You just got a new puppy. She’s the cutest, fluffiest, cuddliest bundle of furry joy to join your family. She loves to play, sleep, and…chew.
Chew on, well, everything. And we do mean everything. We’re talking shoes, furniture, your kid’s toys, books, your tax return—you name it, she’ll chew on it.
Puppies are much like babies in the sense that they explore their surroundings with their mouths. They also spend their early months teething, and chewing can help soothe any growing pains. Thankfully, there are ways to manage this incredibly natural, if not sometimes frustrating part of being a puppy parent.
We know all about choking hazards when it comes to babies, so we store or hide those little things that can get lodged in their mouths. The same should be done for your puppy. If there’s a chance she can get her teeth on it, she probably will, so put away anything in danger of being targeted and ruined. This will remove temptation from the equation, and give you peace of mind that your valuables are safe and—most importantly—your puppy is safe from choking hazards. You know child safety locks and fences? Those aren’t a bad idea for your puppy, either. Puppies naturally curious and prone to get where they shouldn’t be if given free reign of the house.
That said, if mistakes happen and something gets destroyed, refrain from punishing your puppy. We understand your frustration, but contrary to popular belief, your pets are incapable of associating punishment with negative behavior. Your puppy might understand that she is in trouble if you yell at her, but she won’t know why. Dogs are very intuitive—they might pick up on a feeling and react appropriately, but they won’t connect your feeling to a specific action.
The better option, when finding Puppy with a mouthful of something that shouldn’t be chewed, is to replace her makeshift toy with a real one.
As we mentioned above, puppies spend their early months teething and chewing to alleviate pain. Since you have now removed any potential chewing hazards, you’ll want to give her something to satisfy this need. Kong, Nylabones, and squeaker balls are all safe, appropriate chew toy options. This way, she will learn to choose the right toys instead of going for your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers. You might even look into teething rings for your puppy. In the event these things don’t work, you can also look into Grannick’s Bitter Apple spray, but we recommend teaching wherever possible.
Storing your puppy’s toys in one location will also help her understand those are hers. Have an old basket you’re not using? Use it to store her toys and let her get familiar with the things in your house that are hers and where to find them.
If you want more tips for your new puppy, visit any of our convenient locations across Missouri or contact us. We’re happy to help!