Cocker spaniels are loving, energetic puppies. Because of their sweet temperament, many owners are confused by sudden aggressive chewing. Simply scolding your pet will not work in this situation, as it is most likely a response to the milk teeth beginning to break through. This usually happens in the first or second month. If your puppy exhibits other behavioral issues, or stops eating, consult your vet about obedience classes or the possibility of a medical problem. The teething cycle is natural, and you can work with your puppy, to make it an easier time for both of you.
Things You'll Need
- Rubber toys or chew rings
- Towels
- Aloe vera
Instructions
Keep household items out of reach of your puppy during the teething process. Though you may eventually be able to switch your cocker to chewing on dog toys or frozen towels, he may not be able to resist initially. By removing temptation, you avoid having to over-discipline your dog -- and make sure that shoes, furniture, and purses do not become a habitual chew toy. This may mean crating your dog while you are not home, and keeping a close eye on him, when you are.
For the seven to ten months of the teething process, avoid play-biting or aggressive play. As an adult, your cocker will be mature enough to play tug-of-war with you, and he will also know better than to nip at small children. At this stage, however, instincts and discomfort may drive the puppy to bite; a lesson you don't want learned. Instead, try working on fetch. This is also a good time to work on training. Start with simple commands like "sit" and "down."
When your puppy is calm, introduce a rubber chew toy or teething ring. Some manufacturers make hollow rubber toys that can be filled with bones or treats. This may encourage your cocker to play with the toys initially. The challenge of removing the food, plus the stimulation of the gum area, is an excellent distraction for a teething puppy.
Soothe the gums with ice. Ice cubes, or Popsicles without the stick work well for this, but they can be messy. One solution is to freeze a wet towel. This gives pressure against the gums, and coolness to relieve the pain. You can also freeze aloe vera gel and rub it gently against the gums in either a slush or hardened form.