Stop Puppy Chewing
06 Jan 2010
There is so much to enjoy about owning a young puppy. They’re warm and cuddly, and they make us laugh as they tumble and stumble through their day.
They do, however, have one behavior that we’re not impressed with at all, and that is chewing. I know I was horrified when my pup ate the buckle on my expensive new pair of sandals! This same puppy also had a penchant for selectively chewing the eyes off teddy bears.
Puppies chew. They use their mouth to explore the world around them, and unfortunately, their curiosity often extends to your shoes. They usually chew most when they’re around 4-6 months, when they are teething. Just like human babies, chewing can soothe their sore gums.
Puppies are also like young children in that if they have nothing to do, they can get up to mischief. Puppy mischief usually includes chewing, but can extend to digging holes and destroying your garden.
If your puppy chews your property, he’s not being naughty. Chewing is a normal behavior for pups, but it’s a behavior we want to put a stop to. It’s not just because we don’t want our things destroyed, but it can be a safety issue. If your pup chews and swallows the wrong thing, he can end up with an intestinal obstruction!
Fortunately, if you put the effort in to training them, most puppies can be taught not to chew.
The main part of stopping your pup chewing your shoes is to keep them apart. You’ll basically need to puppy proof each room in your home, and if it’s not possible to do that to any room, keep the door closed. Make sure you don’t leave anything on the floor that your pup may find appealing. My pup did at one stage gnaw on the leg of my timber dining chair, and if your pup has the same tastes, you can purchase liquids that taste bitter specifically to apply to your timber furniture.
If you can’t keep an eye on your pup all the time, it’s a great idea to crate train him. This gives him somewhere safe to rest while he’s unsupervised, and allows you to relax, knowing he’s not eating something he shouldn’t be.
Another important part of preventing that destructive puppy chewing is to give your dog physical and mental exercise. Take him to obedience classes or puppy pre-school, take him for walks so he can explore his neighborhood, and use toys such as Buster Cubes to make him work for his kibble. All of these things will tire him out, and reduce his boredom.
It’s also a good idea to acknowledge that chewing is quite normal for puppies, and give him something he is actually allowed to chew. Beef hide is great, as is a stuffed Kong. These will keep his chewing muscles occupied, and reduce the chance of him exercising them on something inappropriate.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. My own pup who had those expensive and destructive chewing habits is now 3 years old, and he is the most wonderful, loyal and well behaved dog. Put the effort in to managing your pup’s chewing behavior and you’ll be reaping the rewards for the rest of your dog’s life.
This guest post is by Dr. Susan Wright, who spends most of her time caring for her own dogs as well as those of her clients. She is the staff veterinarian for Dog Fence DIY.
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