From Chomp to Calm: Managing Puppy Chewing Habits

From Chomp to Calm: Managing Puppy Chewing Habits

By Gladiator K-NINE

February 5, 2025

5 Best Ways to Solve Your Dog’s Chewing

puppy chewing - puppy chewing

Puppy chewing is perfectly normal behavior that comes hand-in-hand with teething and natural exploration. Puppies have an innate need to chew, which serves multiple purposes: it relieves teething discomfort, helps them investigate their surroundings, and can even provide entertainment and stress relief. Let’s cut to the chase for those of you in search of quick solutions to manage your puppy’s chewing habit:

  • Provide age-appropriate chew toys to satisfy their chewing needs.
  • Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest and novelty.
  • Engage your puppy in mentally stimulating activities like fetch or tug of war.
  • Praise correct chewing behavior consistently to reinforce good habits.
  • Keep valuables out of reach to prevent unwanted chewing.

In this guide, we’ll explore why puppies are drawn to chew everything in sight and provide practical solutions to help guide their chewing behavior in safe and positive directions.

Overview of puppy chewing habits and solutions - puppy chewing infographic infographic-line-3-steps-colors

Understanding Why Puppies Chew

Puppies chew for several reasons, and understanding these can help you manage their behavior. Teething is a big one. Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their new teeth come in. Chewing helps soothe this discomfort.

But that’s not all. Chewing is also a natural behavior for puppies. They explore their world by putting things in their mouths. This helps them learn about their environment, from the texture of objects to their taste and weight.

Chewing also plays a role in jaw strengthening. As puppies grow, they need to develop strong jaws. Chewing provides the exercise their jaws need to become strong and healthy.

Lastly, chewing can be a way for puppies to relieve anxiety. It can be comforting and help them feel secure, especially in new or stressful situations.

Common Dog Chewing Stages

Puppies go through distinct stages where their need to chew increases. The first stage is from eight weeks to six months. During this time, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow into adult ones. This is when teething discomfort is at its peak.

The second stage occurs during adolescence, which can be from six months to one and a half years, depending on the breed. Larger breeds may experience this stage longer due to their slower growth rates. Adolescence is a time of increased exploration and energy, so chewing is often a way to relieve that extra energy.

Different breeds can also have different destructive chewing behaviors. Some breeds are naturally more mouthy and may need more guidance and training to manage their chewing habits effectively.

Puppy chewing behavior chart - puppy chewing infographic 4_facts_emoji_light-gradient

Understanding these stages and the reasons behind puppy chewing can help you provide the right support and training for your furry friend. In the next section, we’ll dive into practical strategies to manage and redirect your puppy’s chewing behavior effectively.

Types of Chewing

Dogs chew for various reasons, and their chewing behavior can be categorized into different types based on the motivation or purpose behind it. It’s important to understand that all of these types of chewing can be destructive if they are done to something you value. During the puppy stage, it’s important to keep these items out of reach. Here are the main types of chewing in dogs:

1. Exploratory Dog Chewing

  • Why it happens: Puppies, like human babies, explore the world with their mouths. Chewing helps them learn about their environment.
  • Common targets: This can be considered rather destructive chewing because it targets shoes, furniture, or anything within reach.
  • How to manage: Provide safe chew toys and puppy-proof your home.

2. Teething Chewing

  • Why it happens: Puppies go through a teething phase (around 3-6 months old) where chewing helps soothe their sore gums.
  • Common targets: Soft items or anything they can sink their teeth into.
  • How to manage: Offer teething-specific chew toys or frozen treats to ease discomfort.

3. Boredom Chewing

  • Why it happens: Dogs left alone or without enough mental stimulation may chew to pass the time.
  • Common targets: Household items like pillows, remote controls, or furniture are common targets of this destructive chewing.
  • How to manage: Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and provide interactive toys or puzzles.

4. Stress or Anxiety Chewing

  • Why it happens: Dogs may chew as a coping mechanism for stress, separation anxiety, or fear.
  • Common targets: Personal items like shoes or clothing that smell like their owner.
  • How to manage: Address the root cause of anxiety, use calming aids, and provide appropriate chew toys.

5. Hunger-Driven Chewing

  • Why it happens: A hungry dog might chew on objects that smell like food or resemble edible items.
  • Common targets: Food containers, trash, or even furniture.
  • How to manage: Feed your dog on a consistent schedule and keep tempting items out of reach.

6. Playful Dog Chewing

  • Why it happens: Some dogs chew as part of their play behavior, especially when they’re excited or energetic.
  • Common targets: Toys, sticks, or anything they can grab during play.
  • How to manage: Encourage this behavior with durable chew toys and supervised playtime.

7. Habitual or Compulsive Chewing

  • Why it happens: Some dogs develop a habit of chewing due to lack of training or as a compulsive behavior.
  • Common targets: Repeatedly chewed items, even when alternatives are available.
  • How to manage: Work with a trainer or behaviorist to redirect the behavior and provide consistent training.

8. Dental Health Chewing

  • Why it happens: Chewing helps dogs clean their teeth and maintain healthy gums.
  • Common targets: Bones, dental chews, or hard toys can be the victim of destructive chewing.
  • How to manage: Provide safe, vet-approved dental chews or toys designed for oral health.

Managing and Redirecting Dog Chewing Behavior

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Before you can effectively manage your puppy’s chewing habits, it’s crucial to puppy-proof your home. Puppies are naturally curious and will explore anything they can reach. To set them up for success, start by removing valuable objects out of their reach. Keep shoes, clothing, and other tempting items in closed closets or high shelves.

Think of it as creating a safe environment where your puppy can explore without getting into trouble. Use baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms and keep your pup in areas that are free from tempting items.

Providing Appropriate Chew Toys

Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys to keep your puppy happy and your belongings safe. These types of toys are not only safe but also designed to satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew.

Introduce new toys or rotate them every few days to keep your puppy engaged. This prevents boredom and helps redirect chewing to suitable items. Always supervise your puppy with new toys to ensure they are chewing safely.

Training Techniques to Avoid Destructive Chewing

Training your puppy on what to chew and what not to chew is essential. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. When you see your puppy chewing on an appropriate toy, praise them and offer a treat. This teaches them that choosing the right item to chew on is rewarding.

  • Bite inhibition is another important technique. Teach your puppy to be gentle with their mouth by playing games that involve soft biting. If they bite too hard, stop the game and ignore them for a moment. They’ll learn that soft bites keep the fun going.
  • Trading games are also effective. If your puppy grabs something, they shouldn’t offer them a toy in exchange. This not only saves your belongings but also teaches your puppy that giving up items can lead to positive outcomes.
  • Supervision is key. Keep a close eye on your puppy and guide them toward appropriate chewing choices. When you can’t supervise, use a crate or a safe space to prevent unsupervised chewing.
  • Exercise plays a big role in managing chewing behavior. A tired puppy is less likely to chew out of boredom or excess energy. Regular playtime and walks can help channel their energy in positive ways.

By puppy-proofing your home, providing the right toys, and using effective training techniques, you can guide your puppy from chomp to calm. In the next section, we’ll explore how to address specific chewing challenges and what to do when things get tough.

Addressing Dog Chewing Challenges

Identifying Underlying Issues

Understanding why your puppy is chewing is the first step in addressing the behavior. Separation anxiety is a common issue. Puppies might chew furniture or shoes when left alone because they feel anxious. Look for signs like whining or pacing when you’re about to leave. If you suspect separation anxiety, it’s important to gradually get your puppy used to being alone for short periods.

Boredom is another culprit. Puppies have lots of energy and need mental stimulation. Without enough playtime or activities, they might chew to entertain themselves. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of play and exercise to burn off energy and keep their mind busy.

Stress can also lead to chewing. Changes in the environment, like moving to a new home, can make a puppy feel uneasy. Creating a calm and predictable routine can help reduce stress.

Sometimes, puppies chew because they are hungry. If they are on a calorie-restricted diet, they might look for food in unusual places. Ensure your puppy is getting enough to eat and discuss their diet with your vet if you’re unsure.

In some cases, chewing can become a compulsive behavior. If your puppy is fixated on chewing certain objects or fabrics, it might be time to consult a professional. A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a qualified trainer can help address compulsive chewing.

Using Deterrents and Supervision

Once you’ve identified the underlying issue, it’s time to take action. Taste deterrents can be useful tools. These products make items taste unpleasant, discouraging your puppy from chewing them. Apply them to furniture or other objects your puppy targets. Deterrents alone won’t solve the problem; they are just one part of the solution.

Supervision is crucial. Keep a close watch on your puppy, especially when it’s in a new environment. If you see it chewing something inappropriate, redirect it to a suitable toy. Praise it when it chooses the right item to chew.

When you can’t supervise, consider confinement. Use a crate or a puppy-proofed room to keep your puppy safe and prevent unwanted chewing. Ensure the space has plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them occupied.

By identifying the root causes of chewing and using deterrents and supervision, you can help your puppy develop better habits. Patience and consistency are key. In the next section, we’ll dig into more strategies to help your puppy overcome these challenges and ensure a harmonious home.

Contact Gladiator K-Nine About Our Calming Collars

Managing puppy chewing can feel like a daunting task, but with patience, consistent training, and the right tools, it’s entirely achievable. Understanding the natural behavior of your puppy and providing appropriate outlets for their energy is crucial. This journey requires dedication and the willingness to adapt your approach as your puppy grows and their needs change.

Consistent training is the backbone of managing chewing behavior. Reinforce positive habits by rewarding your puppy when they chew on the right things. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage them, and remember that patience is key. It’s important to stay calm and consistent, even when accidents happen. Puppies learn best in a stress-free environment where they feel safe and loved.

Incorporating tools like the Gladiator K-Nine Collar™ can provide additional support. These collars use advanced SemiCera® technology to help soothe your puppy’s anxiety and stress, offering a non-invasive, medication-free solution. By reducing anxiety, your puppy may be less inclined to chew out of stress or boredom.

Managing puppy and dog chewing is about understanding, patience, and the right tools. As you start on this journey, every puppy is unique. With love, patience, and consistent training, you can guide your puppy from a chomp-happy phase to a calm, well-behaved companion.

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