Probably the one dog habit that winds us up more than any other is the chewing.
Slippers, kids' toys, sofas, homework assignments - if it's within reach it seems to be fair game for a set of doggy jaws.
The fact of the matter is that chewing is normal! Dogs are supposed to do it! We just have to give our dogs things that we want them to chew instead of the furniture.
If you catch a puppy or adult chewing just say “Leave!” Then replace whatever he was chewing with a proper chew toy and praise him. He'll catch on after a while.
Test out a few chew toys with your dog first to find out what he likes. Unfortunately the longer lasting plastic or rubber ones may not be the most popular. Go with the flow.
Toys that can be chewed up and swallowed aren't the best as they can bring on a bowel blockage or even choking. Be cautious with stuffed toys that can be pulled apart and the stuffing ingested. Inspect toys regularly for damage.
Dogs don't have hands so they have to do most things with their mouths. So the next time you drum your fingers, pick up a knife and fork, or even knit, imagine yourself doing it only with your teeth!
Chewing helps keep a dog's teeth and gums healthy. It works the same way as we brush our teeth with toothpaste.
Puppies chew more when they're losing their baby teeth and gaining their adult teeth.
Provide a variety of different appropriate chew toys for “teething” pups.
If your puppy keeps up a chew-athon after he's got his adult teeth (around 7 months) there may be another reason for it. Frustration, a dietary imbalance, boredom or a lack of exercise are common causes.
While it can be fun to have a puppy nibble your fingers when it's small, it isn't much fun once they get bigger! Say “Ow!” as soon as the chewing starts and immediately get up and walk away.
Don't play orally oriented games such as tug-of-war with puppies, as it can encourage biting.
