How to Raise a Puppy with Good Chewing Habits

Chewing is a natural and important part of your puppy's development, especially during teething when their new teeth need to break through the gums. Rather than discouraging chewing entirely, it’s vital to guide your puppy towards appropriate chewing habits that protect your belongings and keep them safe.

How you manage your puppy's chewing from the beginning shapes their lifelong behaviour. This guide offers practical steps to nurture positive chewing habits and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Start by offering a variety of safe, stimulating chew toys designed specifically for puppies. These toys, often made of durable rubber, come in different shapes, sizes, and textures to suit different chewing needs. For puppies actively teething (usually between 3 to 6 months), these toys help relieve gum discomfort and satisfy their urge to chew.

Rotate toys to keep your puppy interested and reassess their preferences as they grow. Choose toys without small parts that could become choking hazards to promote safe chewing.

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Protect both your puppy and your possessions by removing or securely storing tempting items within their reach. Common targets include shoes, electrical cords, children’s toys, and valuable furniture. Reducing access to inappropriate objects decreases the chance of destructive chewing and potential health risks from ingesting unsafe materials.

If your puppy fixates on a particular household item, consider introducing a similar but safe chew toy as a substitution.

3. Redirect Inappropriate Chewing with Substitutes

When your puppy starts chewing something they shouldn't, calmly take the object away without turning it into a game of tug or chase. Instead, offer an acceptable chew toy immediately to redirect their attention.

Teach them to surrender objects politely by using commands and rewarding compliance with praise and treats. This strengthens their understanding of boundaries and resource sharing, promoting respectful behaviour.

4. Consistently Correct Unwanted Chewing

If you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, address it instantly. Take the item away and redirect them to their chew toys without allowing any ambiguity. Consistent rules help avoid confusion and frustration, making training clearer and more effective.

5. Incorporate Chew Toys into Crate Training

Crate training helps your puppy feel secure when left alone and can be combined with chewing management. Place suitable chew toys in or near the crate. Offering a special chew toy with some tasty treat paste encourages your pup to see the crate as a positive, rewarding space.

6. Keep Your Puppy Mentally Stimulated

While chewing naturally starts during teething, it often continues as a habit or boredom relief. Be mindful not to substitute your interaction time with chew toys alone. Engage your puppy with interactive play, training sessions, and puzzle toys to fulfil their need for mental stimulation and prevent boredom-induced chewing.

7. Provide Plenty of Physical Exercise

A well-exercised puppy is less likely to develop destructive behaviours like inappropriate chewing. Regular, age-appropriate exercise helps your puppy burn energy and feel content. Avoid over-exercising, but aim for consistent physical activity to promote their wellbeing and good behaviour.

8. Monitor Your Puppy's Dental Health

Keep an eye on how your puppy's teeth are developing. If you notice difficulties breaking through the gums, misaligned or missing teeth, it’s best to consult your vet promptly. Early intervention can prevent long-term dental issues that might affect chewing behaviour and overall health.

Additional Expert Tips

• Avoid using your own personal items like old shoes or socks as chew toys, as this can confuse your puppy about what is acceptable to chew.
• Supervise your puppy closely in new environments to catch and redirect inappropriate chewing early.
• Teach commands such as "Leave it" to improve control over your puppy's chewing choices.
• Be patient and consistent – forming good chewing habits takes time but pays off in a well-behaved adult dog.

Considerations When Finding a Puppy

When looking to find a puppy, choose reputable breeders or adoption centres who prioritise the health and socialisation of their puppies. Healthy puppies with early socialisation tend to adapt better to training, including establishing good chewing habits.

By combining these strategies with love and consistency, you will lay the foundation for your puppy to grow into a well-mannered, contented adult dog with good chewing habits that protect your home and their health.