TRAINING ARTICLES

Puppies use their mouths to learn about the world. Think about a human baby or toddler. What’s the first thing they do once they’re old enough to grab? They put everything in their mouths. This holds true for pups, too, so you want to make sure your pup’s environment is safe and engaging.

You can help set them up for success! Don’t leave items in your puppy’s presence that you don’t want chewed. They can’t destroy what they can’t get to, so keep socks, sneakers, favorite blankets, TV remotes, children’s toys (and the list goes on) out of their reach. Teething tends to occur at or around 4 months old … and chewing can help relieve discomfort when your puppy is teething. Invest in a teething ring chew toy. You can even store it in the freezer to give your pup some extra relief. Teething generally ends by the time the puppy is eight months old.

Fortunately, teething – and often chewing – are stages that you and your dog will get through. The aim is to get through it with your sanity, your dog’s digestive system and your valuables intact.

Chewing due to boredom

Dogs, especially younger ones, have plenty of energy, and need ways to release it. Some breeds, such as working breeds, are especially energetic as it’s in their DNA to be active. For these reasons, it’s important to ensure that your dog is getting plenty of mental and physical stimulation, such as daily walks, games of fetch and even training sessions with you. These activities can ward off the behaviors you don’t want to see while also improving your bond.

Your dog should have a variety of his own toys to keep him occupied. If you find your pup chewing on an item he’s not supposed to, calmly and firmly say “no” or make a yelping noise or another quick corrective sound, take the item away and immediately replace it with one of your dog’s toys. Redirection is key.

When your pup is playing with his own toys, praise him! This is when you say YES.

A variety of toys could include some soft toys (that only come out under your supervision, if your dog is a shredder), braided rope toys for tugging and shaking, balls to chase, puzzle toys that contain treats, hard chew toys such as Nylabones, and edible bones. (Don’t make the mistake of giving your dog cooked bones from your own dinner. Cooked bones can splinter and cause a choking emergency.)

While there’s no set formula for exercise, your dog should be getting time outside every day. You may notice that your dog is calmer when he gets multiple short walks in the day or when he gets a solid 90-minute walk. Enjoy that time with him!

The goal is to create a home environment where your dog can be trusted loose, even if it means using gates to secure a safe room or two, and expanding the area as you can. Your pup should not be spending her day in a crate.

Be careful about sending mixed messages

Let’s say you have a child in your home who tends to leave stuffed animals around…and you also buy stuffed animals for your dog. How is he to know the stuffed animal within his reach isn’t for him?

In the same vein, don’t give him a throwaway pair of sneakers if you catch him chomping on your favorite kicks and don’t buy your dog chew toys that resemble shoes. There is no way for your dog to know that only certain shoes are off limits.

Don’t get discouraged. You know the phrase, “If at first you don’t succeed…”? Well, it’s all but assured that at first you *won’t* succeed in getting your dog to stop chewing all items all the time. There’s a degree of trial and error as you figure out what’s behind the chewing and what will motivate your dog to stop.

Dog chewing on paws / tail

Is your dog chewing his paws or chewing his tail? If you’ve already ruled out boredom, it can be helpful to seek out a vet’s advice. Your dog may be itchy due to an allergy. A change in food might be all he needs. (And some dogs are highly allergic to food mites, which can be mitigated by storing sealed baggies of dry food in the freezer.)

Chewing out of frustration or excitement

If you’re at home and your dog is chewing on something he shouldn’t, you can shake a plastic bottle filled with pennies. The sound can be enough to stop your pup in his tracks, and then you can redirect him to a suitable chew toy. (Keep the bottle of pennies out of reach so *it* doesn’t become the chew toy.)

If you’ve crate-trained your dog, he will see the crate as his personal safe space. Rather than face potential destruction, you can crate your pup if you’ll be leaving him alone for a few hours.

Chewing on dog beds or blankets

Some dogs will tear up their fluffy dog beds but leave a folded blanket unscathed. Some will shred a blanket but never chew on their dog bed. Some will lie happily on a bath mat but destroy other items. It comes down to trial and error. While you’re figuring it out, don’t spend lots of money on items that might be destroyed immediately.

Dog chewing food waste

Is your dog getting enough to eat? Check with your vet to be sure your dog’s nutritional needs are being met.

If your dog tends to get into the garbage, place the can in a closed cupboard or invest in a trash can that seals shut. Your pup may find the smells irresistible, and there is plenty in your trash that can harm your dog.

Chewing deterrents

Counter surfing is a self-rewarding behavior, so make sure there is nothing they can reach on the counter.

Some scents are deterrents, and there are a number of sprays on the market that can protect your furniture or other items. The spray has an unappealing smell and taste, which may be enough to keep your pup’s jaws off your coffee table leg.

Maybe your issue is outside. Is your dog chewing on the mulch in your flower beds? Try spraying the area down with a homemade vinegar and water solution.

Never muzzle your dog as a way to discourage chewing.

Still having problems?

If you’ve been working with your dog patiently and are still having significant problems, click here for more behavior help.