Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
- Dog toys
- Bones or chews
Instructions
Keep your belongings put away and out of reach. This may not be possible with furniture, but keep your dirty laundry in a basket or closet, pick up the children's toys and put your shoes or slippers away. Remove the temptation to chew these items from your puppy entirely.
Interrupt your puppy when you catch him chewing on something that isn't his. Whistle, clap or use a tin can filled with coins to make noise and get his attention. Speak the words "leave it" as you do. This interruption is your initial correction. You will eventually be able to stop the noise and simply say "leave it" to get your puppy to stop chewing.
Reward your puppy for leaving the object. Praise him and pet him to let him know that you are pleased that he listened to your correction and stopped chewing on your things.
Give your puppy an object of his own to chew on immediately after he turns his attention away from the forbidden object. Keep different toys, chews and bones on hand at all times, so that your puppy does have another way to fulfill his need to chew. Reward your puppy with another treat and more excited praise when he begins chewing on his own item instead. This will show him that he can chew on some things (his things) but not on others.