Chewing: Puppies & Adult Dogs

These instructions can successfully correct, or prevent, one of the most vexing problems in canine behavior- destructive chewing. They also correct scratching in the house, at furniture, etc. The program has been proven effective by countless dog owners. I avoid all punishment and scolding and use only positive treatment. Punishment is negative; it creates fear and distrust in your relationship, while positive treatment strengthens that relationship and, hence, control of the dog.

Puppies Need to Chew

Puppies chew for much the same reasons that babies chew; to taste and feel the texture of the environment through the oral senses. The investigative behavior is normal for both species. The trouble is, puppies have razor sharp little teeth, whereas babies can only gum things. Dogs deserve the same safeguards as young children- we should keep all dangerous and valuables things out of their reach. Dogs should be given something enjoyable to chew; flavored nylon, rawhide bones, hard rubber balls, safe squeaky toys. Never provide personal things, such as socks, or problems can be created. Dogs don’t distinguish old from new socks, or sock fabric from sofa fabric. Young or old, don’t tempt them!

Things That Cause Destructive Chewing

To avoid making a dog mouthy, treat tug-of-war games like the plague! Harmful side effects can follow:

1) It will mouth orient the dog; then, when he is alone and misses you, he seeks out and chews on things that remind him of you, and:

2) He is learning to use his jaws and teeth in fierce competition with you. Thousands of badly bitten dog owners thought it was fun to rile up their dog with tug-of-war. Instead of tug-of-war, here are two great games to play; ‘Fetch’ & ‘Hide and Seek’. If the dog doesn’t bring back the ball or toy after you toss it for ‘Fetch,’ then don’t press the matter. Instead, just switch to ‘Hide and Seek’.