subject: Prevent Puppy Chewing [print this page] Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them. Unlike us who are able to use our hands to do what we need to, puppies rely on their mouths which can cause problems for their owners. The last thing anyone wants is to come home and find their house has been completely destroyed. The great news is that you can train your puppy, or adult dog even, to stop destroying everything he can get his teeth on.
It is much easier to train a puppy for good positive behavior than it is to break an older dog of bad habits. Puppies have a large window of opportunity in which to teach them appropriate behavior, including chewing. It is important to set realistic goals for you and your puppy. Dogs chew no matter what it's in their genes. What you want to do is show your puppy what items he is allowed to chew on and what items he is not.
Using toys that are made of hard durable plastic will last longer and keep your puppy entertained longer. Items such as Kongs make great long lasting toys for your puppy and they can be filled with bits of treats or dog food. Bones are ok to use on occasion but should not be relied on heavily as most dogs can chew through rawhide bones pretty quickly. If you have kids it is best to avoid any sort of stuffed animal, your puppy will not be able to tell the difference between one of his toys and one of your childs toys. Most stuffed dog toys are easily chewed apart and can become a choking hazard as small pieces, such as eyes and squeakers, can become lodged into your dogs throat.
When your dog is still young he will need to be supervised. Puppies have short attention spans and get bored quick, this leads them to finding other ways to entertain themselves. Keeping your puppy active with playtime and exercise will keep his mind and body busy and lessen the chances of him chewing on what he's not supposed to. For any day you will be gone for several hours it is also recommended that you crate train your puppy. This will keep him safe and prevent him from being tempted to chew on things he is not supposed to. Leave him a few of his favorite toys in his crate so he is not completely bored while you're gone.
The most important thing for your puppy is to be sure you give him plenty of exercise. Puppies have mountains of energy and the more pent up energy they have the more likely they are to get themselves into trouble. If you catch your dog chewing on something he is not supposed to a strong firm "No" will do as a scolding and replace the item or give him an item he is allowed to chew on followed by a "Good Boy" when he begins to interact with the item.
