Oh, puppies are lovely, aren’t they?
A puppy is one of those precious treats we get in life that we often take for granted. But it’s not our fault! With their wide, innocent puppy dog eyes, they look at us with pure wonder as we feed them, bathe them, and play with them. But, like gremlins, when you give them water… they change. Suddenly, your puppy becomes a tiny whirlwind, chewing through everything in sight: curtains, slippers, socks, your favorite sneakers, and even your wife’s prized couch.
So, what do you do when your puppy chews up everything in the house? Well, let’s dive into the cause of the chewing habit and how to stop it.
Why Do Puppies Chew on Things?
First things first: puppies are still babies. And just like babies, they have a world to explore. Unfortunately, they don’t have hands, so they use their mouths to interact with everything. The slipper at the foot of the bed? Their next quest. That stick on the lawn? Oh, they’re totally checking that out. The couch? Yup, that was their first target.
This chewing behavior, while adorable, can also lead to dangerous situations. Puppies don’t always know what they should or shouldn’t chew on. But there’s a reason for their behavior. Let’s break it down:
Puppies Chew Because They’re Bored
We get it. Life is hectic. We work long hours, sit through endless meetings, and spend too much time in traffic. By the time we get home, the last thing we want is to deal with a puppy that’s chewed through everything. But remember, it’s not their fault either.
Dogs are social creatures. They love to engage with us, and when they’re left alone for long periods of time, they get bored. And when puppies get bored, they turn to chewing as a way to pass the time. It’s like their way of saying, “I need something to do!”
Puppies Chew Because of Teething Pain
Puppies aren’t just exploring their environment; they’re also going through a tough time—teething. Just like babies, puppies experience gum irritation and discomfort when their teeth come in. Chewing helps alleviate this discomfort, providing them with relief.
So, while it might seem like your puppy is on a mission to destroy your favorite pair of slippers, they’re just trying to soothe their sore gums.
How to Stop the Chew-athon
Now that we understand why puppies chew, the next step is figuring out how to stop them from chewing your favorite items. The keys are patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Harsh reactions, like scolding or hiding the puppy away, won’t fix the problem. You need to train your puppy to redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate items.
Here’s how:
Puppy-Proof Your Home
Before you try to train your puppy, it’s important to make your house a little more “puppy-friendly.” Start by puppy-proofing your home. Lock away anything valuable or chewable, like slippers, shoes, and furniture. You might even want to confine them to an area with minimal distractions, like the kitchen, where there’s plenty of space for them to explore but fewer temptations to destroy. Once they learn to avoid chewing on furniture, you can allow them more freedom.
Crate Training
If your puppy is still learning and can’t be trusted to roam freely around the house, crate training is a great option. A crate is a safe and secure space for your puppy when you’re not around to supervise. It’s an important part of teaching them boundaries, and it helps prevent accidents while you’re away. Plus, it can be a cozy space where they feel safe. A great crate to consider is the Superior Range by Ferplast, which is perfect for training and has additional features like drainage and moisture control to keep your puppy comfortable.
Offer Plenty of Toys
One of the best ways to redirect your puppy’s chewing habits is to provide them with the right toys. Puppies are often distracted by new, interesting items to chew on, so make sure to offer a variety of safe, fun toys. Here are some of our favorites:
Disney Teether Ring Toys: These durable, gentle Thermo rubber rings come with a plush companion attached, so your puppy gets two options to chew on! Characters like Mickey Mouse, Avengers superheroes, and Stitch from Lilo and Stitch make these toys even more fun. Find Mickey, Minnie, Dart Vader, Spider-Man and Lilo & Stitch.
Large Chew Toys for Big Breeds: Not all puppies are the same size. Larger puppies need larger chew toys to satisfy their chewing instincts. These toys come in fun characters like Disney characters wrapped in thermorubber material, perfect for larger breeds. See here.
Soft Plush Toys for Smaller Puppies: For the smaller pups, choose softer, plush toys like a Plush Batman or Hulk. They’re light, easy to chew on, and still provide that much-needed distraction. See here.
What Not to Give Puppies to Chew On
While it’s important to provide appropriate chew toys, it’s equally important to know what not to give your puppy. Certain items can pose health risks or promote bad chewing habits. Here are three things to avoid:
Household Items and Shoes: It’s tempting to think that giving your puppy an old shoe or sock might do the trick, but this can actually encourage bad habits. Puppies might become confused and think that it’s okay to chew on all your shoes. Additionally, items like socks and household goods can pose choking hazards or even be harmful if ingested.
Toxic or Harmful Objects: Some household items are dangerous for puppies to chew, like electrical cords or plants. Always ensure that your puppy’s environment is safe, and remove any hazardous items they might get their paws on. Things like rubber bands, hair ties, or plastic wrappers can also be dangerous if chewed or swallowed.
Rawhide or Hard Bones: While some people give puppies rawhide or bones to chew on, it’s best to avoid these for young pups, as they can be a choking hazard or cause digestive issues. Opt for safer, soft chew toys that are specifically designed for puppies.
By understanding why your puppy chews and how to manage it, you’ll be able to create a harmonious home where both you and your puppy are happy. Training takes time and patience, but the rewards are worth it—your slippers (and everything else) will thank you. Happy puppy parenting!
