Puppies love to chew—it’s their way of exploring and easing teething pain. This is totally normal, but things get tricky when they target shoes, furniture, or your hands.
The best way to stop a puppy from chewing is to give them plenty of safe chew toys and keep redirecting their attention to those instead of your stuff.
Watch your puppy closely and swap out anything they shouldn’t chew for an appropriate toy. Creating a puppy-proof space and making sure they get enough exercise or fun brain games can also help reduce unwanted chewing.
Key Takeaways
- Safe chew toys help direct a puppy’s chewing habits.
- Keeping valuables out of reach makes managing chewing easier.
- Consistent training and exercise cut down on chewing the wrong things.
Proven Strategies to Stop a Puppy Chewing
Puppies chew for all sorts of reasons, so figuring out what’s behind the behavior helps a lot. You’ll want to spot when chewing is becoming an issue, pick out good toys, and show your pup what’s okay to chew.
Understanding Why Puppies Chew
Chewing is just part of growing up for a puppy. When they’re teething, their gums get sore, and chewing feels good.
It’s also how puppies check out their world. Sometimes, they chew because they’re bored, stressed, or just want your attention.
Puppies between 3 and 7 months old chew the most. That’s when their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in.
Chewing also keeps their jaws busy and their teeth cleaner—bonus!
Recognizing Signs of Destructive Chewing
Not every chew session is a disaster, but destructive chewing can wreck shoes, furniture, or cords. You might notice chewed-up stuff, exposed wood, or ripped fabric around your place.
If your puppy chews constantly or goes for dangerous things, it’s a bigger deal. Sometimes, this means they’re bored or anxious.
Extra restlessness or stress can show up too. If they chew a lot when left alone, separation anxiety could be the culprit.
Choosing Safe and Engaging Chew Toys
Picking the right chew toys matters. Puppies need toys tough enough to last but safe if they bite or swallow a piece.
Hard rubber, teething ropes, and textured toys work well. Frozen toys or carrots can soothe teething pain.
Rotate toys to keep things fresh and interesting. Always check toys for damage and toss any with broken bits to avoid choking.
Redirecting Chewing to Positive Outlets
If your puppy grabs the wrong thing, stay calm. Say “no,” then hand them a chew toy right away.
Praise them when they use the right toy. That positive feedback really sticks.
Skip the yelling or harsh punishment—it just scares them and muddies the message. Patience and sticking to your routine work best.
Plenty of exercise and mental playtime help cut down on boredom chewing. For more tips on safe chew toys and stopping destructive chewing, check out Dogs Trust’s guide on how to stop your puppy chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puppies chew for lots of reasons, from teething aches to plain old boredom. Knowing which toys to try, how to stop unwanted nibbling, and protecting your stuff makes this stage way easier for everyone.
What can you do to help puppies cope with teething?
Give them cold or frozen chew toys to soothe sore gums. Offer safe chews regularly to redirect their urge to bite.
Gentle play and extra attention during teething can help keep them calm and less likely to gnaw on things they shouldn’t.
Are there specific toys that can keep our pups entertained and away from furniture?
Try a mix of rubber, rope, and soft toys to keep puppies interested. Rotating toys every day adds novelty and helps prevent boredom.
Treat-dispensing puzzles or other challenging toys offer even more mental engagement.
How can we safely discourage our furry friends from nibbling on hands and feet?
Stop play as soon as your puppy bites. Turning away or walking off shows that biting ends the fun.
Avoid rough games that get them worked up and confused about what’s okay to bite.
What’s the best way to train puppies to understand what they’re allowed to chew on?
Keep appropriate toys handy and praise your puppy when they use them. Redirect quickly if they start chewing something off-limits.
Consistent, gentle correction (not punishment) helps them learn what’s right.
Can we use any home remedies to protect our belongings from a puppy’s teeth?
Safe, bitter-tasting sprays on furniture or shoes can make them less appealing. Gates or playpens help keep certain areas off-limits.
And honestly, just keeping tempting things out of reach is the easiest way to avoid trouble.
How often should you replace chew toys to keep your puppy engaged?
Honestly, swapping out toys every few weeks can do wonders for keeping things fresh. Puppies get bored fast, so a new toy now and then grabs their attention.
When you see a toy looking pretty worn or chewed up, just toss it. That way, you avoid any risk of your pup swallowing bits that break off.
Changing up the selection keeps your puppy focused on chewing the right stuff. It’s a small thing, but it really helps those good habits stick.
