Every dog is going to chew but it is important that you, the owner, teach your dog what is and is not appropriate to chew. Since puppies do not have hands they explore with their mouths. Puppies chew on things for many reasons such as boredom, enjoyment, chewing or improper diet. You should start by picking four or five chew toys that do not resemble other household items. Good examples of chew toys are Nylabones and Kongs. Depending on objects in your house be aware that plush and squeaky toys are similar to children’s toys. Ropes can remind a dog of tasseled rugs and rawhides are the same as leather shoes and gloves. Once you have chosen four or five toys appropriate for your house make your dog believe these are the best things in the world. Constantly encourage your dog to play and chew on these items. They should be a major part of interaction with your dog. Every time you leave or enter the house hand them a chew toy. Also you can flavor nylon toys and ropes by soaking them in chicken broth for 15-20 minutes. If your dog is teething feel free to freeze these toys. Also be sure to stuff hollow toys such as kongs with peanut butter, cheese spread, and cookies. Freeze these toys overnight so they will last longer. Keep the toys exciting. To do this have two or three sets of toys and alter them every week.

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It is important to set your dog up to succeed. Never tease him with inappropriate objects. Also anti-chewing deterrents can be sprayed on these items to make them taste unpleasant. Make sure your dog does not see you applying these sprays. If they are alcohol based they need to be reapplied every 24 hours. Water based deterrents last longer. Try several ones to see which your dog dislikes most. Also if you are going to be unable to monitor your dog leave him in a puppy proof area. This area should have no other objects in it that your dog may want to chew besides their own toys. To make this easy you can use a crate or an excise pen. When it comes to diet make sure your dog is getting his nutritional needs. If he is a puppy he should be on a puppy food. Also there should be some dry food in his diet to provide a hard chewing activity. Every dog is going to chew but it is important that you, the owner, teach your dog what is and is not appropriate to chew. Since puppies do not have hands they explore with their mouths. Puppies chew on things for many reasons such as boredom, enjoyment, chewing or improper diet. You should start by picking four or five chew toys that do not resemble other household items.

 

Finally, if you catch your dog chewing something he should not be, you have two options until you can get your dog into training so they can learn drop it. You can run. Most likely he will drop the object and follow you. Play with him and then pick up the object and place it out of site. The other option you have is to pick up an appropriate toy and wave it in front of him, throw it in the air and encourage him to play with it. As a result he will let go of the first object to come get the second one. Then remove the inappropriate object out of site. Remember be consistent, fun, and set him up for success.