How to Curb Unwanted Chewing in Puppies

Are you tired of yelling “No – bad puppy!” whenever your puppy chews on things he or she shouldn’t, only to have your puppy continue to chew on something again – and again – in a very short time?

Unwanted chewing is a behavior that can just about drive you crazy (especially when they want to play “chase” with a treasured item). There are certain breeds that tend to chew more than others. This post will give you some tips on how to teach your puppy when it’s OK to chew and when it’s not.

Destructive Chewing

It’s normal for puppies to want to chew on just about anything as they explore the world around them. Chewing is a natural way for them to relieve pain they may be experiencing due to teething. Excessive chewing also can be sign of boredom, anxiety or frustration.

Rule Out Problems That Can Cause Destructive Puppy Chewing

Here are some reasons your puppy may be chewing destructively that you can easily address right away.

1. Separation anxiety

Puppies may become anxious and chew destructively if they are left alone. Consider administering a desensitization and counterconditioning program that will gradually accustom your puppy to being alone by starting with short separations and then increasing the duration of the separations. If your puppy is old enough (and meets the minimum requirements), consider bringing him to day care so he can enjoy the time you are away, get exercise, and learn crucial socialization skills.

2. Hunger

Your growing puppy may just be hungry! Try offering her food and see if she will eat.  Consult your vet to see exactly how much your growing puppy needs to consume daily.

3. Puppy Teething

Just like human babies, most puppies experience discomfort when they are teething. This intensifies their chewing until they are about 6 months of age. The best way to deal with puppy teething is to offer a teething toy or cool washcloth. Here are some of our favorite teething toy ideas:

• Puppy chew rope
• Kong treat dispenser
• Kong Wubba (you can put this one in the freezer so it’s cool to the gums)
• Nylabone Puppy Ring Chew Toy

4. Normal Chewing Behavior

It is perfectly normal for puppies – and dogs – to chew. Chewing keeps their jaws strong and teeth clean. You can’t expect your puppy to not want to chew. However, you can teach your dog what is OK to chew and what is not.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Unwanted Puppy Chewing

• Puppy-proof your house

Try putting valuable objects away until you’re confident your puppy is old enough to not chew on unwanted items. Keep shoes and clothing in a closed closet, hamper and books on shelves. A word to the wise – your puppy may be able to climb up on the counter or table before you think she can. So make sure you put things away where you are SURE she can’t get them.

• Provide plenty of chew toys

Your puppy needs things to do to keep him busy! Notice which toys he prefers and offer more of that type. It’s a good idea to rotate toys every couple of days so he doesn’t get bored with the same old toys. (Caution: don’t give your puppy or dog cooked, processed or flavored bones. Learn more here.)

• Offer a project toy

Identify the times when your puppy most wants to chew, and give her a puzzle toy filled with something tasty. Learn more about project toys here.

• Supervise your puppy all waking hours

Do your best to supervise your puppy all waking hours until you are confident that his chewing behavior is under control. If he starts chewing on something he shouldn’t, say “Uh-oh”, remove the object from his mouth and substitute a toy or something he can have. If your puppy acts aggressively toward you when you try to remove the item, ask your veterinarian for referrals to a reputable certified animal behaviorist with special training in treating aggression in dogs.

• Lack of exercise or mental stimulation

If your puppy isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, she will look for ways to entertain herself, and chewing is a common way she tries to fill that gap. Make sure you are taking her on daily walks and giving her lots of opportunities to play with you and other dogs (when she is old enough and has all of her immunizations, please.)

How NOT to React to Unwanted Chewing

Do not do the following to your puppy if you catch him chewing on things you don’t want him to:

• Do not show the puppy the damaged item and then hit, spank, scold or punish him in any way. He will not be able to understand why you are punishing him.
• Do not use duct tape to hold your puppy’s mouth closed. This is inhumane, and will not teach your puppy anything. Dogs have died from this treatment.
• Do not tie the chewed on item to your puppy. This is also inhumane and will not help teach your puppy to stop chewing.
• Do not leave your puppy in a crate for long periods of time to prevent chewing.
• Do not muzzle your puppy to prevent chewing.

If you need to work all day or be away from your puppy for long periods, consider enrolling him or her in daycare. Daycare at Canine Campus offers many benefits, such as preventing boredom, relieving separation anxiety and loneliness, and making sure your puppy gets lots of exercise and attention. Dogs are social animals and need to interact with other dogs; daycare is a good way for your dog to gain confidence and social skills with other dogs.

As soon as your puppy has had all of the necessary vaccinations, including bordetella, distemper and rabies, he or she is ready for an Admissions Test to see if they are a good fit for daycare. Call us at 719-448-9600 or contact us here to set up a visit at Canine Campus. We’d love to meet you and your sweet puppy!