Bitter apple spray tastes so gross to your dog that it can stop him from chewing your shoes, your furniture and other unwanted household objects. Since the spray is liquid, it evaporates over time. Regular applications keep the object bitter-tasting and render it unattractive to Rover.
How it Works
Once your dog bites into that bitter apple-coated shoe, he'll recoil. His treat now tastes terrible. He'll leave it alone and find something else to chew, like his dog toy. Of course, once the apple scent evaporates he may try it again, hence the need for regular applications. The ASPCA suggests applying bitter apple to a cotton cloth and letting your dog taste it. He'll nibble then back away in disgust. This teaches your dog that the awful smell and taste of bitter apple go together, so he'll avoid tasting things with that smell.
Time Frame
Reapply bitter apple spray when the objects you've coated dry off or your dog begins to sniff or chew them again without recoiling. The latter is a sign that the spray has worn off. The ASPCA recommends reapplying once every day up to twice per day. After two to four weeks of consistent application, your dog should be conditioned not to chew unwanted objects.
Considerations
Before you cover your sofa in bitter apple spray, test the spray first on a corner of the fabric. Make sure the apple spray doesn't damage or discolor any object before you spray away. While most dogs will hate the smell and taste of bitter apple, some pups like taste deterrents like bitter apple spray. Should your pooch enjoy bitter apple, try other taste deterrents.
Tips
Couple the spray with telling your pooch "no" when you catch him chewing to reinforce the behavior modification. Offer your pet a toy he loves to chew, and when he takes it and begins to chew, praise him. This redirects his need to chew onto objects he's allowed to gnaw on.
By Elton Dunn
References
Stop That Dog Now! an Owner's Guide to a Problem Free Dog; Sue Clauss
ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training; Steven Appelbaum>/a> ASPCA: Using Taste Deterrents
About the Author
A successful website writer since 1998, Elton Dunn has demonstrated experience with technology, information retrieval, usability and user experience, social media, cloud computing, and small business needs. Dunn holds a degree from UCSF and formerly worked as professional chef. Dunn has ghostwritten thousands of blog posts, newsletter articles, website copy, press releases and product descriptions. He specializes in developing informational articles on topics including food, nutrition, fitness, health and pets.
Writer Bio
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