Crying is a normal part of a puppy’s life. Whether they’re homesick, scared, or just trying to get...
How to Stop Your Puppy from Chewing: The Ultimate Guide
Puppies have a natural need to chew and explore their environment, however, this can lead to damaged furniture and items around your home. This guide will help you understand why puppies chew, and how to deter them from destructive chewing habits. You will learn how to redirect their energy, provide them with appropriate chew toys, and give them the attention they need to stop them from chewing.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, and their need to chew comes from their need to explore and investigate their environment. Puppies also chew to help relieve the discomfort of teething, and as a way to relieve stress and boredom. When puppies are left alone for long periods of time, they can become bored, and they may start to chew furniture or items around the house.
It is important to understand why puppies chew, as this will help you to determine the best way to stop them from destructive chewing habits. Understanding why puppies chew will also help you to provide them with the appropriate toys and activities to satisfy their need to chew.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Chewing
The best way to stop your puppy from chewing is to redirect their energy, provide them with appropriate chew toys, and give them the attention they need. Here are some tips to help you deter your puppy from destructive chewing habits:
- Redirect their energy: Provide your puppy with plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them active and entertained. If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn't be, redirect their attention by offering them an appropriate chew toy.
- Provide them with appropriate chew toys: Make sure that your puppy has plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied and help them satisfy their need to chew. Choose toys that are safe and durable, and rotate them so that your puppy doesn't get bored.
- Give them attention: Make sure that your puppy gets plenty of attention and interaction. Spend time playing with your puppy, and give them plenty of love and affection.
- Establish a routine: Establish a consistent routine for your puppy. This will help your puppy to understand what is expected of them, and will help them feel more secure.
- Be consistent: Be consistent with your approach and use positive reinforcement to reward your puppy when they behave well.
By following these tips, you will be able to help your puppy understand what is expected of them, and will help to deter them from destructive chewing habits.
What to Do if Your Puppy Keeps Chewing
If you find that your puppy is still chewing on inappropriate items, there are a few things that you can do to help. Here are some tips to help you stop your puppy from chewing:
- Provide plenty of exercise: Make sure that your puppy is getting enough exercise. Take them for regular walks and play with them to help them burn off excess energy.
- Keep items out of reach: Keep items that you don't want your puppy to chew out of reach. If they can't get to the items, they won't be able to chew them.
- Use deterrents: Use deterrents such as bitter apple spray, or citronella spray to help deter your puppy from chewing. You can also use a squirt bottle filled with water to startle your puppy when they start to chew.
- Supervise your puppy: Make sure that you are supervising your puppy when they are left alone. This will help you to catch them before they start to chew on inappropriate items.
- Be patient: Training takes time and patience. Don't expect results overnight, and be consistent in your approach.
By following these tips, you will be able to help your puppy understand what is expected of them, and will help to deter them from destructive chewing habits.
Conclusion
Puppies have a natural need to chew and explore their environment, however, this can lead to damaged furniture and items around your home. To help stop your puppy from chewing, it is important to understand why puppies chew, and to provide them with appropriate chew toys, give them plenty of exercise and attention, and establish a consistent routine. If your puppy is still chewing on inappropriate items, use deterrents, keep items out of reach, and supervise your puppy when they are left alone. By following these tips, you will be able to help your puppy understand what is expected of them, and will help to deter them from destructive chewing habits.