Some breeds or the crosses of certain breeds can be terrific chewers all their lives. Many hunting and sporting breeds—such as retrievers and setters—are prone to chewing. Terriers, active dogs who bore easily, often chew.
Most dogs teethe when they are puppies. When puppies are teething, between the ages of 3 and 6 months of age, they are also chewing! After your puppy’s baby teeth are gone, she’ll usually stop chewing over time, since the discomfort from her new teeth has disappeared.
You must know the reason for destructive chewing behavior in order to correct it. Puppies usually grow out of chewing behavior; having any retained teeth surgically removed will reduce the need to teethe on your prized possessions. Psychological reasons are a bit harder to figure out. If you have moved recently, gotten a new pet or started working different hours, your dog might chew to relieve stress or anxiety. Providing her with interactive toys or “legal” chew items may stop boredom-related chewing of, say, the furniture. And, most of all, if you don’t want her to chew your things—dont leave them where she can reach them!
When your dog was a puppy, chewing was probably expected. Even as she made a ragged mess of anything she could get her teeth on, the non-chewing adult beckoned from the future. Now that future is here and your dog still chews. Don’t worry: her habit might still go away.
Breed, retained teeth and curiosity are only three reasons for chewing. Destructive chewing occurs when your dog becomes bored or anxious. Your dog also vents pent-up energy when she chews. Finally, chewing is just plain fun for dogs. Chewing is a “self-rewarding activity,” which means it provides its own benefits. Whether for pain relief, taste or the pleasure of ripping into something, chewing gives the average dog satisfaction.
Bringing a new family addition into the home is extremely exciting! Becoming a new puppy parent comes with a ton of new joys, challenges and responsibilities. PupBox was created to help new puppy parents like yourself, by providing all of the toys, treats, accessories and training information you need, when you need it. CLICK HERE to learn more about PupBox.
If you know your puppy is a destructive chewer, don’t let him loose to roam the house for hours on end when you leave. We recommend crate training or looking into doggie daycare options so you don’t continually come home to a mess. Once he becomes more reliable, then gradually allow him more freedom in the house.
Adolescent puppies are like teenagers, you have to keep them busy to keep them out of trouble. When a pup chews for entertainment, he finds the activity rewarding. It’s fun! Additionally, dogs have no sense of right or wrong, so he has no idea you don’t want him to eat the tv remote versus his chew bone. It’s all the same to him.
Chewing goes through two phases. The first phase of chewing happens because the puppy is teething, and he is compelled to have things in his mouth during this period. It normally ceases when all adult teeth come in so it should be winding down about 5-6 months of age. The second phase of chewing is a development phase that normally begins in late puppyhood around 7-8 months old, and can last up to 2 years. This chewing phase has nothing to do with teething and is motivated entirely by entertainment and boredom.
It can’t be stressed enough that a tired puppy is a happy puppy. Every dog has different energy needs, so you have to tailor the exercise and playtime to your individual puppy. If he doesn’t wear himself out each day, he’ll look for other things to do. You will always notice a decrease in destructive chewing with appropriate levels of exercise.
When will my puppy stop chewing everything?
The period known as teething in which young dogs bite and chew everything in sight should end when their adult teeth come through at around 6-8 months old. That may sound like a long time – but don’t despair! There are plenty of things you can do to deter them from chewing household items and teach them what is and isn’t theirs to chew.
How to stop my dog from chewing things – simple solutions
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Here is a question AKC GoodDog! Helpline trainers hear often: Why does my dog chew up our things when he has dozens of his very own wonderful toys all over the place?
The question is usually about a young puppy, but it could be regarding an older dog who inexplicably got it into her head to be naughty after months of perfect behavior.
In a dog’s mind, if something is within reach then it’s on offer. Certain items are especially appealing: eyeglasses, books, cell phones, television remotes, pillows and upholstery. Plastic is wonderfully chewy and when it is imbibed with our smell because we hold onto these things constantly, it can be irresistible.
Nothing is off limits to puppies. They have a mouthful of shiny new teeth, and they need appropriate puppy toys to use them on. By around 6 months of age, they have their adult teeth and the need to chew abates, but boredom can give them a reason to take up the habit again.
Puppies, just like human toddlers, need a completely puppy-proof area, either a dog crate or pet gated room. If your puppy grabs a forbidden item while you are watching him, quickly distract him with a sharp “Eh eh!” and when he drops it, redirect cheerfully with a toy that he is allowed to have.
Teaching tricks is a good way to give your pup appropriate outlets. A good one to start with is “Leave it.”
Insufficient exercise and mental stimulation can drive your adult dog to find destructive forms of entertainment, so it’s up to you to meet his needs. If ugly winter weather keeps you inside, play indoor dog games with him. Fetch, hide and seek, and tug-of-war (played correctly) are great fun and exercise for both of you.
There are many entertaining dog puzzles on the market, too, and you can even make your own. Just remember that many of these are meant to be enjoyed with you and not left alone with your dog.
The only 100% effective way to save your possessions from destruction is to keep them out of your dog’s reach. If eviscerating upholstered furniture is a hobby, your dog must be kept in a crate or a gated dog-proof room when unsupervised. Stuff hollow rubber toys with treats or moistened kibble and give them to your dog when you are away, so he will have something acceptable to do in your absence.
What about all those wonderful toys that your dog has? If they are lying around all the time, they aren’t special. Rotate them, only having two or three, at most, available at a time. Keep favorites out of her reach, only to be used when playing with you. This is what keeps it special; time with you is the magic ingredient. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.