Bringing a puppy into your home is exciting, but the constant chewing can make life a little chaotic. Puppies chew to explore their world and soothe their growing teeth, but that doesn’t mean your shoes or furniture have to suffer. If you’re dealing with this all-too-common phase, keep reading for practical tips to stop your puppy from munching and chewing on your belongings.
Understanding the Chewing Phase
Before you can stop chewing, it’s important to understand why it’s happening. Puppies chew because their teeth are growing, and their mouths are a primary tool for exploring their environment.
Chewing also helps relieve boredom and uses up some of that endless puppy energy. Knowing these reasons can help you approach this as a learning phase rather than just a bad habit.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Start by removing temptation. Keep shoes in closed closets, put wires out of reach, and never leave valuable items within easy access. Look around your home and think about areas most vulnerable to curious puppy teeth.
Common household items like pillows, bags, and small decor can be seen as exciting toys if left unattended. Pet gates can also keep your puppy confined to a safer area, especially if you can’t closely monitor them.
Providing Appropriate Chewing Alternatives
Redirect your puppy to appropriate chewing options. Choose durable pet toys your dog will love. Look for toys specifically designed for puppies and teething. Treat-dispensing toys are excellent not only for chewing but also for mental stimulation.
Long-lasting, edible chews can also help satisfy their chewing instincts while giving them something beneficial to gnaw on. Testing a few options will help identify what captures your puppy’s interest the most.
Training Techniques To Try
Calmly interrupt and redirect your puppy to an appropriate toy when you catch them chewing on something inappropriate. After the redirection, make sure to praise your furry friend when they start chewing the toy instead of your shoes or valuables.
Positive reinforcement will help them learn the distinction over time. Avoid yelling or physical punishment. These can create fear and confusion, which could worsen the behavior.
Consistency and Patience
Stopping chewing doesn’t happen overnight. Everyone in your household must follow the same rules to keep your puppy on track. Encourage family members to follow training cues and redirect the puppy to their toys. Puppies thrive on consistent interactions and expectations, so regular routines will help them learn faster.
When To Seek Professional Help
If your puppy’s chewing seems unusually aggressive or destructive, or they’re not responding to training, it might be time to consult a professional. A veterinarian can evaluate if teething pain is excessive, while a trainer can offer additional behavioral strategies. Sometimes, expert insight makes all the difference in addressing challenging behaviors.
Puppyhood comes with its fair share of challenges, but with the right approach, you can create a happier and safer environment for your family and pup. Help your adorable puppy learn good chewing habits early, and you’ll enjoy the rewards of a well-behaved companion for years. Start today by picking out that perfect, durable toy they’ll love to chew!