Teaching Your Dog Not To Chew

Puppies are known for bouncing around as little spark plugs of fun, practically exploding with their playful and adorable energy.  However, there is a point at which puppies do not know the difference between right and wrong, and this rings especially true when considering the teething phase in which they love to chew things.  Just like babies, dogs teethe and this can be a very painful process for them.  When dogs go through this phase, many puppies chew things as an outlet to relieve pain, and sometimes it becomes a habit for them when they grow up. Here are a few pointers on how to train your dog to stop chewing.

Remove Temptation

An easy way to teach your dog not to do something is by simply removing temptation! Some dogs only chew things that people leave on the floor such as socks and shoes, so remembering to clean up after yourself and not leave valuable possessions on the floor could save you a lot of time!  Depending on how large your dog is, and where they are allowed in the house, make it a routine to clear those places of all your smaller possessions in order to remove temptation.

Play "The Game"

Many people try to pull what the dog is chewing on out of their mouth, and are not aware that this makes it a sort of a game for the dog.  They think you want to have fun with them and play, so they’re going to pull back as a reaction, commencing a sock-shredding game of tug-of-war.  This is easily preventable by lightly smacking the side of their nose and saying ‘No’ with force.  If this does not work, try grabbing your dog underneath their muzzle and pushing on both sides where their teeth connect, forcing them to release.  Remember to be light with punishment!

Remember the Importance of ‘Puppy’

It is extremely important that you teach your dog these lessons while they are puppies!!! Good behavior becomes a habit if they are taught when they are very young, and this will have a positive effect on both of your lives, so that becoming 'best friends' is easier for both of you.

Use Taste Spray

Dogs have an elevated sense of smell and taste, making them sensitive to things that we don’t even notice such, as taste spray.  Taste sprays are sprays made to taste disgusting to dogs, but to be un-noticeable to humans because of their sensitivity to taste.  These sprays can be put all over your personal belongings to fend off your fuzzy little friend from chewing up your couch and clothes!

Consider Professional Puppy Training

If you can afford it, professional puppy training is always a smart way to go so that the message really sinks in and so your dog knows the difference between 'right' and 'wrong,' at the very start of their lives.

And remember: puppy training doesn't have to last forever. Simply taking them to a few lessons and having an instructor teach you how to handle your dog can make a big difference! Dogs are like people in the way that we are alike, but have variations in the way we learn and comprehend different things.  This makes a trainer sort of like your translator, showing you how your dog functions in the way they think and learn.

Have a puppy in Austin or San Antonio? Check out our puppy training page to learn more about our professional puppy training classes in Austin and San Antonio.