How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Chewing is an annoying but natural part of a puppy'scorrect don't punish them. Simply say "No" and
development. It is very similar to teething in babies andsubstitute what you want them to chew on. Praise
the chewing stages are necessary to help withthem when they are chewing on the right things. Make
teething issues. Expecting a puppy to not chew is notsure you say something like "Good boy/girl for
reasonable, but they can be taught to chew the rightchewing on your ball (rope, toy, stick)". This helps the
thing, rather than your shoes and furniture. Adult dogspuppy learn the word for what he is chewing on. Later
that chew often are bored or are suffering from ayou will be able to say, "Get the ball/stick/rope" and the
separation anxiety disorder. Usually the adult dogs thatpuppy will know what you mean.
chew can be taught to curb their behavior or chewToys to avoid
appropriately relatively easily. Some will requireSome toys, even those sold in pet stores, should never
professional assistance from a trainer or dog behaviorbe used with a puppy. Toys that are flimsy or have
specialist.many parts that can be chewed off pose choking
Stages of growthhazards. Toys that have long strings or ropes that
Puppies chew when they are teething. This usuallycould become wrapped around the puppy's neck are
occurs sometime before the six-month stage,potentially deadly toys.
depending on the specific breed of dog. Some of theStuffed animals are appropriate for some older
larger breeds may continue chewing past thepuppies and dogs but for younger puppies that are
six-month stage and some breeds are just known forchewing constantly the stuffed toy will quickly be
chewing behaviors. Regardless of the breed up to sixshredded. This leaves parts of cloth and the stuffing
months will be problematic for most puppies. There arematerial that can be swallowed leading to
several steps that owners can take to minimize thegastrointestinal blockages and possible choking issues.
damage that may occur with chewing behaviors:Natural bones, even raw bones, are not generally
· Puppy proof your home. This means removing alladvised for puppies. They are usually too hard for the
hanging wires, electrical cords, curtain pulls and otherpuppy teeth and lead to splintering and breakage of
dangling objects. Hanging plants that touch the groundthe existing teeth. In addition the puppies will be more
can also be temping to chew on and can also belikely to try to swallow any splinters and this can result
poisonous.in the bone splinters becoming lodged in the gums or
· Keep chewable items in drawers or out of thethe throat. If you do wish to allow your puppy to chew
puppies reach. For example, toys, shoes, remoteon bones be sure they are raw beef bones that are
controls, books, backpacks and briefcases, telephonesfrom a joint. Never allow your dog to eat pork bones
and even laptop computers need to put away or keptand also never allow raw or cooked poultry bones of
on tables or desks well out of the puppies reach.any kind. Supervise the puppy while he is chewing the
· Provide a wide variety of chew toys while youbone and remove it at any sign of splintering or when
are gone. This means different shapes and sizes.the bone becomes small enough that the puppy might
Thick pieces of cotton rope with knots in the ends aretry to swallow it.
great for chewing on. Heavy rubber balls or NylaboneThe chewing phase in puppies, like the teething phase
chew toys are safe and virtually indestructible.in children, will pass. By taking a few precautions with
· Freezing dog teething rings and leaving them inyour household items, supplying lots of alternative
the crate or doggy area of the house provide relievechewing toys and teaching your puppy what to chew
to the gums and entertainment as well.on the stage will pass without any problems now or in
If you notice the puppy chewing something that is notthe future.