Kodėl Šuniukas Viską Grauža ir Kaip Jį Atpratinti: Kinologo Patarimai 2025

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

We Understand Your Problem: Why Does Your Puppy Chew on Everything?

If your puppy chews on furniture, shoes, electrical cords, or other items around the house, you're not alone. This is one of the most common problems faced by puppy owners across Europe. However, it's important to understand: chewing is a natural puppy behavior, not intentional disobedience.

Main Reasons Why Puppies Chew

As a professional cynologist and animal behavior specialist, I can confirm that puppy chewing has several scientific reasons:

1. Teething (3-6 Months Old)
Puppies replace their milk teeth with permanent ones between 3 and 6 months of age. This process causes discomfort in their gums, so chewing helps alleviate the discomfort. This is completely natural and temporary.

2. Exploration and Learning
Puppies explore the world through their mouths – it's their way of learning about objects, textures, and tastes. Their sense of smell and taste receptors 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 to do, chewing becomes a way to release accumulated energy.

4. Anxiety and Stress Management
Puppies may chew on things when they feel anxiety due to separation, new environmental changes, or stress. Chewing helps them calm down.

5. Seeking Attention
If a puppy has noticed that chewing attracts your attention (even if it's negative attention), they may repeat this behavior.

How to Stop Your Puppy From Chewing: Professional Cynologist Methods

1. Provide Appropriate Chewing Objects

The first and most important step is to redirect the natural need to chew to appropriate objects:

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

Professional tip: Have at least 5-7 different chew toys and rotate them every few days to keep the puppy from getting bored.

2. Apply Positive Reinforcement

Modern cynology is based on principles of positive reinforcement:

  • When the puppy chews on its toy – immediately praise them and give a treat
  • Never physically punish them – this only increases stress and worsens behavior
  • Ignore inappropriate behavior and redirect attention to a suitable alternative

3. Manage the Environment

While the puppy is learning, protect your home:

  • Hide shoes, cords, remote controls
  • Use bitter-tasting sprays on furniture (safe for animals)
  • Restrict the puppy's movement in the house when you are out
  • Use gates or an enclosed space (not as punishment, but as a safe zone)

4. Ensure Sufficient Physical and Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is a good puppy:

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

5. Consistency and Patience

All family members must adhere to the same rules. If one allows chewing on an old shoe while another forbids it, the puppy will not understand what is expected of them.

When Can Chewing Be a Problem?

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

  • The puppy chews on itself (tail, legs) – may be a sign of allergies or stress
  • Destructive chewing continues after 8 months of age
  • The puppy chews only when you are out – may be separation anxiety
  • Aggressively guards chewing objects

In such cases, I recommend consulting a certified cynologist or animal behavior specialist.

Nutrition and Chewing: The Connection You Need to Know

Proper nutrition also plays an important role in puppy behavior. When a puppy receives all the necessary nutrients, it is less likely to chew on inappropriate items due to mineral or vitamin deficiencies.

Here are some products that will help ensure proper nutrition for your puppy based on its breed and size:

View the entire Royal Canin puppy food assortment at kamok.lt

Practical Action Plan: What to Do Today?

Step 1 (Today):

  • Buy 3-5 quality chew toys
  • Remove all dangerous/expensive items from the puppy's reach

Step 2 (This Week):

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

Step 3 (This Month):

  • Monitor progress and adjust strategy
  • If the problem persists – consult a professional cynologist

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How long will it take to break a puppy of chewing?
Usually 2-4 weeks with consistent training. During teething, it may take longer.

Should I punish my puppy when I catch them chewing?
No. Instead, calmly interrupt the behavior, offer a suitable alternative, and praise them when they accept it.

What chew toys are safest?
Natural rubber, nylon (without small parts), special dental chew toys. Avoid real bones, which can splinter.

Conclusion: Patience and Consistency – Keys to Success

Puppy chewing is a natural and temporary behavior that can be successfully managed using appropriate methods. Remember:

  • Provide appropriate chewing alternatives
  • Use positive reinforcement
  • Ensure sufficient physical and mental stimulation
  • Be consistent and patient
  • Provide quality nutrition – the Royal Canin puppy line will help ensure all necessary nutrients

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

Find the right food and toys for your puppy at kamok.lt

Good luck raising a happy and well-behaved puppy!

Author: Dmitrij Ščensnovičius, cynologist and animal behavior specialist

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