How to Train Puppies to Stop Chewing

Like human children, puppies chew for two primary reasons: They are either teething or they're trying to explore the world through their senses. Control your puppy's chewing from an early age, before it becomes destructive. If a puppy isn't properly guided to appropriate chewing, it may destroy your belongings, which is both expensive for you and a safety hazard for the puppy. Worse yet, innocent puppy chewing can become a lifelong habit.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Bones
  • Ice cubes
  • Wash rags
  • Chew deterrent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ease the pain of teething by offering your puppy ice cubes or a dishrag that's been frozen wet. You can also buy special toys and bones that are made to ease the pain of teething in puppies.

    • 2

      Offer your puppy plenty of appropriate toys to play with. Choose toys that do not resemble common household objects; otherwise, you may confuse your puppy. For example, never give your puppy old socks and shoes or he may chew on the new ones, too.

    • 3

      Immediately replace forbidden items your puppy is chewing on with an acceptable chew toy or bone. Do not engage in play with items that are not acceptable for chewing. Give you puppy toys that quell boredom, such as dog puzzles or toys you can hide a treat in.

    • 4

      Puppy-proof your home. Just like a young child, puppies are naturally inquisitive and they need to be protected from danger and trouble. Tuck electrical cords out of your puppy's reach. Store cleansers and other hazardous chemicals in a locked cabinet.

    • 5

      Spray things that cannot be moved with a chew deterrent. Puppies will often chew on furniture and even woodwork. If you spray these items with a harmless, bitter-tasting spray, the items will become undesirable.