March 16th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

Puppies are the most adorable thing in the world – fact – but one less-than-adorable attribute is the chewing. Unfortunately, it does come with the territory of a young dog. However, there are several measures you can take to discourage this behaviour. Here’s a guide to stopping your puppy from destroying your house with their chewing.

Why do puppies chew?

Puppies chew for several reasons and, as frustrating as it can be to lose a favourite shoe or have your furniture damaged, it is a natural behaviour for your pup and it’s up to you to train them that it’s the wrong thing to do.

Puppies chew because they like the way certain items feel on their gums and teeth and can particularly provide comfort when teething. They may also chew because of lack of stimulation or excess energy and they could just chew because they’re playing. Don’t worry though because all these things can be dealt with, as we explain here.

Firstly, remove as many chewable items as possible

It’s just common sense to minimise the options for chewing by removing temptations wherever possible. Hide away items such as shoes, children’s toys, socks, books, devices, ornaments or décor, and so on. Some people give their pups an old sock or slipper to chew on thinking this will keep them away from the items they don’t want them to chew but actually you’re more likely to demonstrate that these objects are fair game so don’t do this.

Reinforce commands

Be diligent with your dog and every time they start to chew something, give them a firm ‘no’ and remove the object.  Just as pups love praise, so they will start to recognise a negative affirmation. They will respond to your tone of voice as much as the word. Be firm, but try not to shout as this can scare them.

Divert

Just as you would say no when they start to chew, give them something else to do by diverting their attention and giving them something that they can chew on like their own toy. Don’t give them food though as they could see this as a reward for their behaviour.

Keep them occupied

One of the main reasons for chewing is boredom. You need to keep your puppy occupied and stimulated so that they don’t turn to chewing as something to do. Give them lots of attention through play and training.

Tire them out!

Young dogs have bags of energy which needs to be burnt off. This means lots of exercise! Get ready for plenty of walks once they’ve had all their vaccinations and can go out. Recall can be an issue so practice this in your garden or safe spaces where they can’t run off but once you have cracked this, let them run themselves ragged in a field or park and get rid of all that energy. They’ll be much less likely to chew when they’re tired! (Plus, it’s great exercise for you!).

Provide toys they like to chew

An obvious solution is to provide them with their own toys that they are allowed to chew to their heart’s content so try them with a range of toys. Dogs have preferences just as we do so give them different options to discover which ones your dog loves best. Interactive toys that dispense treats, such as kongs, often work really well but your dog will show you what they like.

Teething soothers

If your pup is chewing because they’re teething, give them items that will give them some relief. There are plenty of toys designed for this but you can also give them things like cold carrots or even tear up an old tea towel, twist into a rope and wet it then freeze it. These remedies can be really effective as well as keep them occupied for a while.

Chew deterrent sprays

Remember the nasty tasting liquid you can paint on your nails to stop you from biting them? Well, there is an equivalent for dogs! A chew deterrent spray can be applied to furniture and objects that don’t smell or contain any harmful chemicals but tastes nasty to dogs. They will soon learn not to chew things that taste bad. You can even use this on bandages after an operation or injury to prevent them reversing all the efforts of your vet.

Pretty Pooch Dog Anti Chewing Spray 5L

Pretty Pooch Chew Repel is a simple and easy way to stop your dog from chewing up your furniture, making training your pooch incredibly easy! Just spray Chew Repel on your furniture, door frames, and anything else you don’t want your dog to chew on to deter them from gnawing on door frames, furniture, and ornaments around your home!

Price: £13.98

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Impart your scent

Separation anxiety can be a major reason for chewing. While puppies need lots of attention, it’s impossible to be with them all of the time so provide them with a bit of comfort in your absence. Rubbing their toys in your hands can transfer your scent to them and reassure them when left alone. Leave them lots of toys and consider containing them in a crate while you’re out. Used properly, puppies will often consider crates as their safe space like a kennel.

Just remember that the chewing phase doesn’t last that long and trying all these measures, coupled with some training should soon get them through it