Chewing the harness

[Frumpydumple]

Merle/Burt has started chewing the Aviator harness while wearing it. When he wore it at first he didn't chew it, but now he does. He bites it and won't let go.

What do I do?

 

[Julianna]

Do you think he'll chew through it? If you do, you might want to reinforce the harness by putting and extra layer of fabric on. This would add weight though, unfortunately. You could try just distracting him with toys until he forgets his desire to chew the harness, but if that doesn't work you could use positive reinforcement conditioning to train him not to chew it. Reinforce (give him a treat) him for doing anything that's not chewing the harness (playing, watching the scenery, preening, whatever,). Just some ideas

 

[Frumpydumple]

Do you think he'll chew through it? If you do, you might want to reinforce the harness by putting and extra layer of fabric on. This would add weight though, unfortunately. You could try just distracting him with toys until he forgets his desire to chew the harness, but if that doesn't work you could use positive reinforcement conditioning to train him not to chew it. Reinforce (give him a treat) him for doing anything that's not chewing the harness (playing, watching the scenery, preening, whatever,). Just some ideas

I don't think he will chew through it. It's pretty tough and I don't let him sit chewing on it. I've tried distracting him but it often doesn't work because he gets bored really easily, then he finds something else he wants to destroy.

I'll try giving him treats when he isn't chewing it.

 

[SilverSage]

Mine chews on it, but I let her. She only wears it when we are out and about in town so she usually is interested in something else. If we are going to have long car rides or something I attach a string of beads to my collar as a toy. just a couple of inches.

 

[Julianna]

If you're not worried about him chewing through it then at least it's not a safety concern, so that's good post an update after you've tried reinforcing not chewing for a bit, please!