Puppy Chewing: Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Puppy Chewing

All puppies of every breed instinctively chew as a vital part of their development. Chewing helps puppies break through their new teeth, easing teething pain and giving comfort. It also allows young dogs to investigate their surroundings by taste and texture, which stimulates and soothes them.

Still, while chewing is natural, it can become problematic if your puppy chaws on inappropriate or unsafe objects. This can lead to damage around the home and even health hazards for your pup if dangerous items get ingested. Additionally, some puppies struggle to differentiate between their toys and your hands or feet, and those tiny teeth are surprisingly sharp!

In this comprehensive guide, we will share effective strategies to manage puppy chewing with clear do’s and don’ts to help you and your family navigate this stage with kindness and consistency. Read on for expert tips.

Understanding Puppy Chewing and Its Challenges

Puppy chewing is primarily driven by teething and exploratory behaviour. The discomfort from erupting adult teeth encourages puppies to gnaw on various items for relief. Meanwhile, mouthing is a way they learn about the world and self-soothe when anxious or bored.

Challenges often arise when puppies grab objects that are not safe or rules are inconsistent, causing confusion. Destructive chewing can cause concern for dog owners but with patience and planning, it is manageable. Early intervention reduces the risk of this behaviour becoming established into adulthood.

Do’s for Managing Puppy Chewing

1. Accept chewing as a natural and necessary phase. Never punish your pup for chewing; instead, offer plenty of suitable outlets.
   
   
2. Provide a variety of safe chew toys. Make sure there are toys of different shapes, textures and materials to keep your puppy interested. Durable toys designed for teething, like a Kong, are excellent for satisfying chewing urges.
   
   
3. Keep tempting but forbidden items out of reach. Shoes, children’s toys, electrical cords and similar hazards should be securely stored away. Puppy-proofing one room for when you’re out can protect both possessions and your pup.
   
   
4. Use positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your puppy when they chew only their toys or give up forbidden items when redirected.
   
   
5. Redirect gently and promptly. Don’t snatch things from your puppy without an alternative offered. Swap inappropriate items for allowed toys and celebrate their acceptance with warmth.
   
   
6. Teach commands like “leave it!” early on. This allows you to intervene safely when your puppy has something dangerous in their mouth.
   
   
7. Ensure the whole family is consistent. Everyone must know the chewing rules and avoid giving mixed messages by allowing or forbidding different objects.
   
   
8. Supervise closely during active times. Watch for signs your puppy is about to chew something they shouldn’t so you can intervene swiftly.
   

Don’ts for Managing Puppy Chewing

1. Don’t punish your puppy for normal chewing. Scolding or physical punishment only creates confusion and fear.
   
   
2. Don’t allow mixed messages. Avoid allowing access to an item one day and forbidding it the next. Your pup needs clear, consistent boundaries.
   
   
3. Don’t engage in tug-of-war over items. Fighting for something your pup has in their mouth can encourage the behaviour to turn into a game.
   
   
4. Don’t let your puppy chew on people. It may seem cute but biting hands and feet can become painful and is a habit that’s hard to stop once matured.
   
   
5. Don’t remove chew toys as punishment. Chewing is essential for teething puppies and should not be discouraged.
   
   
6. Avoid cheap or inappropriate chew toys. Toys made cheaply or intended for children might break apart and cause ingestion hazards. Also avoid sticks and twigs which can splinter.
   
   
7. Don’t allow lead chewing. Chewing on the lead can hinder walking and training later; instead, offer a toy to carry during walks.
   

Additional Tips for Managing Puppy Chewing

• Rotate toys to keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom chewing.
• Use safe chew deterrents sparingly on household objects, combined with training and supervision.
• Exercise your puppy regularly to reduce excess energy and frustration that may lead to destructive chewing.
• Provide mental stimulation through training and play to keep your pup occupied and calm.
• Seek professional help if chewing becomes destructive despite your best efforts, as a specialist trainer can help tailor your approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Chewing

When do puppies stop chewing?

Quick Answer: Puppies generally slow down on chewing once their adult teeth have fully erupted, typically between 6 to 8 months of age.

Teething starts around 3 weeks and continues until roughly 6 months old when all adult teeth have usually come through. While the intense urge to chew decreases after this, many dogs still enjoy chewing as a natural behaviour throughout life, so providing appropriate chew toys remains important for their wellbeing.

How can I stop my puppy chewing on inappropriate things?

Quick Answer: Supervise closely, redirect their chewing to safe toys, remove temptations, and consistently reward good chewing choices.

Managing inappropriate chewing requires a careful balance of puppy-proofing your home, offering a variety of appropriate toys, and consistent positive reinforcement. Training commands like “leave it” and gentle redirection when they start chewing forbidden items teach them boundaries without distress. Avoid punishment and provide ample exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom-related chewing.

What are the safest chew toys for teething puppies?

Quick Answer: Durable rubber toys like Kong, nylon bones, and especially those designed for teething puppies are safest and most effective.

Hard but flexible rubber toys can be filled with treats or frozen to soothe sore gums. Avoid toys that break easily or have small parts that can be swallowed. Always supervise your puppy with new chew toys and replace any damaged items promptly. Reliable toys designed specifically to satisfy teething needs are best trusted choices.

Starting your puppy with these good habits and appropriate chew toys supports healthy development and protects your home.

For those planning to find a puppy, understanding the chewing phase is essential for prepared, responsible ownership and ensuring your new family member settles happily into your home.