Your cat scratches the brand-new couch. Your dog destroys your favourite slippers. Then there is the barking that seems to start for no reason.
It is easy to label these behaviours as naughty, but pets rarely behave this way simply to cause trouble. Scratching, chewing and barking often communicate a need.
Instead of focusing only on stopping the behaviour, understanding what your pet is trying to communicate could help you give them a better alternative.
Why cats scratch furniture
If you have a cat, you already know that cats scratch. It is instinctive and serves several purposes.
Your cat might be saying:
• “I need to keep my claws healthy.” Scratching helps remove old nail sheaths and keeps claws sharp.
• “This is mine.” Cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching also marks their territory.
• “I’m feeling things.” Cats might scratch when they are happy, anxious or frustrated.
• “I need to stretch.” Scratching gives them an opportunity to stretch their bodies.
Punishing, yelling or spraying your cat with water is not the answer. Declawing causes lifelong pain and behaviour problems, while punishment might increase anxiety and lead to more scratching.
Instead, place suitable scratching options where your cat already scratches. Many cats prefer vertical scratchers in social areas.
For the first two weeks, reward your cat whenever she uses the alternative. Offer praise, a tasty treat or a scratch behind the ear.
You could temporarily cover her favourite section of the couch with a blanket, furniture-safe double-sided tape or tin foil while she learns.
Texture also matters. Some cats prefer sisal rope, while others like cardboard or raw wood. Try two different options. Many cats benefit from having both a flat scratcher and a tall one.
Regular nail trims from your vet or groomer also help reduce damage.
Why dogs chew your belongings
Dogs explore their surroundings with their mouths. Chewing is calming, entertaining and self-soothing.
For puppies under two years old, chewing is also part of growing up. Teething is painful until around six to eight months, and chewing provides relief. Puppies also need to learn which objects are toys and which are off limits.
Boredom is another possible reason. A dog getting a 20-minute walk before spending eight hours alone will look for something to occupy himself.
Chewing that happens mainly when you leave, particularly around doors, windows or personal belongings carrying your scent, could point towards separation anxiety.
Then there are your shoes. They smell like you, feel good to chew and usually result in a big reaction when your dog grabs one.
Avoid chasing your dog because he might interpret this as a game. Punishment hours after the incident also does not help because he will not connect the punishment with something he did earlier.
How to stop destructive chewing
Start by managing your dog’s environment.
Put shoes away, use baby gates and provide a safe area without dangerous objects. Preventing access to tempting items gives you an opportunity to teach better habits.
You could also introduce the trade game.
When your dog grabs something he should not have, avoid pulling it away. Cheerfully say “trade” and offer something tasty. When he drops the object, say “yes”, give him the treat and remove the item. Then offer an approved chew toy.
Make his toys appealing. Try toys filled with dog-safe peanut butter or a KONG containing kibble and banana. Rotating toys also helps keep them interesting.
Address the reason behind the chewing too.
A bored dog might benefit from more sniff walks and puzzle feeders. For an anxious dog, leave calmly, provide an old T-shirt carrying your scent, play music and gradually increase the amount of time spent alone.
Speak to your vet about options if the anxiety is severe.
When you see your dog calmly chewing an appropriate toy, quietly place a treat beside him. This helps him associate his own toys with something positive.
Why dogs bark
Barking is communication. Rather than expecting a dog never to bark, look at what triggers the behaviour.
Alert barking tells you something is there. Excited barking might be higher pitched and accompanied by wiggly body language.
Fear or anxiety might result in deeper barking, raised hair and backing away.
Sharp, repetitive barking directed at you while you are holding food or a ball might signal demand or frustration.
A dog barking throughout the day while alone in the garden might be lonely or bored.
Yelling back is unlikely to solve the problem. From your dog’s perspective, you might simply appear to be joining in.
What to do about excessive barking
For two days, keep track of when your dog barks and note her body language. This could help you identify what triggers the behaviour.
Be careful about accidentally rewarding barking. Giving your dog food, a toy or attention while she is barking teaches her that barking gets results.
Wait for a quiet moment before giving her what she wants.
Most importantly, teach the behaviour you want instead. Rather than only telling your dog not to bark, give her another action to perform and reward it.
Your goal does not need to be a perfectly behaved pet. Focus on helping your pet feel safe and understood while giving them better ways to meet their needs.
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