Puppy Chewing

Chewing furniture and possessions is a complaint that most pet owners have about their puppies. When dealing with a puppy that is causing a problem, it is important to remember that this is completely normal for your puppy.

Chewing is a natural and essential puppy behavior, so it is imperative that your puppy be allowed to chew. It is necessary for their mental and oral development. It helps them relieve stress and deal with boredom. Chewing also helps them lose their puppy teeth on schedule.

The important thing to remember is that your puppy doesn't know the difference between toys and valuable possessions. Thus, you, the owner, need to teach your puppy through positive reinforcement. The key is to redirect the natural chewing behavior towards his or her chew toys and away from your furniture and other possessions. Be certain that your puppies chew toys are easily accessible at all times.

Be certain to offer your puppy a variety of safe toys such as hard nylon-type chew toys or thick ropes. Distribute them around your puppy's living space. When your puppy chews on toys you have provided, be certain to praise your puppy with love and occasionally with a treat. If you catch your puppy chewing on anything inappropriate, quickly divert your puppy's attention with a whistle, or clap, or shake of a can of pennies. Then, calmly remove the inappropriate item and immediately replace it with a proper puppy chew toy. Then, once again, give your puppy lots of praise! Be consistent!