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How to Stop a 7 Month Old Puppy from Chewing Everything
If you have a 7 month old puppy that is chewing everything it encounters, you may be wondering what to do. It is important to take the necessary steps to stop your puppy from chewing and to protect your belongings from being destroyed. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why puppies chew and the steps you can take to stop a 7 month old puppy from chewing everything.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies. It helps to strengthen their jaws and also relieves the pain caused by teething. Puppies may also chew on objects to explore their environment and to satisfy their curiosity. In addition, puppies may chew on things out of boredom or anxiety.
It is important to understand why your 7 month old puppy is chewing in order to know how to address the problem.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
One of the best ways to stop a 7 month old puppy from chewing everything is to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Chew toys can help to satisfy your puppy's need to chew and will keep them from chewing on furniture, clothing and other items.
When choosing chew toys for your puppy, it is important to pick ones that are durable and made from safe materials. Look for toys that are designed specifically for puppies and made from non-toxic materials. You should also avoid giving your puppy toys with small pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed.
Here are some types of chew toys that are suitable for 7 month old puppies:
- Rope toys.
- Rubber toys.
- Kong toys.
- Nylon bones.
- Rawhide chews.
Redirect Chewing Behavior
If you catch your 7 month old puppy chewing on something they shouldn't, it is important to redirect their behavior. You can do this by clapping your hands or saying "no" in a firm voice. This will startle your puppy and get their attention. Then, you can give them one of their chew toys and praise them for chewing on it.
Redirecting your puppy's chewing behavior will help them understand that chewing on inappropriate items is not allowed. With enough practice, your puppy will learn to chew on their toys instead.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Puppies may chew out of boredom or anxiety. To prevent this, it is important to provide your 7 month old puppy with plenty of mental stimulation. This can include playing games, going for walks and engaging in interactive play.
You should also make sure your puppy is getting enough exercise. Puppies require lots of physical activity to stay healthy and to release energy. If your puppy is not getting enough exercise, they may become restless and start chewing on things out of boredom.
Discourage Chewing With Deterrents
If your 7 month old puppy is still chewing on inappropriate items, you may need to use deterrents to discourage the behavior. You can do this by spraying items with a bitter tasting spray or by covering them with aluminum foil. You can also use a noise maker to startle your puppy when they start to chew.
It is important to use deterrents sparingly and only when necessary. You should also avoid using punishment or yelling as this can make the problem worse.
Conclusion
Chewing is a normal behavior for puppies but it can be destructive if left unchecked. If you have a 7 month old puppy that is chewing everything, it is important to take the necessary steps to stop the behavior. This can include providing appropriate chew toys, redirecting their behavior and providing mental stimulation. You can also use deterrents to discourage chewing on inappropriate items. With patience and consistency, you can teach your 7 month old puppy to stop chewing on everything.
