Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them, so it’s very normal to have a puppy that chews on everything. Whether it’s shoes, toys, or furniture, your puppy will likely try out a variety of objects great and small. While chewing is normal and should be expected, we typically don’t want our pups chewing on inappropriate items. There are plenty of dog toys and chews available to satisfy the needs of many chewers, but what others ways can we prevent inappropriate chewing in puppies? Find out below!
#1 – Puppy Proof Your Home
While baby proofing a home seems obvious, many don’t realize how much mischief puppies can and do get into! Keeping inappropriate items away from puppies is a great way to ensure they don’t get eaten. Make sure to always supervise your puppy when she’s outside of her crate or pen area. By crate training or keeping puppies enclosed in one bedroom, we can make sure they don’t get into anything while we’re away or unable to keep full attention on them. Inappropriate chewing is not only a nuisance, it can be a danger to your pup.
#2 – Provide Appropriate Chews
Since chewing is normal behavior, letting your puppy chew items that are made for dogs will allow them to express their desires while staying safe and keeping your home intact. While some puppies really only chew when teething, many are heavy chewers that remain that way their entire lives. Choose the best items for your pup by taking notice of his chewing styles – is he a heavy or light chewer? Remember to give all toys and chews only under supervision, especially if it’s a new one. Many toys can break apart quickly and become a choking or obstruction hazard. If your puppy does get into something you’ve left on the floor, trade him for a proper chew toy while you remove the other item. That way you don’t have to correct your puppy from his natural need to chew, and in turn teach him what is appropriate to chew on.
#3 – Rule Out Other Problems
While chewing is a normal behavior in puppies, some become excessive chewers for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest reasons for inappropriate chewing is boredom. If your puppy isn’t getting enough mental and physical exercise, he’s going to look for another way to release his energy. Oftentimes that energy is released by chewing. In the same light, separation anxiety can also cause dogs to become very destructive chewers, even eating through doors and walls. This is because dogs have no other way to release the stress and anxiety they feel when their owners are away, and they try to find relief through chewing. So if you notice your pup is become obsessive with chewing, or only chews heavily while you’re away, you may want to seek out a trainer and/or veterinarian to rule out these problems.
#4 – Offer Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are complex toys that you can fill with treats that your dog must work to get to. Because they’re filled with delicious treats, puppies will remain focused on the toy as they work their way to the insides with the filling. Not only does this allow your pup to express her natural chewing behavior, she’ll be able to use a lot of mental energy trying to figure out the puzzle! These toys can keep puppies occupied for hours and are great for when you’re away.
#5 – Rotate Toys
Puppies and dogs will get bored with toys the same way you get bored of things you see and do all the time. If you notice that your pup has lost interest in some of his favorite toys, and is instead chewing up your shoes or furniture, it might be a sign that it’s time for something new. New toys will keep your pup mentally stimulated and engaged in chewing appropriate items. If your pup has a particular favorite toy that occupies her for hours, it might be a good idea to save that toy for only when you’ll be away for an extended period of time. But be sure to use it and all other toys intermittently, so that she never gets bored!
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