Stop Unwanted Puppy Chewing
Is Your Puppy Chewing Everything in Sight?
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. You must Puppy Proof your House 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 toys 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. Conclusion 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. 
Please leave your pups chewing stories and comments below.
Good post, our little dog is a lassopoo she is pretty smart. She doesn’t chew on much maybe a little plastic toy or stuffed animal. She mostly just carries it around and leaves in certain places where she can come back to. I like to let her chew on little dog treats that help clean her teeth.
Hello Fred, a lassopoo? I bet she’s super cute! Great combo. None of my toy sized dogs have ever had a chewing problem. Probably because I spoil them with so many toys and chew sticks or maybe the little ones are different. Every big dog I had growing up had some chewing problems as a puppy…?
I got the feeling that all puppies are expected to chew on stuff. I think that’s why we get them toys and we do expect them to stick to the toys. It takes valuable time and effort to train puppies but sometimes the training works.
I agree that we should rotate the toys so the puppies do no get bored. I get frustrated easily so I am happy that I do not have puppies that shew on my furniture and other stuff.
Thanks for the post.
Thank you for the comment, Luna, appreciate it! ?
I like this article. Puppies teeth just like human babies do and it seems like the frozen cloth as a teething toy works for both lol!
Hi Erin, yep the frozen cloth works great. Thanks for the comment! ?
I have a dog sitting business and had a puppy last week that chewed on pretty much anything I left on the floor. From your article, I’ve learnt that I did a mistake by giving him an old flip flop to chew on, I shouldn’t have but now I know. Puppies are cute but they are a lot of work, but it’s also worth it at the end! I love your site and will definitely be coming back for some tips for the sake of my dog sitting business.
Quick question, I’m now dog sitting a puppy that’s on it’s period and she keeps tearing her diaper off, it’s clearly not comfortable, do you have any tips? This is my 1st time dealing with a menstruating dog..
Hello Esther, yes, puppies are a lot of work, but so much fun. Thank you for the diaper question. This site offers some good tips on how to keep a diaper on, hope it helps you. ?
this is a great information, My friend have dogs and one of them developed this problem. She was worried that why her dog is chewing so much, I will share this article with her and with all dog owners I know. Really love this article and the way you have explained this issue in an easy way.
Thanks for the comment!