Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but it can be frustrating when they target furniture, shoes, or valuables. Understanding why puppies chew and using effective strategies to manage it can save your home from destruction. This guide shares six practical tips to stop your puppy’s chewing habit successfully.
Understand Why Puppies Chew
Puppies chew to explore, relieve teething pain, or release stress and boredom. It’s essential to recognize that chewing is normal, not defiant behavior. By understanding this, you can approach the problem with patience and correct methods, ensuring your puppy learns what is acceptable to chew on.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Offering a variety of safe, durable chew toys redirects your puppy’s chewing instinct away from household items. Choose toys designed for teething puppies, like rubber bones or treat-dispensing toys. Rotating toys keeps their interest alive and prevents boredom, which often leads to destructive chewing behavior.
3. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Preventing access to tempting objects is crucial. Keep shoes, wires, remote controls, and valuables out of reach. Use baby gates or playpens to confine your puppy to safe areas. Puppy-proofing reduces opportunities for chewing mishaps and helps set clear boundaries as your puppy learns acceptable behavior.
Use Bitter-Tasting Sprays
Bitter sprays can deter puppies from chewing furniture or other household items. Spray these harmless, non-toxic deterrents on surfaces your puppy frequently targets. The unpleasant taste discourages chewing and reinforces the idea that certain objects are off-limits, complementing positive reinforcement training methods effectively.
Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation
A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive games keep your puppy physically and mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys and obedience training also engage their mind, reducing boredom and the urge to chew on inappropriate items out of frustration.
Teach the “Leave It” Command
Training your puppy to respond to “Leave it” is a valuable tool to stop chewing. Use treats and positive reinforcement to teach this command. Consistent practice helps your puppy understand when to disengage from objects they shouldn’t chew, making it easier to manage their behavior long-term.
Quick Comparison: Chewing Solutions
| Tip | Why It Works | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Appropriate Toys | Redirects chewing instinct | Chew toys, teething rings |
| Puppy-Proofing | Reduces temptation | Baby gates, storage bins |
| Bitter Sprays | Deters chewing | Bitter spray products |
| Physical Stimulation | Reduces boredom | Walks, playtime |
| Mental Stimulation | Engages mind | Puzzle toys, training |
| “Leave It” Command | Teaches obedience | Treats, clicker |
FAQ’s
Why do puppies chew so much?
Puppies chew to relieve teething discomfort, explore their environment, and combat boredom. Chewing is a normal developmental behavior that helps strengthen their jaw and keeps them occupied.
At what age do puppies stop chewing?
Most puppies outgrow excessive chewing by six months when their adult teeth come in. However, some may continue mild chewing for up to a year, requiring consistent training and supervision.
Are chew toys safe for puppies?
Yes, chew toys designed specifically for puppies are safe. Ensure they are non-toxic, durable, and size-appropriate to prevent choking hazards or ingestion of small parts.
