How to Stop a Puppy from Chewing Everything

How to Stop a Puppy from Chewing Everything

Shoes, furniture legs, remote controls, baseboards — if your puppy can reach it, they’ll probably chew it. While frustrating, chewing is completely normal puppy behavior. Here’s how to manage it effectively.

Why Puppies Chew

• Teething: Puppies lose baby teeth at 3-4 months and grow adult teeth by 6 months. Chewing relieves gum pain.
• Exploration: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, like human babies.
• Boredom: Understimulated puppies chew to entertain themselves.
• Anxiety: Chewing is self-soothing for stressed puppies.
• Energy: Excess energy needs an outlet.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

• Remove shoes, cords, and small objects from reach
• Use baby gates to restrict access to off-limit rooms
• Apply bitter apple spray to furniture legs and baseboards
• Cover electrical cords with protective tubing
• Keep remote controls, books, and valuables elevated
• Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys in every room

Redirect, Don’t Punish

1. Catch them in the act — interrupt with a firm “no” or “ah-ah”
2. Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy
3. Praise enthusiastically when they chew the right thing
4. Never punish after the fact — puppies can’t connect the punishment to the action
5. Be consistent — every family member follows the same rules

Best Chew Toys for Puppies

• Kong Puppy: Softer rubber, stuffable and freezable for teething relief
• Nylabone Puppy Chew: Durable but gentler than adult versions
• Rope toys: Good for flossing developing teeth
• Freezable toys: Cold soothes sore gums
• Edible chews: Bully sticks, puppy-safe rawhide alternatives

Training Techniques

• “Leave it” command: Essential for preventing unwanted chewing
• “Drop it” command: For when they’ve already grabbed something
• Exercise before alone time: A tired puppy chews less
• Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys redirect chewing energy
• Consistent schedule: Regular meals, naps, and play reduce anxiety chewing

The Teething Timeline

• 3-6 weeks: Baby teeth come in
• 12-16 weeks: Baby teeth start falling out
• 3-6 months: Peak teething — most intense chewing phase
• 6-7 months: Adult teeth fully in, chewing decreases significantly

The Bottom Line

Puppy chewing is temporary but manageable. With proper puppy-proofing, redirection, appropriate chew toys, and consistent training, you’ll survive the teething phase with your belongings (and sanity) intact.

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