Why Does My 10-Month-Old Segugio Italiano Chew Its Leash?

 Yes, it is normal for a 10-month-old Segugio Italiano to chew its leash, but it is a behavior that should be addressed early. Leash chewing is often a sign of boredom, frustration, or teething. At 10 months, your Segugio Italiano is still in the adolescent stage, which means they are full of energy and exploring new ways to interact with their environment—including their leash.

This article will help you understand why leash chewing happens and provide actionable steps to redirect this behavior while maintaining a healthy training routine for your energetic Segugio Italiano.

Yes, boredom is one of the most common reasons for leash chewing in Segugio Italianos.

This breed is known for its high energy levels and intelligence. When they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing the leash as a way to release pent-up energy or entertain themselves. Unlike calmer breeds like Bulldogs, Segugio Italianos require frequent activities to stay engaged.

Signs of Boredom-Related Leash Chewing

• Chewing starts during or after a long walk.
• They seem disinterested in their surroundings.
• Excessive chewing, even when you try to redirect their focus.

How to Address It

1. Increase the duration or intensity of daily walks.
2. Incorporate scent-tracking games or interactive toys before heading out.
3. Use puzzle toys to mentally stimulate your dog after exercise.

Yes, teething could still be a factor, even at 10 months, as their adult teeth continue to settle.

During this stage, chewing helps alleviate discomfort in their gums. The leash provides an accessible and textured object for them to chew on. While teething is more common in younger puppies, some dogs continue this behavior into adolescence as their adult teeth grow and adjust.

How to Manage Teething-Related Leash Chewing

1. Offer chew toys made of safe, durable materials.
2. Apply a vet-approved teething gel to soothe their gums.
3. Redirect chewing behavior to an appropriate object when they grab the leash.

Yes, leash chewing can be a sign of frustration, especially if your dog feels restricted or overstimulated during walks.

Segugio Italianos are highly active and independent dogs. If they feel restrained by the leash or overwhelmed by their environment, they may chew the leash as a way to express frustration. This behavior is common in high-energy breeds that are not used to leash restrictions.

What Causes Frustration During Walks?

• Limited freedom to explore scents or surroundings.
• Sudden interruptions or stops during a walk.
• Using a leash that is too short or uncomfortable.

Solutions to Reduce Frustration

1. Use a longer leash (6–8 feet) to allow more freedom while maintaining control.
2. Practice loose-leash walking techniques to reduce tension on the leash.
3. Reward calm behavior with treats or praise when they stop pulling or chewing.

 Learn leash training techniques with our Training Resources.

Yes, leash chewing can sometimes be a playful habit, especially in adolescent dogs like a 10-month-old Segugio Italiano.

At this age, your dog is curious and still learning appropriate behaviors. They may see the leash as a toy, especially if it moves or dangles during walks. Playful leash chewing is more common in dogs that haven’t been taught clear boundaries regarding what they can and cannot chew.

How to Redirect Playful Leash Chewing

1. Stop walking immediately when they start chewing the leash.
2. Use a firm “leave it” command and reward them when they let go.
3. Carry a toy or treat to redirect their attention during walks.

 Discover training tools to stop leash chewing on our app Dosty..

Yes, leash chewing can be stopped with consistent training and redirection.

Training your Segugio Italiano to stop chewing the leash requires a combination of positive reinforcement and clear boundaries. Since this breed is intelligent and eager to please, consistent training techniques will help them quickly understand that chewing the leash is not acceptable.

Effective Training Techniques

1. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they walk calmly without chewing the leash.
2. Redirect Behavior: Offer a chew toy or treat when they attempt to grab the leash.
3. Leash Management: Use a sturdy, chew-resistant leash to minimize damage and discourage the habit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t play tug-of-war with the leash, as this encourages chewing.
• Avoid harsh corrections, which can create fear and anxiety.

 Learn effective training techniques with videos of our Experts.

Yes, leash chewing is a common behavior in a 10-month-old Segugio Italiano, but it can be managed with proper training and care. Whether it’s caused by boredom, teething, frustration, or playfulness, understanding the root cause of the behavior is key to addressing it effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Increase mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom-related chewing.
• Provide appropriate chew toys to manage teething discomfort.
• Use training techniques and chew-resistant leashes to discourage the habit.

 Download the Dosty.co App for personalized advice and tools.

External Resources

American Kennel Club: Puppy Chewing Behavior

PetMD: How to Stop Leash Chewing

Canine Behavior Guide: Adolescent Dog Training

Merck Vet Manual: Puppy Development Stages

Segugio Italiano Club of America