10 Reasons Puppies Chew and How to Redirect This Behavior: A Friendly Guide

Puppies Chew
Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Spread the love

Puppies chewing on everything can be frustrating for pet owners, but it’s a natural behavior. Chewing helps puppies explore their world, relieve teething pain, and even combat boredom. Understanding why puppies chew is the first step in helping them develop good chewing habits.

A playful puppy surrounded by various chew toys and treats, with a variety of textures and shapes to redirect their chewing behavior

You can redirect this natural instinct by providing the right tools and training. With patience and consistency, you can guide your puppy away from destructive behavior and towards healthy, acceptable chewing. This expert guide will explore the reasons behind puppy chewing and offer practical strategies to manage and redirect this behavior effectively.

1) Teething

When puppies are teething, it can be uncomfortable for them. This discomfort often drives them to chew on things to relieve the pain.

Their gums may feel sore, so chewing helps massage and soothe them. Offer your puppy safe teething toys to chew on.

Make sure to supervise your puppy to ensure they are chewing on appropriate items.

2) Exploring their World

Puppies are naturally curious. They use their mouths to explore their environment. This is how they learn about new objects and textures. Chewing helps them understand what is safe to play with.

To help direct this behavior, give your puppy safe and interesting chew toys. This keeps their attention and helps them learn in a fun way.

3) Stress Relief

Puppies chew to deal with stress and anxiety. When they feel nervous or scared, gnawing on objects can keep them calm.

If your puppy is alone for long periods, they may chew to cope with loneliness. Providing toys or comfort items can help.

Spend time playing and cuddling with your puppy to reduce their stress.

4) Attention-Seeking

Puppies often chew to grab your attention. If they notice that chewing gets a reaction from you, they may continue the behavior.

Provide plenty of positive attention through play, exercise, and training.

Teach your puppy that chewing on appropriate toys gets them praise, while chewing on other things does not.

5) Instinctual Chewing

Puppies chew because it’s in their nature. Chewing helps keep their jaws strong and teeth clean.

It also satisfies their natural urge to gnaw. This behavior traces back to their wild ancestors.

Providing your puppy with appropriate chew toys encourages healthy chewing habits.

6) Dental Health

Chewing is essential for your puppy’s dental health. It helps to keep their teeth clean and removes plaque buildup.

Puppies have 28 baby teeth that they eventually lose as they grow. Chewing can also relieve the discomfort of teething as their permanent teeth start to come in.

Providing safe chew toys can promote strong, healthy teeth and gums. Investing in dental-friendly chew toys can support your puppy’s dental health journey.

7) Separation Anxiety

Puppies often chew when they’re dealing with separation anxiety. When you leave, they can feel stressed and chew on things to cope with their feelings.

Separation anxiety can cause your puppy to chew on furniture, shoes, or anything else they find.

To help, try giving them a special chew toy before you leave. This can provide comfort. Training and consistent routines are also key.

8) Boredom

Puppies chew when they are bored. They need mental and physical activities to stay busy. Without enough stimulation, they might chew on furniture, shoes, or other items.

Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can help keep your puppy entertained. Taking your puppy for walks and playing fetch can also reduce boredom and chewing.

9) Lack of Exercise

Puppies need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy. If they don’t get enough physical activity, they can become bored and restless.

This lack of exercise often leads to chewing as a way to burn off some of that extra energy.

Taking your puppy for daily walks and playing with them can help reduce chewing behavior.

10) Playing

Puppies often chew as a way of playing. Chewing on toys or objects can be an entertaining and enjoyable activity for them.

Make sure you provide safe toys specifically designed for chewing to keep them engaged and prevent damage to your belongings. This helps direct their energy in a positive way.

Understanding the Chewing Behavior in Puppies

Puppies chew for many reasons, including natural instincts and development stages. By understanding these reasons, you can better help your puppy chew on appropriate items.

Natural Instincts Behind Chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies. Just like wild animals, puppies use chewing to explore their world. It helps strengthen their jaws and clean their teeth. This instinct also releases stress and provides comfort.

Boredom can make chewing worse. If your puppy doesn’t have enough to do, they may choose to chew anything they find. Ensuring your puppy has enough toys and activities can keep them busy and prevent them from chewing on your things.

Developmental Stages

During the teething stage, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow adult ones. This usually happens between 12 weeks and 6 months old. Teething can be painful, causing puppies to chew more to relieve discomfort.

Puppies also chew while playing. It’s part of their learning process. They discover what feels good to chew and what doesn’t. Providing safe chew toys can guide them to chew appropriately.

By knowing these stages, you can prepare and offer the right toys and attention to help your puppy through each phase.

Effective Techniques to Redirect Chewing

Puppies chew for many reasons, like teething or boredom. To help them chew in ways you want, it’s important to provide the right toys, use positive reinforcement, and create a safe space for them.

Providing Appropriate Chew Toys

Offering the right chew toys can direct your puppy’s chewing to safe items. Toys like rubber bones or soft plush toys are ideal. Choose toys specifically designed for puppies, as these are often softer and easier on their gums.

Rotate the toys you provide to keep your puppy interested. Chew toys that can be filled with treats or flavored toys can also be very engaging. By giving a variety of options, your puppy will be less likely to chew on your furniture or shoes.

Positive Reinforcement Strategies

Positive reinforcement is key to teaching your puppy good chewing habits. When you see your puppy chewing on the right toy, praise them and give them a treat. This helps them understand that chewing the right things makes you happy.

Avoid scolding your puppy when they chew on something wrong. Instead, offer the right toy and reward them when they switch. Keep treats handy so you can reward good behavior immediately. This builds a positive connection with appropriate chewing.

Creating a Puppy-Safe Environment

Making your home safe for your puppy prevents unwanted chewing. Remove items that your puppy might chew on, like shoes or cables. Put them out of reach to reduce temptation.

Use gates to restrict access to rooms with valuable or dangerous items. Ensure they spend time in a safe, puppy-proofed area with their toys. This helps teach your puppy what is safe to chew on and keeps them out of trouble when you’re not watching.


Spread the love