Homemade dog chew deterrent spray

So we have a big dog.  A 7 month old Bernese Mountain Dog actually and he is bored.  He has been eating wood stuff like crazy.  It is our fault though.  He is a dog that needs exercise and I am a person that abhors exercise.  He needs to run around and burn off his energy.

So he chews.

I need him to stop chewing.  Your reasons may be similar, or completely opposite.  But you still need pooch to stop chewing on stuff they are not supposed to.

I have tried commercial sprays and they are effective to some degree, but I think Max is just getting use to the taste.

Citrus

Try steeping 2 cups of citrus peels in 4 cups of boiled water until cool. Spray this anywhere you think your dog is or will be chewing.  Reapply every 2 weeks until pooch gets the idea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Combine two parts apple cider vinegar with one part regular white vinegar in a spray bottle, shake well and apply it on the furniture your dog likes to chew.  Make sure to test in an inconspicuous area before you spray your furniture. It may leave a lasting stain otherwise.

Cayenne Pepper Spray

Add 1 or 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper to a quart of room temperature water, shake and spray where necessary.  Your getting to the big guns here.  For this to be effective, make sure that Fido doesn't have ready access to water to wash the unpleasant taste out of their mouth.  

Hot Peppers

To make a spray, use about 2 tablespoons of crushed hot pepper powder to 10 cups of water.  The capsaicin will really burn your dogs mouth.  Your dog may react by coughing or sneezing.  If you've reach this point, and it doesn't stop the chewing, you may need professional help.

Warnings and Considerations

Never spray any repellent, even non-toxic homemade deterrent spray into your dog's eyes AND never apply it onto your dog's skin to prevent him from chewing on himself, such as his tail or paws. Skin that has been chewed or licked could be raw or broken and will need to be reviewed by a veterinarian to see if topical antibiotics are required.


Consider, too, that all repellents (and all dogs!) are not created equal. so not every spray will not discourage ALL dogs from chewing. Additionally, some dogs have the tendency to become tolerant to its taste.

Comments and suggestions are ALWAYS welcome.