Puppies have a physical need to chew! It all has to do with the teething process. Just like a human baby, puppies have a great need to mouth and chew. This begins around three months of age. During this time, if your puppy doesn't have somthing to chew on, he will look for something. A puppy can entertain himself for hours if he has something to knaw on.
Instead of waiting on a huge problem to start, control your puppy's impulse by doing these:
1. Always know where your pup is and what he is doing. Treat him like a baby.
2. Make sure that all socks, shoes, books, electrical cors, etc. are picked up off the floor. Put valueables away temporarily.
3. If you have to leave him, upt him in his crate.
4. Make sure that what you have in his crate is allowed to be chewed. Use a meat scented nylon bone as his chewie.
5. Put your scent on his chew bone before you leave him alone. He can then smell your scent and be comforted by it.
6. Start preventing him from chewing by grabbing the scruff of his nec and gently shaking him whenever he is chewing a forbidden item. In nature, this is what his mother would do.
7. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise. This will help your pup from getting bored and starting destructive behavior.
8. If you have to take an object from your pup, do so gently and praise him when he gives it to you.
There are so many different ways to cope with your puppy's chewing. Have plenty of patience and provide him with all the neccessary toys he needs to keep him occupied and away from your things. |
