Puppy Chewing
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, it often comes with challenges, one of the most common being puppy chewing.
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and while this behaviour is natural, it can be frustrating for owners dealing with chewed-up shoes, furniture, and other items.
Before we look at how to reduce chewing let’s look into why your puppy wants to put their mouth on everything.
Puppies undergo teething twice before reaching one year old. By understanding each stage thoroughly, you can effectively prepare for these developmental milestones.
0-2 weeks: No Teeth
3-4 weeks: First baby teeth grow in. A lot of pet parents won’t go through the newborn teething stage as puppies are generally adopted after 8 weeks of age.
8 weeks: All baby teeth are generally grown in. Puppies usually have about 28 baby teeth in total. At this stage the puppy will be weaned and begin eating soft puppy food.
3-5 months: As baby teeth begin to fall out, your pup might be in quite a bit of pain. You might find tiny, rice-sized teeth around your home.
5-7 months: Adult teeth start to grow in, starting with incisors, then canines, premolars and molars.
7 months: By this age, your puppy should have all 42 adult teeth.
Why do puppies bite?
Teething
Overstimulated
Tired
Uncomfortable or feeling trapped
Lack of proper stimulation or outlets
Playing with them using your hands
Here are some tips to help you manage and redirect this behaviour effectively:
Provide appropriate chew toys: Ensure your puppy has a variety of safe and durable chew toys. Toys designed specifically for teething puppies can help soothe their gums and satisfy their chewing instincts. A great chew toy is the Kong.
Supervise and redirect: Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially during the early stages when they are most likely to chew inappropriately. If you catch them chewing on something they shouldn't, calmly redirect their attention to a chew toy.
Use positive reinforcement: When your puppy chews on the appropriate toys, praise and reward them. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behaviour and encourages them to choose the right toys.
Provide mental and physical stimulation: A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing out of boredom. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through playtime, walks, and training sessions.
Puppy-proof your home: Remove or secure items that are tempting for your puppy to chew on, such as electrical cords, shoes, and plants. This reduces the likelihood of them getting into trouble.
Avoid punishment: Never punish your puppy for chewing. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, leading to more behavioural issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.
Consider crate training: Crates can be a useful tool for managing chewing behaviour when you cannot supervise your puppy. Make sure the crate is a comfortable and safe space for them.
Rest: Puppies should be resting and naps should be encouraged. If you have a busy home and. they are always up to be a part of the action, they can easily become a bitey puppy. Create a quiet place in. the. home. to encourage rest.
Seek professional help if needed: If your puppy's chewing behaviour is persistent or destructive, consider contacting a professional trainer for help. I can provide personalised guidance and strategies to address the issue.
Remember, managing puppy chewing requires patience, consistency, and understanding. With the right approach and guidance, you can help your puppy develop appropriate chewing habits and enjoy a harmonious relationship with your furry friend.
Happy training and wagging tails!
Olivia
Lady and The Dogs