How to Train a 5-Month-Old Puppy Not to Bite the Furniture

You can't stop it, but you can redirect it. The fact of the matter is that biting and chewing is instinctive behavior for puppies and adult dogs alike. It exercises their minds, strengthens their jaws and cleans their teeth. Puppies especially enjoy chewing because it helps them gather information about their world. You probably won't be able to train your 5-month-old puppy not to chew, but it is old enough to learn what it can sink its teeth into and what things it shouldn't bite at.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys, chews or bones
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a variety of toys, chews and bones for your puppy. Purchase toys that are different shapes, textures and colors. Bones and chews come in different sizes and flavors. These are your puppy's alternatives to the furniture. Always keep more than one type in your home so that your puppy won't get bored with a single flavor or single texture. Remember that chewing is a form of exploration and mental stimulation for a 5-month-old puppy.

    • 2

      Make a noise to interrupt your puppy every single time you catch it biting at the furniture. Whistle, clap or yell "no!" Use a "leave it" command if you choose. Startle your puppy with the noise to get it to stop chewing.

    • 3

      Praise and reward your puppy with a treat immediately when it turns its attention away from the furniture. Be as excited and enthusiastic as possible to let it know that listening to you was a good thing to do.

    • 4

      Offer your puppy one of its own toys or chews in exchange for the furniture. Shake the object around to make it appealing. Praise your puppy excitedly when it takes its toy or bone and begins to chew. Use this method to give your puppy an alternative course of action by showing it what items it is allowed to chew on.

    • 5

      Repeat the process until your puppy stops chewing on the furniture at all. Gradually withhold treats for longer periods, but always praise your puppy and offer it an object of its own to chew on instead.

    • 6

      Help your puppy get plenty of exercise by taking it for daily walks and playing games with it at home. Puppies can turn to destructive behavior if they are bored and need something to do. Daily exercise will help your puppy get the mental stimulation it needs and make it easier for you to teach it not to chew on your furniture.