Teething Terrors
How to Keep Your New Pup from Chewing
By Camp Bow Wow
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You fell in love. That cute puppy or rescue dog melted your heart, and you brought him home. Adding a new furry family member to your pack, no matter how adorable, involves a little adjustment for everybody.
You may find your pillows, couch, chairs or shoes in peril of destruction, as your new pup has boundless energy and a mouth erupting with 42 new permanent teeth. When pups are teething, which can last past six months of age, they’ll feel compelled to chew on almost anything they can put in their mouths. Puppies also are naturally curious about new things. Since they don’t have opposable thumbs, the best way for them to investigate is with their mouth. It’s only natural next to take a little chomp – and before you know it, there goes your table leg. One little monster even flipped up a rug to chew the lining from the backside!
You may want to remove precious items or create
a puppy-safe zone for when you can’t supervise your tiny terror, and especially if he is still potty training. You also can try an aversive to keep your pup away from something you can’t remove (like furniture). Suggestions include spraying with bitter apple, covering the item with plastic or applying sticky tape.
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If you catch your pup in the act, don’t yell or swat him, that only causes him to distrust you, and especially if you’ve brought home a rescue that might have been treated badly. Command your pup to “leave it” and redirect him to one of his toys. If it’s a shoe or something portable that he’s reluctant to drop, start playing with a favorite toy in a happy way to draw your pup’s attention. Squeaky toys are a good choice. Soon, the little chewer will come to you to see what you are having so much fun with. The goal is for him to be happy to trade the contraband for the approved item. Rotate toys, having only a few available at a time, to keep them interesting.
Don’t let your pup chew on you, either. Have a toy ready to shove in his mouth as an alternative when he goes to nip. The moment a pup’s teeth touch your skin, say “ouch!” in a high pitched voice and immediately stop playing – this is how a mother dog or littermate would respond and lets him know his play hurts. Turn away and ignore him for a few seconds to reinforce that this behavior is not fun.
And be aware of how you are engaging in play.
Use toys rather than your hands to keep from initiating any nibbling. Make sure you are consistent. Every pup parent and sibling needs to respond the same way.
Even older dogs may resort to a bad habit if they are bored or haven’t had enough exercise. You can play games like fetch, hide and seek and gentle tug of war inside, or go outside and throw a ball or take a walk. A tired pooch is less likely to be destructive. Consider stuffing hollow toys with treats or peanut butter or load a “snuffle mat” to give Fido an approved activity when you are away.
Cheer up, just like a newborn baby eventually sleeps through the night, most pups outgrow destructive chewing once they mature. Soon, your new pup will settle in, learn the rules and be a delight to his fur-ever family.
