Puppies, especially when teething, are notorious for chewing and nibbling. They have no discretion, so handbags, shoes, and your phone charger are all great objects for your photos. To discourage your puppy from chewing, you first need to find out why he is doing it, then provide him with appropriate chewing materials, plenty of exercise and plenty of supervision.
Items you will need:
• Frozen wet wipes • Ice cubes • Chewing toys • Hard rubber balls • Nylon Bones • Explicit Games • Dog Crate
Tenderness during teething
Determine what causes your puppy to chew. If he’s less than 6 months old, he’s probably satisfying the discomfort of soft gums from teething. He may also be lonely and bored if he spends too much time by himself. Soothe your puppy’s tender gums. Freeze a wet towel and let him chew. Give him ice cubes to chew on or lots of chew toys to nibble on.
Introducing safe Chew toys
Give your pup acceptable items to chew and nibble on. Hard rubber balls, nylon bones, and sharp toys are items he loves to chew on. Replace the unacceptable item with one of his toys. If you catch him chewing the shoe, say “no,” take the shoe and give him one of his accepted items. Avoid offering him old, unwanted socks and discarded shoes, though. If you do, he’ll think it’s OK to chew good Boots and socks because he won’t know the difference!
Why Playtime is important
Walk and play with your puppy every day. Ideally, you walk him twice a day. Puppies have a lot of energy that can cause mischievous behavior if they are not tired first.
Proper preparation and supervision
Prepare your pup’s area so that he is free from the temptation to gnaw at things he is not supposed to. Keep clothes picked in and hampered. Close the cabinet doors. Put the ropes out of your reach and don’t leave your new mystery novel on the floor. Supervise him while he is at home with you. Block an area for him where you can see him, but he can’t reach unacceptable items. Crate train him so he can’t chew things if you have to get away for a little while. Place some toys, water, and a soft blanket inside the crate to provide entertainment and comfort.
warning: Do not leave a puppy in a crate for more than one hour for each month of age. Be sure to let them out for a potty break, as it takes some young dogs before they develop bladder control, and become comfortable with being in a crate.
home remedies
Use natural products commonly found in the home to prevent him from destructive chewing. If your pup is determined to chew on your plants, sprinkle some hot red pepper near them. If he can’t leave the furniture alone, try soaking cotton balls in vinegar or lemon juice. Put it in an open container in the room. The smell will keep him away.
Written by Pauline Gill
Sources: ASPCA: Destructive Chewing Humane Society: Chewing: Worries and Worse Than Stopping a Biting Problem Hilltop Animal Hospital: How to Stop Chewing Problems in Puppies Humane Society: Crate Training
