Provide Chew Toys: Puppies chew to explore their surroundings, relieve teething discomfort, and satisfy their natural urge to chew. Offer a variety of durable and attractive chew toys that are appropriate for their age and size. Make sure the toys are enticing enough to keep their attention away from your belongings.
Redirect Chewing: Whenever you catch your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, immediately redirect their attention to a chew toy. Encourage them to chew on the toy by praising and rewarding them when they do.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy whenever they chew on their toys or appropriate items. This positive reinforcement reinforces desired behavior and discourages chewing on inappropriate items.
Puppy-Proof Your Home: Remove any tempting objects within your puppy's reach, such as shoes, cables, furniture legs, and other household items. Keep these items out of reach or in closed cabinets to prevent access.
Supervise Your Puppy: Keep a close eye on your puppy when they're awake and actively exploring their environment. If you see them starting to chew on something inappropriate, intervene immediately and redirect them to a chew toy.
Teething Relief: If your puppy is chewing excessively during teething, consider providing them with frozen treats, cold chew toys, or specifically designed teething toys that can help soothe their gums.
Bitter Apple Spray: Some owners find success with bitter apple spray, a deterrent you can apply to surfaces or items that you want your puppy to avoid chewing. Test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the material.
Avoid Punishment: While it may be tempting to scold or punish your puppy for chewing, this approach can create fear or anxiety and may not effectively deter the behavior. Instead, focus on redirection, positive reinforcement, and puppy-proofing your home.
Seek Professional Help: If you're having difficulty controlling your puppy's chewing behavior, consult with a certified professional dog trainer for personalized guidance and techniques tailored to your specific situation.