Survival Tips for When Your Puppy is Teething

Welcoming a puppy into your home brings joy and change. One particularly challenging phase is when your puppy starts teething. This typically begins between 12 and 14 weeks of age, varying by breed. Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies and sometimes causes destructive chewing habits, but with patience and the right approach, you can help your puppy through this stage peacefully.

1. Understanding Puppy Teething and When It Starts

Puppies begin to lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth around 12 to 14 weeks old. Smaller breeds often take longer to complete this process. Teething discomfort can cause your puppy to chew on various objects around the home as a way to soothe sore gums. Recognising this behaviour early helps manage it better.

2. How to Puppy-Proof Your Home Effectively

Prepare your home to protect valuables and keep your puppy safe. Remove or secure items that your puppy might chew, such as shoes, socks, children's toys, electrical cables, and furniture legs. Preventing access to dangerous or valuable items reduces stress for both you and your pup during this phase.

3. Provide Safe and Soothing Chew Toys

Offering appropriate chew toys is one of the best ways to comfort a teething puppy. Choose durable but soft toys designed specifically for puppies that soothe gums without breaking apart. Some toys can even be chilled or frozen to provide extra relief. Always supervise your puppy’s chewing to ensure safety.

4. Using Cold Items to Alleviate Discomfort

Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce irritation. You can freeze a clean cloth or towel dampened with water or provide frozen puppy-safe toys. Let your puppy chew these under supervision to prevent accidental swallowing of thawed pieces.

5. Train the “Leave It” Command Early

Teething is an ideal time to teach the "leave it" command. Gently hold a favourite toy and say “leave it.” When your puppy releases the toy, reward them calmly but generously. This trains them to let go of items appropriately and reassures them that releasing items leads to positive rewards. This method also discourages tug of war behaviours with household objects.

6. Curtail Unwanted Chewing With the “No” Command

If your puppy starts chewing something inappropriate, firmly say “no” and immediately offer a correct chew toy. Praise them when they switch to the correct item. Consistent positive reinforcement helps puppies learn what is acceptable to chew and builds their understanding of boundaries.

7. Consider Using Bitter Apple Spray as a Deterrent

Bitter apple sprays can be an effective, safe deterrent for chewing on furniture or household items. Spraying objects your puppy targets helps discourage chewing due to the unpleasant taste. Products like Grannick's Apple Spray are available and often recommended by trainers. Use as directed and avoid spraying on your puppy.

8. Practice Soft Mouth Training to Prevent Nipping

Soft mouth training teaches puppies to have gentle mouths, which is especially useful for comfort and safety. Playing gentle games such as tug, removing the toy calmly, and responding with a sharp “ouch” if bitten helps puppies learn bite inhibition. Repeating this mimics maternal guidance and helps prevent dangerous nipping, particularly important in households with children.

9. Keep Your Puppy Mentally and Physically Engaged

Teething puppies benefit from plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Regular playtime, training sessions, and puzzle toys divert attention away from uncomfortable chewing and reduce boredom-induced destructive behaviour. A tired puppy is generally better behaved.

10. When to Consult Your Vet About Teeth Issues

Watch for problems like retained baby teeth or misaligned teeth. Sometimes an adult tooth doesn’t push out the baby tooth, causing pain or infection. Misaligned teeth can make chewing difficult for your dog. If you suspect these issues, a vet can assess and advise on treatment, which sometimes involves tooth removal to allow normal jaw development.

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Final thoughts on puppy teething

Teething is a tough but temporary stage in your puppy's life. By puppy-proofing your home, offering safe chew toys, teaching basic commands like “leave it” and “no,” using deterrents when needed, and practising soft mouth training, you can support your puppy while safeguarding your belongings. Remember, patience, consistency, and gentle guidance will help your puppy grow into a well-behaved adult dog.