First and foremost it’s important to realise it’s perfectly natural for a puppy to want to chew. He’s probably experiencing some discomfort and chewing helps to alleviate this. Also he plays by using his mouth so he can’t understand why he’s not allowed to chew your sofa.

However, if puppy chewing is not stopped at an early age you could find yourself the owner of an aggressive dog who thinks it’s o.k. to bite anyone or anything when he feels like it. Any breed of dog can turn into a “weapon” if it’s not taught early that you are the leader and that biting furniture, other animals or people is not acceptable.

There are plenty of toys on the market today which will give your puppy hours of fun and initially soft toys are the best bet so they don’t hurt his mouth. Don’t give your puppy old shoes, slippers or socks to play with as he will not be able to distinguish between chewing on them and any other item of clothing in the house. So give him toys that are obviously his and don’t look like anything that belongs to any other member of the house.

Give your puppy a few toys at a time and play with him so he knows they are o.k. to chew. Keep them clean and free from germs, and alternate them with other toys so he doesn’t get bored and start looking for something else to chew on.

Try to keep your puppy under your watchful eye at all times so you can control his chewing as and when it happens. If you have to leave him then make sure he is in a secure area where he can’t damage anything. Don’t forget some puppies feel abandoned if left alone initially, and can become quite distressed. If possible give them plenty of exercise before leaving them, and then give them something to play with while you’re away.

Give him his own special place where he feels safe, and surround him with his own familiar things. This way he’ll learn to differentiate between your things and his own.

An occupied puppy is less likely to chew furniture and clothing. Give him plenty of attention if possible and start training him as early as possible to respect the home and everyone in it. The more he has to keep him interested, the less chewing he will do.

Puppies, like humans, need a routine. Daily walks are essential in order to build their strength and get rid of their excess energy. If possible the walks should be taken roughly at the same time every day so the puppy understands that this is ‘his’ time, and the discipline will help him to settle into his new home.

If you want a happy home and a happy dog, start as you mean to go on, stop puppy chewing and he will be a joy to the whole family.

More Great Tips to Stop Puppy Chewing!!