Puppies are very curious animals and it’s normal for them to experiment with biting as their teeth come in. Here are some helpful tips to stop your puppy from destructive chewing:
Pay Attention. Just like you would need to watch a human baby moving around, always keep an eye on your puppy to protect it from getting into anything potentially harmful. This way you can remove anything from the puppy’s mouth and place it out of reach before it is chewed up.
Teach Your Puppy what is theirs. When your puppy gets its mouth around something that’s not theirs, always take it out and substitute it for their toy or a bone to bite on. Praising them when they take their own toy will help them start to realize what doesn’t belong in their mouth and what does.
Choose your Puppy’s Toys Carefully. Make sure your dog has the appropriate toys to chew. Be aware that some plush toys can have pieces that can be chewed off and may be a future chocking hazard. Avoid giving your puppy toys that resemble inappropriate items like old shoes to chew on. You want your puppy to be able to know the difference between their toys and your shoes.
Make sure your dog is active. Puppies tend to chew on items when they are alone or bored. A puppy that is tired from exercising is usually well behaved. Continually exercising your puppy can help them form better habits in the first place.
Prevention. Make sure to put everything that you don’t want your pup to get in its mouth is out of reach. It is important to puppy proof your home by making sure no electrical cords, toxic cleaners, shoes, or other items you don’t want your dog to get into are not in their reach.
When you are training your dog use good judgment. Puppies build habits easily so it is best to start training them right away. Also be sure to always let your minder
know any tips or tricks you have with your dog so they will be prepared.
