a frustrating and dangerous habit

it was mildly frustrating when my dog went through a chewing phase. he was a teenager and began displaying this behavior which he never had before. the frustration turned serious when he started chewing power cords and actually electrocuted himself- thankfully he was okay but it could have ended very badly!! so we knew we had to break this habit.

there were some things that really helped, and also thankfully he just naturally left the teen phase and stopped being interested in destructive chewing.

hopefully that is the case for your puppy, but here’s some tips to expedite that process:

firstly, identify the cause. as mentioned before a lot of puppies chew inappropriately just as part of natural development. other reasons could include teething, boredom, entertainment, separation anxiety, barrier frustration, and stress. use context clues to identify why your dog is chewing and go from there to begin treatment.

1- provide chews. this provides them with a healthy outlet for chewing. we recommend all natural chews from small businesses/local to be easy on your dogs stomach and the most healthy option.

2- puzzle toys. this keeps your dog entertained and engaged as they try to understand and beat the puzzle to get their treat. the mental stimulation is also tiring and keeps them satisfied and out of trouble.

3- crate train. making the crate a calm and safe place has many benefits, including keeping your dog safe when you’re not around to watch them. if they’re in their crate relaxing, they’re not getting into things they shouldn’t be and potentially harming themselves or damaging property.

4- pet gates. once George was old enough to be trusted to be left alone gated, we started using that as a way to keep him in a safe and secure place. everything on his side of the gate is puppy friendly for added peace of mind.

5- repellant spray. some work better than others to create either a bad smell or taste on whatever you spray. this deters puppies from wanting to mess with those items. if you go the repellent route, I recommend Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray. you can get it at your local grocery or pet store for about $10.

6- calming aids. This is to help relax your pup and promote good and calm behaviors. I recommend zen frenz CBD oil because it accomplishes this without making your pet drowsy or changing their personality. always use manufacturer instructions for the best results!

I hope these tips helped!

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