How to Stop a 9-Month-Old Puppy From Chewing on Everything

The joys of pet ownership are innumerable. With a furry friend in your household, you will never lack love, affection or amusement. Watching Fido roll around on the floor or chase a laser pointer is sure to inspire laughter from the entire family. Raising a puppy comes with challenges, however. When a nine-month old puppy starts chewing on everything in sight, it can be extremely frustrating. You must find a way to keep him from destroying your home while still nurturing him in a kind, loving manner. Fortunately, there are ways to combat destructive chewing behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Bitter deterrent spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Recognize that chewing is a natural puppy behavior. The puppy is not chewing items to hurt or antagonize you. Chewing is a way for the puppy to explore his environment, relieve boredom and combat the ache that comes with teething.

    • 2

      Take preventative measures before the chewing becomes a problem. Purchase a non-toxic, bitter-tasting chew deterrent to spray on items and surfaces in your home. These deterrents are available at pet stores and will dissuade your puppy from chewing on inappropriate items.

    • 3

      Pick everything up from the floor that you do not want your puppy to chew. The fewer items there are available for your puppy to chew on, the less destructive his chewing behavior will be.

    • 4

      Exercise your puppy. Puppies have a lot of energy; without an appropriate outlet for it, puppies will adopt less desirable ways to exert energy, such as chewing.

    • 5

      Crate your puppy when you can not supervise him. Not only will this protect your belongings, it will also create a quiet, comfortable and safe area for your puppy to play or nap in.

    • 6

      Supply your puppy with chew toys. Rope, rawhide and rubber toys should be available at all times so that your puppy is encouraged to practice his natural chewing behavior in an appropriate way.

    • 7

      Make a game out of finding a chew toy and reward good chewing behavior. The Hilltop Animal Hospital recommends walking into a room and telling the puppy to "Find your chewy!", then giving the puppy a treat when he locates the chew toy.

    • 8

      Take away the inappropriate object that your puppy is chewing on while simultaneously handing him an object that is acceptable to chew on. Once the puppy accepts the appropriate object, give him positive verbal feedback or affection.

    • 9

      Calmly but firmly reprimand your puppy when he is chewing on an inappropriate item. Use a stern tone of voice so that your puppy understands that he has done something wrong.