Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Puppy chewing is a common but often frustrating behavior for pet owners. While chewing is natural for puppies, it becomes a problem when they target items they shouldn’t. Understanding why they chew and offering suitable alternatives are key steps to managing it effectively. For tips on how to get a puppy to stop chewing, read on.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
Puppies chew for several reasons, and understanding these can help pet owners manage this natural behavior more effectively:
- Teething Pain Relief: Puppies, especially between 4-6 months old, chew to ease the discomfort of teething. During this period, their gums can be quite sore as their new teeth come in, and chewing provides a soothing relief.
- Exploration: Puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings. Much like human babies, they are curious about the world around them and use chewing as a way to gather information about different objects, textures, and tastes.
- Boredom and Anxiety: Chewing provides mental stimulation and can help reduce boredom or anxiety. When left alone for long periods or lacking enough physical and mental activities, puppies chew to entertain themselves and alleviate stress. Providing appropriate chew toys and engaging them in various activities can help mitigate this behavior.
Tips for Managing Chewing Behavior
- Puppy-Proof Your Home: Keep valuables and dangerous items out of your puppy’s reach. Use baby gates or exercise pens to limit access to non-puppy-proofed areas. Securely store electrical cords, household cleaners, and small objects that could be swallowed in a place your puppy cannot access. Consider using furniture covers or protective sprays to deter chewing on furniture.
- Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys to keep your puppy engaged and satisfied. Chew toys come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, so experiment to find what your puppy prefers. Rotate the toys regularly to maintain interest and prevent boredom. Stuff some chew toys with treats or peanut butter to make them even more enticing.
- Supervise and Redirect: Always keep an eye on your puppy and redirect them to appropriate chew toys when they start chewing on something they shouldn’t. Consistent supervision is crucial, especially during the early stages of training. If you catch your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, calmly take it away and replace it with a suitable toy, praising them when they chew on the correct item. This positive reinforcement helps them learn what is acceptable to chew on.
Recommended Puppy Chew Toys
Here are some fantastic chew toys to keep your puppy happy and healthy during playtime:
- KONG Puppy Toy: Perfect for teething puppies, stuff this toy with treats to keep your pup entertained for hours. Kongs use a soft rubber formula that’s gentle on their developing teeth and gums.
- Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys: Designed specifically for teething puppies, these durable toys provide a safe and satisfying chewing experience. They help clean teeth, control plaque and tartar, and promote healthier gums.
- Benebone Puppy Chews: Made with real bacon, these durable chews are both enticing and long-lasting. The unique shape and flavor keep puppies engaged and help alleviate teething discomfort.
- Goughnuts Original Dog Chew Ring: Ideal for aggressive chewers, this toy is virtually indestructible and features a safety indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace it. It withstands tough chewing and works great for interactive play sessions.
By giving your puppy these chew toys, you’ll help them develop healthy chewing habits, reduce destructive behavior, and promote overall dental health.
Natural Chew Options
In addition to manufactured chew toys, natural chews can offer a safe and satisfying alternative for your puppy. Here are some natural chew options to consider:
- Bully Sticks: Made from high-protein beef muscle, bully sticks are fully digestible and provide a long-lasting chew that helps clean teeth and gums.
- Trachea: Beef trachea chews are a great natural option for puppies. They are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health, and their texture helps clean teeth and gums. Trachea chews are durable and can keep aggressive chewers occupied for a long time.
- Rawhide Alternatives: Look for rawhide alternatives made from natural ingredients like sweet potatoes or fish skins, which are safer and easier to digest.
- Beef Tendons: These chews are tough, long-lasting, and help promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Javawood: Natural coffee wood makes these durable chews a healthy, long-lasting option that is both safe and environmentally friendly. Unlike other wood, it does not splinter making it safe to chew on and is a great wood texture alternative to your furniture.
Providing a variety of natural chews can help keep your puppy entertained and satisfy their chewing instincts in a healthy way.
Conducting a Toy Preference Test
Every puppy has unique preferences for chew toys. Some might prefer softer toys, while others enjoy sturdier ones. Conducting a toy preference test can help you find the perfect toys for your puppy, keeping them entertained and happy. Here’s how to do it:
Time needed: 30 minutes
Here’s a basic breakdown of how to perform a preference test for toys – or you can choose different chew bones for your puppy to select from.
- Gather a Variety of Toys:
First, collect different types of chew toys, such as rubber, nylon, and fabric toys. Include a mix of textures and sizes to see which ones your puppy likes the most.
- Introduce Each Toy:
Next, let your puppy interact with each toy one at a time and observe their reactions.
- Offer Two Toys
Then, provide two toys to the puppy and see which toy they gravitate and engage with.
- Record Preferences:
Finally, keep track of which toys your puppy prefers by noting their interactions. This will help you choose the best options to keep your puppy engaged and satisfied.
- Repeat
Repeat this process for each toy pairing. Additionally, you can also repeat this preference test from time to time because just like us, our puppies may change what they like.
By conducting a toy preference test, you can ensure you’re providing toys your puppy truly enjoys, which helps with their development and reduces unwanted chewing behaviors.
Use My Preference Testing Worksheet FREE!
Getting Your Puppy to Stop Chewing
Managing puppy chewing behavior requires patience, consistency, and a proactive approach. By puppy-proofing your home, you can prevent your little friend from chewing on potentially dangerous or valuable items. Offering a variety of appropriate chew toys is essential, as it keeps them occupied and supports their dental health and development. Conducting a toy preference test will help you identify the most engaging toys for your puppy, ensuring they stay entertained and less likely to chew on household items.
Remember, developing good chewing habits in your puppy is a gradual process that involves positive reinforcement and gentle correction. Thus there is a need to monitor their behavior and intervene when necessary, redirecting them to suitable chewing options. For more tips and resources on how to get a puppy to stop chewing, check out our other blog posts and services. We’re here to support you in raising a happy, well-behaved puppy that fits seamlessly into your home and family life.