Chewing is an annoying but natural part of a puppy’s development. It is very similar to teething in babies and the chewing stages are necessary to help with teething problems. It is unreasonable to expect a puppy not to chew, but it can be taught to chew the right thing, rather than his shoes and furniture. Adult dogs that chew are often bored or suffer from separation anxiety disorder. Generally, adult chewing dogs can be taught to curb their behavior or to chew properly with relative ease. Some will require professional assistance from a trainer or canine behavior specialist.
Growth stages
Puppies chew when their teeth are coming in. This usually occurs sometime before the six-month stage, depending on the specific breed of dog. Some of the larger breeds can continue to chew beyond the six-month stage and some breeds are only known for their chewing behaviors. Regardless of breed, up to six months will be problematic for most puppies. There are several steps owners can take to minimize the damage that can occur from chewing behaviors:
Your puppy-proof home. This means removing all hanging cords, electrical cords, drapery pulls, and other hanging objects. Hanging plants that touch the ground can also be attempts to chew and can also be poisonous.
Keep chew items in drawers or out of reach of puppies. For example, toys, shoes, remote controls, books, backpacks and briefcases, telephones, and even laptops should be stored or kept on tables or desks out of reach of puppies.
Provide a wide variety of chew toys while you are away. This means different shapes and sizes. Chunky pieces of cotton rope knotted at the ends are great for chewing. Heavy rubber balls or Nylabone chew toys are safe and virtually indestructible.
Freezing dog teething rings and leaving them in the crate or area of the doghouse provides gum relief as well as entertainment.
If you notice that the puppy chews something that is not correct, do not punish him. Just say “No” and substitute whatever you want them to bite into. Praise them when they are chewing on the right things. Make sure to say something like “Good boy / girl for chewing your ball (string, toy, stick)”. This helps the puppy learn the word for what he is chewing on. Later you can say: “Take the ball / stick / rope” and the puppy will know what you mean.
Toys to avoid
Some toys, even those sold in pet stores, should never be used with a puppy. Toys that are flimsy or have many chewable parts present a choking hazard. Toys that have long strings or strings that could get tangled around the puppy’s neck are life-threatening toys.
Stuffed animals are appropriate for some puppies and older dogs, but for smaller puppies who chew constantly, the stuffed toy will crush quickly. This leaves parts of the fabric and padding material that can be swallowed, leading to gastrointestinal blockages and possible choking problems.
Natural bones, even raw bones, are generally not recommended for puppies. They are generally too hard on puppy teeth and cause chips and breakage of existing teeth. Also, puppies are more likely to try to swallow the splinters and this can lead to bone splinters getting stuck in the gums or throat. If you want to allow your pup to chew on bones, make sure they are raw beef bones that come from a joint. Never allow your dog to eat pork bones and also do not allow raw or cooked poultry bones of any kind. Supervise the puppy as he chews on the bone and remove it at any sign of chipping or when the bone becomes small enough for the puppy to try to swallow it.
The chewing phase in puppies, like the teething phase in children, will pass. By taking a few precautions with household items, providing plenty of alternative chew toys, and teaching your pup what to chew on stage, it will go smoothly now or in the future.