Understand Why Puppies Chew

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand why your puppy is chewing. Puppies chew for several reasons:

• Teething: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their gums are sore, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort.
• Exploration: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, using chewing as a way to learn about their environment.
• Boredom: A bored puppy may chew simply to pass the time.
• Stress or Anxiety: Chewing can be a self-soothing behaviour for puppies experiencing stress or anxiety.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the best ways to prevent destructive chewing is to provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys. Here’s what to consider when choosing toys:

• Durability: Ensure the toys are tough enough to withstand your puppy's chewing without breaking apart.
• Variety: Offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep your puppy interested.
• Size: The toy should be the right size for your puppy's mouth—too small, and it could be a choking hazard; too large, and it may be difficult for them to enjoy.

Rotate the toys regularly to keep your puppy engaged. Chew toys that can be stuffed with treats or frozen can be particularly soothing during teething.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just as you would baby-proof a home, puppy-proofing is crucial to prevent unwanted chewing:

• Remove Temptations: Keep items like shoes, electrical cords, and remote controls out of reach.
• Use Deterrents: Apply pet safe, bitter tasting sprays (available online and at pet stores) to furniture or items that your puppy seems particularly drawn to.
• Supervise: Always supervise your puppy when they are free to roam. If you can't keep an eye on them, confine them to a safe area with their toys.

Redirect Their Chewing

When you catch your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to a chew toy. Praise them when they start chewing on the correct item to reinforce the behaviour. It's essential to be consistent with this approach, as it teaches your puppy what they are allowed to chew on.

Teach the "Leave It" Command

Teaching your puppy the "Leave it" command can be an invaluable tool in preventing destructive chewing. Here's a simple way to start:

• Hold a treat in your hand and show it to your puppy, then close your hand around it.
• When your puppy tries to get the treat, say "Leave it."
• Once they back away or lose interest, praise them and give them a different treat from your other hand.
• Practise this regularly until your puppy understands the command. Then, you can apply it when they are chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is less likely to chew out of boredom. Ensure your puppy gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can help burn off excess energy and keep your puppy’s mind occupied.

Address Separation Anxiety

If your puppy’s chewing seems to be related to separation anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause. Start by gradually getting your puppy used to being alone for short periods and slowly increasing the time. You might also consider using crate training to create a safe space for your puppy when you're not home. You can read more about separation anxiety and how to manage it in our blog post here.

Be Patient and Consistent

Training a puppy takes time, and stopping unwanted chewing won’t happen overnight. Be patient and consistent with your training. Avoid punishing your puppy for chewing, as this can create fear and anxiety, which may worsen the behaviour. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and consistent redirection.

With time, patience, and consistency, your puppy should grow out of their destructive chewing phase, and you can enjoy a happy, chew-free home.