
You can also use this method to protect specific areas of the deck, such as the railings, that your dog is particularly interested in. Just be sure to use a safe material that won’t harm your dog if they chew on it, and fold back or cover any sharp wire ends.
Why do dogs like to chew on wood?
There are a few reasons why dogs may be attracted to chewing on a wood deck. The wood's texture and smell may appeal to them, it may provide relief from teething pain, or they may simply be bored and looking for something to do. Some dogs chew when they're stressed or anxious, for example when they're left alone, and that kind of chewing tends to happen near doors and windows. The same motives explain why dogs chew on electrical cords, which is far more dangerous.
If your dog is chewing on the deck because they’re bored, it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise and chew toys. This will help your dog stop chewing on the deck and start chewing on something that is safe for them instead.
Teething pain is a common reason puppies start chewing on things they shouldn’t. If your puppy is going through this phase, it’s important to provide them with plenty of chew toys and supervision. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian about ways to help relieve their teething pain.
If your dog's chewing only happens when you're away, or comes with barking, pacing or accidents, it may be a sign of separation anxiety, and it's worth talking to your vet or a qualified trainer.
Is it dangerous for dogs to chew a wood?
Yes, it can be. Wood splinters can cut your dog's mouth and gums, get stuck between teeth, and, if swallowed, irritate or even block or puncture the stomach and intestines. Deck wood is also often pressure-treated, stained or sealed with chemicals you don't want your dog eating.
Call your vet if your dog has swallowed wood and you notice vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, a painful belly, or straining to poop.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s safety or the condition of your deck, it’s best to take steps to stop them from chewing on it. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to effectively train your dog not to chew on your wood deck.
Final thoughts – How to stop dog from chewing wood deck
If your dog is chewing on your wood deck, it’s important to take steps to stop them. This can help prevent damage to the deck and keep your dog safe.
The best way to stop a dog from chewing on a wood deck is to provide them with plenty of their own chew toys, give them plenty of exercise, and train them not to chew on the deck. You can also cover up the deck with chicken wire or another type of fencing material as a last resort.
