How to Stop an Older Puppy From Chewing

Having a puppy can be a wonderful, rewarding experience. It can also be frustrating when your older puppy has not grown out of its chewing habits. Younger puppies chew to explore their environment and because the objects feel good on the puppy's sensitive teeth and gums. Older puppies chew out of habit, boredom and for attention. There are several ways to stop your older puppy from chewing on everything from the furniture to your slippers.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Bitter apple spray
  • Dog crate
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
  • Tennis ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your puppy an alternative to chewing on unwanted items. Take away the item your puppy is chewing on, tell it "no" and give it an acceptable outlet for his chewing, such as a dog toy.

    • 2

      Place any objects you do not want the puppy to chew on out of its grasp. Keep your shoes on a high shelf and store your children's toys in containers with lids.

    • 3

      Cover your furniture and other objects that cannot be moved with bitter apple spray. This spray has an unpleasant taste and eventually the puppy will begin to associate chewing on these objects with the taste of the spray and will cease to do so.

    • 4

      Exercise your puppy every day. Take your puppy for long walks and play fetch with a ball in the park. A tired puppy will not have the energy to chew on items you want left alone.

    • 5

      Keep your puppy in a crate when you are away from your house or cannot keep a constant eye on it while home.

    • 6

      Spray water near the dog's face whenever it is chewing. Your puppy will begin to associate the unwanted mist of water with the unnecessary chewing and will cease this destructive behavior. Never spray the water directly into the dog's face. This could cause an aggressive reaction.