{"id":3632,"date":"2021-01-19T09:19:19","date_gmt":"2021-01-19T09:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.co.uk\/?p=3632"},"modified":"2023-11-21T16:36:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T16:36:02","slug":"puppy-chewing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/uk\/puppy-chewing\/","title":{"rendered":"Puppy chewing – Tips for stealing, chewing, & mouthing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bringing a new puppy into your household is a bit like having a small child, <\/span>especially when it comes to your puppy chewing things they shouldn\u2019t!<\/span> A certain amount of \u2018puppy proofing\u2019 will need to be practised until he is trained and of course we can\u2019t expect a puppy to instinctively know that it is wrong <\/span>to<\/span> chew items that are within their reach, so all precious or dangerous items should be removed from reach, for the short term at least. Tempting but immovable items like furniture can be treated with one of the readily available anti-chew products available in most pet shops. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>You may feel overwhelmed and wonder how to stop a puppy from chewing on everything, so<\/span> set your puppy up for success by providing them with <\/span>chew toys<\/span><\/a> such as mentally stimulating toys and any of those that dispense food rather than waiting for them to start chewing your belongings. Food items left on work surfaces are an unfair temptation to an animal with such a sensitive sense of smell, even leftover crumbs or dirty plates are just calling out to be eaten up!<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Stealing is often inadvertently rewarded by being chased or given attention as well as having the fun of actually having the object. If your puppy picks up something you don\u2019t want them to have, try to not give them a big reaction; as soon as they get the idea you want their object it instantly becomes a game and a slippery slope for your training!<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>All puppies bite and mouth as a way of exploring their environment; it is a totally normal behaviour, after all they don\u2019t have hands that they can pick things up with! However, contrary to popular belief it is not something that \u201cthey will just grow out of\u201d; if puppies learn that biting is a good way of getting your attention encouraging people to play with them or stop somebody from doing something to them they don\u2019t enjoy, then biting may well last into adulthood which obviously presents a bigger problem!<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Puppies need to learn from an early age that biting and mouthing at people is an unacceptable behaviour and not something that brings rewarding outcomes; this doesn\u2019t mean punishing them for it however, as always, it means that we need to make it an unsuccessful behaviour whilst providing an alternative that is acceptable and rewarding.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips on how to stop a puppy from chewing on everything:<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • \n

    Provide Appropriate Chew Toys<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Offer a variety of safe and durable chew toys for your puppy to satisfy their natural need to chew. Praise and reward them when they chew on these toys.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Supervise<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially when they’re out of their crate or designated play area. This way, you can redirect them when they start chewing on inappropriate objects.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Puppy-Proof Your Home<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Remove or secure items that are tempting for your puppy to chew on, such as shoes, cords, or household items. This reduces the likelihood of them getting into trouble.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Use Bitter Spray or Deterrents<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Apply bitter-tasting sprays or pet-safe deterrents to items you want to protect. The bad taste can discourage your puppy from chewing on those objects.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Crate Training<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Use a crate to limit your puppy’s access when you can’t supervise them. Dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so this can help with both potty training and preventing destructive chewing.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Exercise and Mental Stimulation<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Ensure your puppy gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation through play and training. A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing out of boredom.<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Teach the “Leave It” Command<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Train your puppy to understand the “leave it” command, which can help prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items. Reward them when they obey.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Rotate <\/b>Dog <\/b>Toys<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Keep your puppy’s toys interesting by rotating them regularly. This prevents boredom and makes their toys feel new and exciting.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Puppy Socialisation<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Socialise your puppy with other dogs and people. Interaction and exposure to different environments can help reduce anxiety-related chewing.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n

  • \n

    Consult a Professional<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If your puppy’s chewing problem persists or seems related to anxiety or other behavioural issues, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training your puppy to stop chewing on inappropriate items. With patience and the right approach, most puppies will eventually outgrow this behaviour as they mature.<\/span><\/p>\n