My Obsession with Blankets… and My Dog’s

I am completely, unabashedly obsessed with blankets. My passion for textile design has evolved into an insatiable habit of buying any cozy comforter, quilt, or throw that catches my eye. Imagine my horror when I realized my beloved dog, Leo, shared this affinity – but in the form of a seemingly unstoppable nibbling obsession.

Whenever I’d bring home a gorgeous new coverlet, Leo would swoop in and chew a gigantic hole right in the middle, as soon as I left him alone with it for more than 20 seconds. I sometimes wonder if fate brought us together so I’d be saved from the fate of being crushed under an avalanche of ruined blankets every time I opened the linen closet.

Addressing the Problem

It was clear I had two issues to address: First, I needed to keep Leo away from my precious blankets until he learned that chewing on them was completely off-limits. Secondly, he needed a positive outlet for his natural chewing instincts, like appropriate chew toys.

Keeping Leo away from the blankets worked for about a week, but his tenacity for finding unattended blankets was truly inspirational. I’d leave the bedroom door open for a minute to grab clothes from the dryer, only to return and find a gigantic hole in the comforter. I’d take a quick catnap on the sofa, only to wake up to a sea of down feathers.

Desperate, I tried using bitter spray deterrents on the blankets. Apparently, the only one affected by this was me – many a nap was rudely ended by an unexpectedly nasty taste as my open mouth inevitably made contact with the surface of the blanket. Meanwhile, Leo would power through the unpleasant flavor without a second thought.

Redirecting the Chewing Instinct

My plan to redirect Leo’s affection from blankets to appropriate chew toys has been even less successful. Even after taking him to dog training specifically to pique his interest in toys, he would only stay engaged for about 20 seconds unless it was something he could actually eat, like a bully chew or a Kong.

I see a future where Leo is happily curled up on my elegant, intact quilts – but only because he’s morbidly obese from consuming them. The reality is, we both have issues that need to be dealt with, though I’d like to think I can curb my blanket-purchasing habit as soon as I can curb Leo’s blanket-eating habit.

Designating a “Chew Blanket”

So, what’s the solution? Do I give Leo one blanket and designate it as his own personal chew toy? Do I concede that I may never have nice blankets again? Why does he have this inexplicable obsession with them in the first place?

According to The Wildest, dogs are instinctive chewers that explore the world with their mouths. It’s better to give them their own chew toys, blankets, and ropes rather than sacrifice your personal belongings. “Chewing can help relieve stress and anxiety, keep their teeth clean, and keep their minds stimulated,” says Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. “Puppies also chew to relieve the pain and irritation of teething.”

Reasons Why Dogs Chew

There are a few key reasons why dogs like Leo feel the need to chew:

1. Boredom Buster: Chewing is a natural way for dogs to alleviate boredom and keep themselves entertained.
2. Stress Relief: Chewing can be a calming, stress-relieving activity for our canine companions.
3. Puppy Teething: Younger dogs often chew to soothe the pain and irritation of their developing teeth.
4. Mental Stimulation: Chewing provides much-needed mental stimulation and enrichment for our furry friends.

Implementing Practical Solutions

So, how can we address this problem in a practical way? Here are some tips that might work to stop your dog from chewing holes in your favorite blankets:

1. Check for Medical Issues: If the chewing becomes excessive or concerning, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out any underlying medical problems.
2. Provide Ample Exercise: In my case, Leo was already getting plenty of exercise, but this is a crucial starting point for anyone experiencing this issue. A bored, under-stimulated dog is much more likely to turn to destructive chewing behaviors.
3. Designate a “Chew Blanket”: Consider giving your dog a specific blanket that is theirs to chew on freely, rather than trying to prevent the behavior altogether. This way, they can satisfy their natural chewing urges without destroying your personal belongings.
4. Offer Appropriate Chew Toys: As mentioned, dogs need positive outlets for their chewing instincts. Investing in a variety of chew toys, from stuffed Kongs to tough bully sticks, can help redirect their attention away from your precious blankets.

Staying Vigilant and Persistent

Ultimately, chewing is a completely normal behavior in dogs, so it can be challenging to train against their nature. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of solutions that work for you and your canine companion.

The key is to remain vigilant and persistent. As the Reddit user noted, “There are no dumb questions except the ones asking for medical advice.” If you’re struggling to find a solution, don’t be afraid to reach out to your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance.

Remember, with a little creativity and patience, you can find ways to keep your furry friend from decimating your sophisticated sofa and other home decor. After all, a happy, well-adjusted dog is worth far more than any fancy blanket or throw. And who knows – maybe one day, Leo and I will be curled up together on my perfectly intact quilts, basking in the glory of our mutual obsession.

In the meantime, I’ll be scouring the Sofa Spectacular website for the perfect, pet-proof couch that can withstand Leo’s chewing antics. Wish me luck!