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ALL puppies chew. |
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It is what they do naturally. They chew on mom,
on each other, and just about anything that fits
in their mouth that doesn't taste bad. They "explore"
a new item by putting it in their mouths and taking
a good bite into it. Chewing is normal to them.
It is we "people" who view it as "bad"
or "destructive." Therefore it is our
responsibility to teach our pups what is appropriate
to chew, and what is not.
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| What to Do with Your Chewing Puppy! |
First
of all, supply your puppy with a variety of
chew toys. There is a very good selectin
at DogToys.com . He needs chew toys that outlast
his teeth (rubber "Kong" toys, some
nylabones, hard dog bones, etc.), and others
that he can really get his teeth into (stuffed
toys, rawhides, real sticks, etc.). Add some
squeaky toys, balls, tug-o-ropes, and whatever
else you think your pup will enjoy that won't
hurt him.
Now that you have lots of toys and
a good variety, put all of the non-perishable
ones in a "toy box " for your pup.
The toy box can be made out of anything; however,
expect that it will also be chewed! I use
a "kitty bed" as a toy box. The
fabric is like a stuffed animal and I can
throw the whole thing in the washer. (Don't
use the kind that is made of foam, unless
you like cleaning up shredded bits of chewed-up
foam!)
Now that you're prepared, you must
teach your pup how much fun his toy
box really is, that it's more fun than shoes,
or socks, or table legs. You begin by hiding
a favorite toy or a food treat in the middle
of the toy box, and then bring him over to
the toy box saying "Go Look in Your Toy
Box!" (you are teaching him a command
that he will inevitably learn in a few months,
as long as you say it consistently and happily.)
Start rummaging through the toy box yourself,
with your hands, encouraging him to look at
(and put in his mouth) things that you pull
out. If he starts rummaging himself praise
him and be real happy about it. When he finds
his favorite toy play with him with it, if
he finds a food treat, praise him while he
eats it.
Your pup now knows he has a toy box,
he's got plenty of toys in it, and there are
other toys around the house for him to stumble
across and chew. Now you get to start teaching.
Don't discipline your dog for chewing
something you deem inappropriate after the
fact. After all, you weren't there
to tell him it was inappropriate, and it was
really good to him! If you find your favorite
book torn to shreds, take it as a reminder
not to leave it on the floor (or on the table
that the pup can reach) next time. You must
catch the pup in the act. So next time you
see him running down the hall with your shoe,
or chewing anything inappropriate, quickly
and in a surprising manner "swoop"
it out of his mouth. The goal is not to hurt
him, it is to surprise him. Say "No Chewing"
and very quickly replace the inappropriate
item with an appropriate chew toy, (another
reason why it helps to have them all around
the house.) Give him his chew toy and when
he takes it say "Good Chewing!!!"
Give him LOTS of Praise!!! If there is not
an appropriate chew toy around, (and/or after
he begins understanding a little) you can
run him over to his toy box after the "No
Chewing" command and say "Go Look
in your Toy Box"! Make it a big game,
help him find a good toy and give lots of
Praise. Remember that you are teaching your
pup a lesson every time he chews something
inappropriate, so always end your teaching
lesson with PRAISE. You will have a dog more
willing to please you.
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Puppy
Care
