Puppies are naturally prone to chewing. The biggest reason for chewing is teething. Puppies might also chew because they have excess energy or they’re feeling stressed.
If you’ve never had a puppy before, you will be surprised at the things they choose to chew. Before bringing home a new puppy, take a moment to sit on the floors in your house. Look at your home from a puppy’s level. If you don’t want to have something damaged by puppy chewing, put it away or move it to a higher place.
While there is little that a teething puppy won’t chew, most do have a few favorite things. Some of them are as follows:
1. Slippers and shoes make wonderful toys in the eyes of a puppy. It may be because they smell the leather or you (or both!). Biting into a boot can be a hoot for Fido, but it can cause the owner a lot of distress. Never give an old slipper or shoe to a puppy. They will not be able to distinguish old from new, so all is fair game in their world.
2. Puppies tend to think people are big chew toys made just for their enjoyment. While it may be cute to have a tiny puppy gnaw and chew on your fingers, guests may not feel the same way and you probably won’t care much for it either when the puppy becomes an adult.
3. Puppies love to chew underwear so don’t leave them lying around. It may be because the item of clothing carries your scent. Keep the laundry basket out of the puppy’s reach.
4. Your puppy won’t know the difference between his or her toys and those of your children. Unfortunately, your child’s toys may present a real danger to a puppy that might swallow parts or badly cut their gums. Teach your children to keep the toys they value out of your puppy’s reach.
5. Furniture can be an open invitation to puppies looking for something to sink their teeth into. It doesn’t take long to turn a rectangular coffee table into an oval-shaped splintery object. Obviously, you don’t want a puppy to ruin your furniture, but it is important to realize that chewing furniture can be hazardous to your dog’s health.
6. Bored puppies or those looking to soothe their aching gums when teething often chew upon television remote controls. Keep remote control devices out of your puppy’s reach!
7. Don’t leave your eyeglasses laying around. More than one puppy has destroyed a pair.
If you notice the puppy chewing on something that is off limits, use a loud tone of voice or clap your hands to get his or her attention. Then tell them “no.” If necessary, direct their attention to another activity.
The good news is that most puppies will grow out of chewing if the proper behavior is taught and reinforced. You just hope it happens before they devour most everything in site!
Related posts:
- Dealing With (and Preventing) Puppy Destruction of Objects
- Top Seven Teething Remedies
- Top Ten Puppy Chews
- Chewing Sprays
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Chew on This
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