It's likely that you are here because you want to find out how to stop your dog from chewing your clothing, cushions, and shoes.

A dog's need to chew seems to differ from dog to dog. While certain dogs chew because they enjoy the activity, others will only chew due to boredom.

Here are the main reasons for destructive and inappropriate dog chewing:

• The desire to chew is innate to most dogs, especially if the item being chewed tastes good.

• Chewing can be an emotionally satisfying activity for a bored or lonely dog. Somewhat like comfort food to people, nervous dogs can find chewing to be a calming activity.

• A dog that doesn't get enough exercise may use chewing to burn up surplus energy and to have a job to keep him busy.

How To Stop Dogs Chewing

With a little effort and training on your part, you can stop dogs chewing and damaging your stuff.

• Firstly, your home must be dog-proofed. This means that items that you don't wish to end up in your dog's mouth should be placed well out of his reach. You will have to determine whether your dog can climb, jump, leap, or stand on his hind legs to reach the object he wants.

• Dogs love to chew shoes, garbage, clothes, books and remote controls. They also like to chew on small crunchy items such as remote controls, cameras and cell phones.

• Of course, in order to stop dogs chewing, all food must be safely placed in the pantry or in containers. Before leaving dirty dishes in the sink, they should be rinsed clean. Food or snacks left on a low surface or even on the kitchen counter will be gobbled up in an instant by your delighted dog.

• Your dog should be prevented from learning the joys of forbidden chewing. If your dog is prevented from chewing your stuff early in his life, the easier it will be for him to understand what you require of him. The more frequently your dog is given an opportunity to chew on items such as pillows, shoes, and furniture, the more likely he will be to choose to chew those items again. Until you are sure that your dog has a clear comprehension of the house rules, he should be restricted to a dog-proofed part of the house.

• It is vital that your dog is clear on what belongs to him and can be chewed versus your stuff that cannot be chewed. If you let your dog chew on your discarded shoes, you can't expect him to understand the difference between them and the new ones at the door. The same thing pertains to towels, clothing etc.

• You can stop your dog from chewing by giving him plenty of interesting alternatives to your valuables. Don't forget that most dogs feel the need to chew, particularly puppies and dogs less than three years of age. Buy dog toys or chews, giving your dog up to three at one time. The toys should be of various textures, shapes and flavors. Rotating the toys will help to keep your dog entertained.

• Make sure you devote plenty of time to directing your dog. He won't be able to figure out what is expected of him if he in constantly confined to the dog-proofed area. So your dog is able to comprehend what is appropriate and what is not, he will need to be given the chance to explore the limits of your expectations.

• When your dog is discovered chewing your stuff, interrupt him with a hand clap or by firmly saying "No"!". Give him appropriate alternatives such as rawhide bones or chew toys. You should praise him as soon as he bites it. Your dog will better understand that chewing his stuff means praise and chewing your stuff means trouble.

My recommended dog training guide to stop dogs chewing is: Secrets to Dog Training.