Chewing is a natural dog behaviour, so it’s important to encourage your dog to chew daily. It helps to keep them stimulated and relax. By providing your dog with a variety of legal chews, you will teach them that your beloved Apple Watch is not in fact a chew toy (I learned the hard way).
I split Bear’s chews into two categories. Long lasting, but lower value, Short lasting, but higher value.
Here’s some examples:
| Long Lasting / Lower Value | Short Lasting / Higher Value |
| Yakkers Bar | Pizzle Sticks |
| Coffee Bar / Olive Branch | Stuffed Kong |
| Antlers | Pig / Rabbit Ears |
| Buffalo Horn | Camel Scalp |
| Bamboodles T-Bone | Beef Tripe |
| Benebone | Braided Ostrich |
| Earth Animal No Hide | Beef Tails |
Every dog is an individual, both in taste and in strength when chewing. Your dog will have their own list.
Choosing the right chew for the job
I always leave at least one long lasting chew on the floor, so Bear always has something appropriate to chew, should he wish. It’s important to rotate them, so your dog doesn’t get too bored of the same thing and resort to chewing your fury slippers.
Dog’s commonly chew if they feel bored, anxious or a mixture of both. If I know I’m leaving Bear home alone for a while, I’ll make sure he gets a good walk beforehand and I’ll leave him with a long- AND short-lasting chew. Usually, he’ll devour his short lasting chew then has a well-earned nap and doesn’t even notice I’m gone.
If I’m taking him to a more intense environment, such as classes or down the pub, a low value chew won’t cut it. I would always go armed with a few high value chews to keep him occupied, relaxed and quiet. It’s better to go with more than you need and not use them, than to be caught short.
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Avoid Rawhide At All Cost
Rawhide chews are so popular and readily available in big brand pet shops. They come in all shapes and sizes to make them attractive for owners to buy, especially over Christmas time. Check out this video on why you should avoid them, it’s an eye opener and I guarantee you’ll never buy them again:
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In summary, split your dogs chews up into the two categories. Try to opt for good quality natural chews and avoid heavily processed chews such as any raw hides or brands like Pedigree. Rotate long lasting chews in the home. Save high value chews for more intense environments (classes/pub) or situations (leaving the house).