Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, filled with joy and plenty of adorable moments. However, it also comes with a set of challenges, one of the most common being unwanted chewing. Puppies, by nature, are curious and use their mouths to explore the world around them. This behavior, while natural, can often lead to frustration for pet owners as they find their favorite shoes, furniture, or other belongings chewed to bits. Fortunately, with the right strategies and consistent training, you can guide your puppy towards more appropriate chewing habits and protect your home in the process. This article provides practical advice on how to stop unwanted chewing in puppies while ensuring they stay happy and healthy.
Understanding Why Puppies Chew
To effectively address chewing, it’s important to understand why puppies engage in this behavior in the first place. Chewing serves multiple purposes for puppies. First and foremost, they chew to alleviate discomfort during teething. Just like human babies, puppies experience pain and irritation as their teeth grow in, and chewing helps soothe their gums.
Chewing is also a way for puppies to explore their environment and understand the objects around them. It’s a natural behavior that helps them learn about textures and tastes. Finally, chewing can be a way for puppies to release pent-up energy or relieve anxiety. If they’re feeling bored or anxious, chewing provides a form of comfort and mental stimulation.
Understanding these motivations is key to developing a plan to stop unwanted chewing. The goal is not to eliminate the chewing entirely but to redirect it towards appropriate outlets.
Providing Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the most effective ways to curb unwanted chewing is to provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys. These toys can serve as substitutes for your shoes, furniture, or other off-limit items. When selecting chew toys, consider different textures and materials to keep your puppy interested. Some puppies prefer soft plush toys, while others like harder toys they can really sink their teeth into.
Rubber toys, especially those that can be filled with treats, are excellent choices for teething puppies. Kong toys, for example, can be stuffed with peanut butter or kibble to make them even more enticing. By providing a variety of chew toys, you satisfy your puppy’s need to chew while keeping them engaged and away from inappropriate items.
It’s also helpful to rotate toys periodically to keep your puppy from becoming bored. Introducing a “new” toy every few days can rekindle their interest and prevent them from seeking out more destructive alternatives.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Preventing unwanted chewing starts with setting your puppy up for success by puppy-proofing your home. Take a look around and identify items that may be tempting targets for chewing—like shoes, bags, electrical cords, and household decorations. Keep these items out of your puppy’s reach to reduce the temptation.
For things that can’t be easily moved, such as furniture legs, you can use deterrent sprays that are specifically designed to make the object taste unpleasant to your puppy. Bitter apple sprays, for instance, are commonly used for this purpose. While deterrents can be helpful, they should be used in combination with proper training, not as a sole solution.
Be mindful of areas that might be dangerous for your puppy. Electrical cords should be secured or covered to prevent any risk of electrocution. Shoes, clothing, and small household items that can be swallowed should be kept behind closed doors or high up where your puppy can’t reach them.
Redirecting Chewing Behavior
When you catch your puppy in the act of chewing something they shouldn’t, it’s important to intervene immediately and redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. The key is not to punish the puppy, but to guide them toward better options. Say “no” or “uh-uh” in a firm but calm voice, then offer them one of their designated chew toys instead. When they start chewing the toy, praise them enthusiastically. This helps them understand which items are off-limits and which are acceptable.
Consistency is essential for redirecting chewing behavior. Puppies are learning every moment, and clear, consistent redirection helps them understand what is expected of them. Make sure all members of your household follow the same process for redirection so that the puppy receives the same message every time.
Supervised Playtime and Crate Training
Supervision is critical during the puppy stage, especially when it comes to preventing unwanted chewing. When your puppy is free to explore the house, they should be supervised at all times. This allows you to intervene when they start chewing something inappropriate and guide them toward an acceptable alternative.
For moments when you can’t directly supervise your puppy, crate training can be a helpful tool. A crate provides a safe space for your puppy to relax without getting into trouble. Make sure the crate is comfortable and stocked with safe chew toys. Crate training not only prevents unwanted chewing but also gives your puppy a sense of security.
In addition to using a crate, baby gates can be used to limit your puppy’s access to specific areas of your home. By controlling your puppy’s environment, you can minimize the chances of them chewing on inappropriate items while they learn proper behavior.
Satisfying the Need for Physical and Mental Exercise
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Often, chewing is a sign that your puppy has excess energy that needs to be released. Providing sufficient physical and mental exercise is crucial to reducing unwanted chewing behavior. Daily walks, play sessions, and games like fetch can help burn off energy, making your puppy less likely to chew out of boredom.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Engage your puppy with training sessions that teach them new commands and tricks. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are also great for providing mental stimulation and keeping your puppy occupied. When your puppy is mentally and physically fulfilled, they are far less likely to engage in destructive chewing behaviors.
Dealing with Teething Pain
Puppies typically begin teething at around three to four months of age, and the process can last until they are about six months old. During this time, they may feel an increased need to chew to soothe their sore gums. To help alleviate their discomfort, consider offering frozen chew toys or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth. The cold sensation can help numb their gums and provide relief, making them less likely to target your furniture or belongings.
You can also use special teething rings made specifically for puppies. These toys are designed to be gentle on their growing teeth while providing the pressure relief they need. Providing a variety of options for teething will help your puppy get through this stage with minimal damage to your home.
Avoiding Punishment
When dealing with unwanted chewing, it’s important to avoid punishment. Punishing your puppy after they have chewed something is not effective, as they are unlikely to understand what they did wrong. Yelling or physically disciplining your puppy can lead to fear and anxiety, which may actually make the problem worse.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection. Puppies learn best when they are rewarded for good behavior rather than punished for mistakes. If you catch your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy and praise them when they comply. This approach builds trust and encourages your puppy to make better choices.
Establishing a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, and establishing a consistent schedule can help prevent unwanted chewing. Regular feeding times, playtimes, walks, and rest periods help provide structure for your puppy and reduce their anxiety. When a puppy knows what to expect, they are less likely to act out by chewing on household items.
Incorporate regular training sessions into your puppy’s daily routine. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, sporadic ones. Use these training sessions to reinforce basic commands and reward calm behavior. Over time, your puppy will become more responsive to your instructions, making it easier to manage their chewing habits.
Building Positive Associations
Building positive associations with appropriate chew toys is an important part of preventing unwanted chewing. You can do this by engaging in interactive play with your puppy using their chew toys. For example, initiate a game of tug with a rope toy or stuff a Kong toy with treats and encourage your puppy to figure out how to get them out.
By turning chew toys into sources of fun and rewards, your puppy will naturally gravitate towards these items instead of chewing on household objects. Consistent praise and treats when your puppy chooses their chew toys over other items will help reinforce this behavior.
Encouraging Calmness
Chewing can sometimes be a sign of anxiety or overstimulation. Teaching your puppy to be calm and relaxed is an important part of preventing unwanted chewing. Encourage calm behavior by rewarding your puppy when they settle down quietly, either with a treat or gentle praise.
Providing a quiet, comfortable space for your puppy to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed can also help. This space could be a cozy bed or a crate with soft bedding. By creating a calm environment, you reduce the chances of your puppy engaging in anxiety-driven chewing.
Training a puppy to stop unwanted chewing takes time, patience, and consistency. By understanding why puppies chew, providing appropriate outlets, supervising effectively, and reinforcing positive behaviors, you can guide your puppy through this challenging phase and set them up for a lifetime of good habits. Remember that every puppy is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your furry friend. With dedication and a positive approach, you can protect your belongings while helping your puppy grow into a well-behaved adult dog.
