How to deal with a puppy that's chewing..

Jan 27, 20232 min read

Updated: Mar 2

Puppies have a lot of energy and need guidance to direct it properly to not become destructive.

Why is my puppy chewing on everything?

Chewing is typical behavior for young dogs, as they chew while teething and may continue to do so until they are 1-2 years old, or even longer, depending on the breed. Dogs might also chew out of boredom, and some simply enjoy tearing apart beds or removing stuffing from toys. Additionally, they may chew due to anxiety; if they find a shoe or clothing item that carries your scent, it could end up in their mouth if you're not cautious.

Your role as a pet owner is to address the chewing issue during your puppy's developmental phase by implementing effective solutions.

Management (keep items elevated and out of reach, similar to baby-proofing your home)
Ensuring that you fulfill all the dog's needs: attention, social interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, and diet.
Can you train him to leave it, drop it, or give it? Turn it into a game where he brings you items. Say "Thank you" when he picks something up and brings it to you. The history of reinforcement for the positive behavior (leave it, drop it, give it) must outweigh his inclination to engage in the negative behavior (chewing, hiding, playing keep-away), so use high-value rewards while teaching him the desired behavior.
Increasing exercise is always beneficial, both for the body and mind. A well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog. Make an effort to dedicate time each day to exhaust your dog. Activities like playing fetch with a Kong Ball, walking, hiking (considering the dog's age), and practicing obedience commands are all great methods to tire out your pup.
Providing your dog with suitable items to chew on is essential to prevent them from seeking out alternatives. Chewing is beneficial for their teeth, aiding in cleaning, and also helps them alleviate stress and anxiety. Additionally, it's an excellent method for them to expend energy.

Chewing toys: Kong, Wobbler, lick mat, bully in holder, red barn bone, raw meat bones from butcher and interactive toys to find the treat are all good ways to make your pup focus on what he's allowed to chew on. Make sure you monitor them when they have these items to make sure they can't chew off a piece and swallow it.

Bully sticks are a great way for your dog to exercise their jaws/teeth and wear themselves out in the process. I use bully sticks when I need them to be quiet when I'm working or if we are out in a public place for lunch and need them to stay occupied with chewing while laying at my feet or under the table.

Below are some options for Chew toys...

https://www.goughnuts.com/

https://outwardhound.com/brands/planet-dog/

https://www.benebone.com/products/

My dogs like these...

https://store.petsafe.net/ultra-woofer

Tux

(Best for aggressive chewers)

http://amzn.to/2tj4wzn

Tizzi

http://amzn.to/2tjF7Wv

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