What to do when your Puppy Chews everything
Tina Spriggs


A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream! Do remember
that, like children who search their new world with their hands,
so do puppies search with their mouths. While there is a
difference between exploratory chewing and problem chewing, the
problem chewing is sometimes related to their need for attention,
food or tension release. However, most of the time, puppies tend
to chew because they are teething. Expect them to do so until
they’re about six months old.

The best thing to do is not only puppy proof your house (i.e.
remove trash cans and electric cords out of the way) but to
provide monitored playtime. If a puppy is left unattended, he
could chew on anything from your furniture to your plants.

And, forget about blaming (or hitting or scolding) your puppy for
his chewy deeds. Expecting a puppy not to chew is like telling a
teething baby to stop crying because you said so. It’s just not
going to happen. If you make chew toys available and take away
items that should not be chewed, you can get through this phase
with minimal damage and most of your hair intact.

There is a need to stop your puppy from chewing on your
possessions, but not to stop him from chewing all together. If
you haven’t taught him that chewing on certain items are bad,
then he could habitually chew on those items later, not knowing
what’s ok to chew on and what’s not. Indoors, be sure to pick up
anything that the puppy could believe is a toy. Be sure that
remote controls, socks and shoes are out of the way. If your
puppy does chew on anything, especially furniture, then give him
a play toy to chew as a substitute. Then, tell him “good boy,” so
that you are constantly reinforcing the habit. There are some
products you can buy at pet stores that can be safely applied to
furniture that make the taste unappealing.

You may want to avoid giving your dog old socks or shoes to chew
on. Later, even as a dog, don’t be surprised if he searches out
these items to chew upon while playing or laying indoors. Also,
you may think twice about giving your puppy toys that resemble
your children’s for these same reasons.

As stated, a certain amount of teething is normal, but puppies
may chew because they’re bored. Be sure to give your puppy plenty
of physical and mental activities each day. When inside, rotate
your puppy or dog’s toys so that he doesn’t become bored with the
same old thing. Other experts suggest that buying a play ball and
stuffing it with some tasty goodies might keep him busy chewing
for hours! Another idea is to soak a clean washcloth in clean
water. Then, ring it out and put it in the freezer. Once frozen,
your puppy will love to chew on it as it comforts their raw gums.

If your puppy continues to teeth on items that you’re trying to
keep him from, then you may consider contacting a vet, especially
if it’s after his first six months of age. The vet may look at
his gums and/or may even be able to recommend a puppy or dog
behaviorist to help explain what’s causing his chewing anxiety.
Perhaps there is something else (internal or external) that’s
bothering your pup or dog.


Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in
canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about
dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog
Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers.com/



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