Why Your Puppy Gnaws Everything and How to Wean Him Off: Dogster's Tips 2025

We Understand Your Problem: Why Does Your Puppy Nibble Everything Around It?

If your puppy chews furniture, shoes, electrical cords or other items in your home, you are not alone. It is one of the most common problems faced by puppy owners across Europe. However, it is important to understand that chewing is a natural puppy behavior , not a deliberate act of disobedience.

The Main Reasons Why Puppies Nibble

As a professional dog trainer and animal behaviorist, I can confirm that puppy chewing has several scientific reasons:

1. Teething (3-6 Months of Age)
Puppies change their baby teeth to permanent teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. This process causes discomfort in the gums, so chewing helps to relieve the discomfort. This is completely natural and temporary.

2. Exploration and Knowledge
Puppies explore the world through their mouths - it's their way of learning about objects, textures and tastes. Their sense of smell and taste are much more sensitive than humans'.

3. Boredom and Excess Energy
Young dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. When they have nothing else to do, chewing becomes a way to release pent-up energy.

4. Anxiety and Stress Management
Puppies may chew when they are feeling anxious due to separation anxiety, new changes in their environment, or stress. Chewing helps them calm down.

5. Attention Search
If your puppy notices that chewing gets your attention (even if it's negative attention), he may repeat this behavior.

How to Wean a Puppy from Biting: Professional Dog Trainer Methods

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Objects

The first and most important step is to direct the natural urge to chew towards the right objects :

• Special puppy chew toys made of natural rubber or nylon
• Interactive toys with treats (e.g. Kong type toys)
• Dental chews that not only keep your puppy occupied but also maintain oral hygiene
• Frozen chews – especially useful during teething

Pro tip: Have at least 5-7 different chew toys and change them every few days to keep your puppy from getting bored.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Modern cynology is based on the principles of positive reinforcement :

• When your puppy chews on his toy, immediately praise him and give him a treat.
• Never punish physically – it only increases stress and worsens behavior
• Ignore inappropriate behavior and focus on a suitable alternative

3. Manage the Environment (Management)

While your puppy is learning, protect your home :

• Hide shoes, cords, remote controls
• Use bitter-tasting sprays on furniture (safe for pets)
• Restrict your puppy's movement around the house while you are out.
• Use a gate or enclosed space (not as a punishment, but as a safe zone)

4. Provide Sufficient Physical and Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is a good puppy:

• Physical activity: 3-5 walks per day (depending on breed and age)
• Mental exercises: training sessions, olfactory games, interactive toys
• Socialization: Meeting other dogs (after all vaccinations)

5. Consistency and Patience

All family members must follow the same rules . If one allows the dog to chew on an old shoe and the other forbids it, the puppy will not understand what is expected of him.

When Can Biting Be a Problem?

Although chewing is normal, in some cases, professional help is needed:

• Puppy bites itself (tail, legs) – may be a sign of allergies or stress
• Destructive chewing continues after 8 months of age
• Puppy only bites when you're gone - could be separation anxiety
• Aggressively guards chewed objects

In such cases, I recommend consulting a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist .

Nutrition and Chewing: The Connection You Need to Know

Proper nutrition also plays an important role in a puppy's behavior. Quality puppy food , such as the Royal Canin Puppy series, ensures:

• Optimal energy level (not too high, not too low)
• Healthy development of teeth and gums
• Good digestion, which reduces discomfort
• All the necessary nutrients for a growing body

When a puppy gets all the nutrients it needs, it is less likely to chew on inappropriate items due to mineral or vitamin deficiencies.

Practical Action Plan: What to Do Today?

Step 1 (Today):

• Buy 3-5 quality chews
• Remove all dangerous/expensive items from your puppy's reach.

Step 2 (This Week):

• Start a consistent training regimen with positive reinforcement
• Increase your daily physical activity by 20-30%
• Enter mental stimulation games

Step 3 (This Month):

• Monitor progress and adjust strategy
• If the problem persists, contact a professional dog trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old shoes as toys?
No. A puppy cannot distinguish between old and new shoes – he will learn that shoes are objects to chew.

How long will it take to wean a puppy from chewing?
Usually 2-4 weeks with consistent training. It may take longer during the teething period.

Should I punish my puppy when I catch him biting?
No. Instead, calmly interrupt the behavior, offer a suitable alternative, and praise him when he accepts it.

What chew toys are the safest?
Natural rubber, nylon (no small parts), special teething chews. Avoid real bones, which can splinter.

Conclusion: Patience and Consistency – The Key to Success

Puppy chewing is a natural and temporary behavior that can be successfully managed with the right techniques. Remember:

• Provide appropriate chewing alternatives
• Use positive reinforcement
• Ensure sufficient physical and mental stimulation
• Be consistent and patient.
• Ensure quality nutrition

If you need professional help or have questions about your puppy's behavior, I will be happy to advise you. Also, in our store you will find all the necessary tools - from high-quality chew toys to special puppy food.

Good luck raising a happy and well-behaved puppy!

Author: Dmitry Shchensnovich, cynologist and animal behavior specialist