A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream! Do remember that, like children who search their new world with their hands, so do puppies search with their mouths. While there is a difference between exploratory chewing and problem chewing, the problem chewing is sometimes related to their need for attention, food or tension release. However, most of the time, puppies tend to chew because they are teething. Expect them to do so until they're about six months old.
The best thing to do is not only puppy proof your house (i.e. remove trash cans and electric cords out of the way) but to provide monitored playtime. If a puppy is left unattended, he could chew on anything from your furniture to your plants.
And, forget about blaming (or hitting or scolding) your puppy for his chewy deeds. Expecting a puppy not to chew is like telling a teething baby to stop crying because you said so. It's just not going to happen. If you make chew toys available and take away items that should not be chewed, you can get through this phase with minimal damage and most of your hair intact.
There is a need to stop your puppy from chewing on your possessions, but not to stop him from chewing all together. If you haven't taught him that chewing on certain items are bad, then he could habitually chew on those items later, not knowing what's ok to chew on and what's not. Indoors, be sure to pick up anything that the puppy could believe is a toy. Be sure that remote controls, socks and shoes are out of the way. If your puppy does chew on anything, especially furniture, then give him a play toy to chew as a substitute. Then, tell him "good boy," so that you are constantly reinforcing the habit. There are some products you can buy at pet stores that can be safely applied to furniture that make the taste unappealing.
You may want to avoid giving your dog old socks or shoes to chew on. Later, even as a dog, don't be surprised if he searches out these items to chew upon while playing or laying indoors. Also, you may think twice about giving your puppy toys that resemble your children's for these same reasons.
As stated, a certain amount of teething is normal, but puppies may chew because they're bored. Be sure to give your puppy plenty of physical and mental activities each day. When inside, rotate your puppy or dog's toys so that he doesn't become bored with the same old thing. Other experts suggest that buying a play ball and stuffing it with some tasty goodies might keep him busy chewing for hours! Another idea is to soak a clean washcloth in clean water. Then, ring it out and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, your puppy will love to chew on it as it comforts their raw gums.
If your puppy continues to teeth on items that you're trying to keep him from, then you may consider contacting a vet, especially if it's after his first six months of age. The vet may look at his gums and/or may even be able to recommend a puppy or dog behaviorist to help explain what's causing his chewing anxiety. Perhaps there is something else (internal or external) that's bothering your pup or dog.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More
Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter.... Read More
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
Pet |