Chewing is an annoying but natural a part of a puppy’s development. It is rather just like teething in babies and the chewing stages are vital to assist with teething issues. Expecting a puppy to not chew is just not reasonable, but they may be taught to chew the precise thing, reasonably than your shoes and furniture. Adult dogs that chew often are bored or are affected by a separation anxiety disorder. Normally the adult dogs that chew may be taught to curb their behavior or chew appropriately relatively easily. Some would require skilled assistance from a trainer or dog behavior specialist.
Stages of growth
Puppies chew after they are teething. This often occurs sometime before the six-month stage, depending on the particular breed of dog. Among the larger breeds may proceed chewing past the six-month stage and a few breeds are only known for chewing behaviors. Whatever the breed as much as six months might be problematic for many puppies. There are several steps that owners can take to reduce the damage which will occur with chewing behaviors:
· Puppy proof your house. This implies removing all hanging wires, electrical cords, curtain pulls and other dangling objects. Hanging plants that touch the bottom may also be temping to chew on and may also be poisonous.
· Keep chewable items in drawers or out of the puppies reach. For instance, toys, shoes, distant controls, books, backpacks and briefcases, telephones and even laptop computers have to put away or kept on tables or desks well out of the puppies reach.
· Provide a wide selection of chew toys when you are gone. This implies different sizes and styles. Thick pieces of cotton rope with knots within the ends are great for chewing on. Heavy rubber balls or Nylabone chew toys are protected and virtually indestructible.
· Freezing dog teething rings and leaving them within the crate or doggy area of the home provide relieve to the gums and entertainment as well.
In the event you notice the puppy chewing something that is just not correct don’t punish them. Simply say “No” and substitute what you wish them to chew on. Praise them after they are chewing on the precise things. Make certain you say something like “Good boy/girl for chewing in your ball (rope, toy, stick)”. This helps the puppy learn the word for what he’s chewing on. Later you’ll have the ability to say, “Get the ball/stick/rope” and the puppy will know what you mean.
Toys to avoid
Some toys, even those sold in pet stores, should never be used with a puppy. Toys which can be flimsy or have many parts that may be chewed off pose choking hazards. Toys which have long strings or ropes that might turn into wrapped across the puppy’s neck are potentially deadly toys.
Stuffed animals are appropriate for some older puppies and dogs but for younger puppies which can be chewing always the stuffed toy will quickly be shredded. This leaves parts of material and the stuffing material that may be swallowed resulting in gastrointestinal blockages and possible choking issues.
Natural bones, even raw bones, usually are not generally advised for puppies. They are frequently too hard for the puppy teeth and result in splintering and breakage of the present teeth. As well as the puppies might be more more likely to attempt to swallow any splinters and this may end up in the bone splinters becoming lodged within the gums or the throat. In the event you do wish to permit your puppy to chew on bones make certain they’re raw beef bones which can be from a joint. Never allow your dog to eat pork bones and likewise never allow raw or cooked poultry bones of any kind. Supervise the puppy while he’s chewing the bone and take away it at any sign of splintering or when the bone becomes sufficiently small that the puppy might attempt to swallow it.
The chewing phase in puppies, just like the teething phase in children, will pass. By taking a couple of precautions along with your home items, supplying a lot of alternative chewing toys and teaching your puppy what to chew on the stage will pass with none problems now or in the longer term.