Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, as they explore their environment and relieve teething pain. However, destructive chewing can be frustrating and expensive for pet owners. To prevent destructive chewing, pet owners should provide appropriate chew toys, supervise their puppies, and redirect them when they start chewing on inappropriate objects. It’s also important to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, to prevent boredom-related chewing. Taste deterrents like bitter sprays can also discourage chewing on furniture and other objects. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key in training puppies to chew on appropriate toys, and pet owners should avoid punishing their puppies for destructive chewing, as it can create fear and anxiety. With patience and persistence, pet owners can successfully train their puppies to stop destructive chewing and enjoy their company without worrying about ruined possessions.
- Provide appropriate chew toys: Make sure you have plenty of appropriate chew toys for your puppy to play with.
- Supervise your puppy: Supervise your puppy at all times, especially when they are playing with chew toys.
- Redirect your puppy: If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t be, immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.
- Train “leave it” command: Teach your puppy the “leave it” command so they understand when to stop chewing on something.
- Block off access: Keep areas where your puppy is not allowed to chew blocked off with baby gates or closed doors.
- Provide exercise: Make sure your puppy gets enough exercise and playtime so they don’t turn to chewing out of boredom.
- Use crate training: Consider crate training your puppy when you can’t supervise them to prevent destructive chewing.
- Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement when your puppy chews on appropriate toys, giving them praise and treats.
- Don’t use punishment: Avoid punishing your puppy for chewing, as it can create fear and anxiety.Keep items out of reach: Store items your puppy likes to chew on out of reach, such as shoes, remotes, and cords.
- Use taste deterrents: Apply taste deterrents like hot sauce or vinegar to items your puppy likes to chew on to discourage them.
- Rotate toys: Rotate your puppy’s toys so they don’t get bored and turn to chewing on inappropriate objects.
- Provide variety: Provide a variety of textures and shapes in your puppy’s chew toys to keep them interested.Keep them busy: Provide puzzle toys or stuffed Kongs to keep your puppy occupied and discourage chewing on inappropriate items.
- Use bitter sprays: Apply bitter sprays to furniture and other objects your puppy likes to chew on.
- Provide attention: Give your puppy plenty of attention and socialization to prevent anxiety and stress-related chewing.
- Stay calm: Stay calm and patient when dealing with destructive chewing, as puppies are still learning.Get professional help: Consider getting professional help from a trainer or behaviorist if your puppy’s chewing persists.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key in training your puppy to stop chewing on inappropriate objects, so be patient and persistent
