Puppy chewing can be frustrating, but it’s a natural part of their growth. Here’s how to stop destructive chewing and protect your belongings:
- Understand Why Puppies Chew: Teething pain, exploring with their mouths, or stress and boredom are the main reasons.
- Make Your Home Safe: Remove tempting items like shoes or cords and create “puppy zones” with safe toys.
- Use the Right Toys: Match chew toys to your puppy’s age and teething stage (e.g., soft rubber for young pups, durable toys for older ones).
- Redirect Bad Behavior: Swap inappropriate items with approved toys when they chew the wrong things.
- Try Chewing Deterrent Sprays: Use sprays to protect furniture and other surfaces.
- Keep Them Active: Daily exercise and mental stimulation reduce boredom-related chewing.
- Crate for Safety: Use a crate when you’re away to prevent accidents, paired with toys to keep them entertained.
- Reward Good Chewing: Praise and treat your puppy when they chew on appropriate items.
With patience and consistency, you can help your puppy develop healthy chewing habits and protect your home.
Puppy Training Tips for Destructive Chewers
Why Puppies Chew
Understanding why puppies chew can help you address the behavior effectively. At Polar White Labs at Shallow Branch Farm, we’ve noticed three main reasons behind puppy chewing.
Teething Pain
Puppies experience teething just like human babies. Between 12 and 24 weeks old, they lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth. This process often causes swollen, tender gums, which leads puppies to chew for relief.
Here’s a quick breakdown for White English Labradors:
- Baby teeth: 3-6 weeks
- Teeth loss: 12-16 weeks
- Adult teeth: 16-28 weeks
Learning Through Mouthing
Puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings. They test textures, durability, and even boundaries through mouthing. For retrievers, this behavior is particularly common, making chew toy selection a crucial part of their development.
Stress and Boredom
Chewing can also be a sign of stress or boredom. Some common triggers include:
- Separation anxiety: Being left alone for long periods
- Changes in routine: Moving to a new home or schedule disruptions
- Lack of exercise: Especially important for energetic breeds
- Limited mental stimulation: Not enough engaging activities or training
For White English Labrador puppies, aim for 30-45 minutes of structured play and training sessions spread throughout the day. Without enough physical and mental exercise, they’re more likely to chew destructively.
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7 Ways to Stop Destructive Chewing
Make Your Home Safe
Protect your home by removing items that might tempt your puppy, like electrical cords, shoes, kids’ toys, and breakable objects. Use cord covers, baby gates, and secure storage for cleaning supplies and laundry products. Set up dedicated "puppy zones" with safe, durable toys and chew-friendly options to encourage good habits. A well-prepared space means fewer chances for mischief.
Choose the Right Toys
Pick chew toys that suit your puppy’s age and teething stage. For teething pups, rubber toys with textured surfaces that can be frozen are great for soothing sore gums. Avoid toys that are too hard or likely to splinter, as they can harm your puppy’s teeth.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
| Age | Recommended Toy Types | Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | Soft rubber toys | Gentle texture, squeakers |
| 12–16 weeks | Teething-specific toys | Freezable, varied textures |
| 16–24 weeks | Durable rubber toys | Sturdy materials, interactive design |
| 24+ weeks | Long-lasting chews | Tough materials, size-appropriate |
If your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t, calmly swap it with a proper toy.
Switch Bad Items for Toys
When you spot your puppy chewing on something off-limits, gently take it away and hand them an approved toy instead. Use a cheerful tone to reinforce the idea that the toy is the better choice.
Apply Chewing Deterrent Sprays
Chewing deterrent sprays approved by veterinarians can help protect furniture and other surfaces. Apply the spray daily during the first week and then reduce usage as needed. Always test the spray on a small, hidden area first to avoid damage.
Keep Your Puppy Active
Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and supervised social time can help your puppy burn off energy and reduce the urge to chew destructively.
Use Crates When Away
If you can’t keep an eye on your puppy, a well-sized crate can provide a safe space. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Add appropriate chew toys to keep them entertained. Make sure the crate feels like a positive space – not a punishment.
Reward Good Behavior
Whenever your puppy chews on an approved toy, praise them and offer a small treat right away. This reinforces the behavior you want to see more often.
Solving Common Problems
When Chewing Won’t Stop
If your puppy keeps chewing destructively, it might be time to up their physical activity and mental stimulation. Sometimes, though, exercise alone isn’t enough – stress could be the underlying issue.
Managing Stress-Related Chewing
Notice if your puppy chews more during stressful moments like thunderstorms, when guests arrive, or during times of separation. To help, stick to a steady routine for meals, playtime, and rest. Create a quiet, safe space for them, and consider using calming music or white noise. Introduce new experiences gradually and keep their exercise schedule consistent. If the chewing continues despite these efforts, it’s a good idea to reach out to a trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement techniques.
Conclusion
To sum up, addressing destructive chewing involves a mix of the right chew toys, a safe space, and plenty of interaction. With patience, consistent training, and suitable chew options, you can help your puppy develop better chewing habits. An active lifestyle and a calm environment also play a big role in keeping unwanted chewing at bay.
If you’re looking for more guidance, the team at Polar White Labs at Shallow Branch Farm offers expert support for White English Labrador owners. They also have a Facebook community where you can connect with other Lab owners who’ve tackled similar challenges.