It can be frustrating when your puppy chews up your things, like your nice shoes or furniture legs. But it’s normal puppy behavior, and you can easily fix it.
Why Puppies Chew
There are three main reasons:
- Teething: Puppies lose their baby teeth and grow new ones between 12 weeks and 6 months old. This can be painful, so they chew to soothe their gums.
- Exploring: Puppies are curious and like to investigate new things. Chewing helps them learn about different textures and tastes.
- Playing: If a puppy finds something fun to chew on, like a slipper, they’ll keep doing it for fun.
How to Stop Puppy Chewing
You can teach your puppy not to chew on your stuff. Here’s how:
- Puppy-Proof Your Home: Make sure your home is safe for your puppy. Keep things they shouldn’t chew on out of reach or in a puppy-proof area, like a gated-off room. Fill this area with puppy-friendly toys and items.
- Provide Chew Toys: Give your puppy lots of toys they’re allowed to chew on, like rubber bones or chew sticks. Praise them when they chew on these toys instead of your things.
- Redirect: If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t, say “no” firmly and give them a chew toy instead. Then, praise them when they chew on the toy.
With patience and training, you can teach your puppy what’s okay to chew on and what’s not.
Choose the Right Dog Toys
Instead of letting your dog chew on things he shouldn’t, give him toys that are okay to chew. Make sure to pick toys that are safe and the right size for your puppy. Dogs like toys with different textures and colors.
Stuffed toys with squeakers are good toys for chewing puppies. Rotate the toys often so your puppy doesn’t get bored. Always watch your dog when he plays with toys. Toys should never be harder than your dog’s teeth, or they could hurt him. Ask your vet about safe toys for your dog.
Interrupt and Divert
New dogs and puppies don’t know what they can and can’t chew on yet—it’s your job to teach them.
If your puppy starts chewing on something, he shouldn’t get a favorite toy and play with it happily. Squeaky toys are good because they get your puppy’s attention fast. Your puppy will probably come over to see what you’re doing and might drop the thing he was chewing on. Give him the toy and take away the other thing. This is a good time to teach your puppy to “drop it.”
If he doesn’t want to give up the other thing, try offering a better toy or a treat. Keep playing with your puppy for a while. Later, he put away the things he shouldn’t have.
If you catch your puppy chewing something dangerous, take it away right away. If you think he ate something bad, call your vet.
Keep Them Busy
It’s important to keep your dog busy and entertained. Puppies might need playtime and puzzles. Older dogs might need walks or games like flyball. If your dog is busy and happy, he’ll be less likely to chew on your stuff.
