One of the most extensively searched puppy related areas on the Internet is how to get a puppy to stop chewing, probably because it is a very natural thing for a puppy to do… It is one of the ways he explores his world. Obviously though, you don’t want him exploring the leg of the dining room table, that new tube of toothpaste, or your expensive Italian shoes.

It only becomes a problem when he is allowed to chew on inappropriate items and is not redirected to the proper ones. Because it is natural and normal, it would be going down the wrong path to try to totally eliminate this behavior. It is much more realistic to try to channel the puppy’s chewing activities toward his chew toys which you provide.

It is an invitation for trouble to allow a puppy to wander around uncontrolled and unsupervised. He will just naturally get himself into hot water because he does not yet understand which activities are allowed and which are not. One thing I like to do as part of a puppy’s training routine is to tether him to my belt with a short length (perhaps 6’ or so to so) of light clothesline or rope. As he gets older you can increase it to 10 feet.

The purpose for this is get him used to being close to you and so you can be sure he is always under your observation. This is particularly helpful in preventing him from wandering off if you get distracted by another matter. If he tries to chew on something that’s off limits, give him a firm ‘NO’ and put his chew toy or bone directly in his mouth instead. The key to how to get a puppy to stop chewing is that you use redirection, behavior modification and be persistent, consistent, and patient at all times. Chewing on anything other the approved toys is not acceptable.

If you seriously want to stop puppy chewing don’t confuse him by giving him an old shoe or sock or anything that has the same texture, feel, or smell of items that are off limits.

It will also help to get down to the puppy’s eye level to see what he sees and discover things that may be irresistible to him to chew on. Are there exposed electrical cords, is you wallet or handbag on the coffee table, does he have access to the shoe closet? If you remove these types of things from his line of vision you will also remove the temptation to chew on them.

Something else I’m a strong believer in is the use of a crate as a ‘den’ for when the puppy is sleeping or otherwise unsupervised. By placing his chew toys with him in the crate he will further get the connection that these are his and it is ok to chew them.