How to Keep Puppies from Chewing on Furniture

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Books or knick-knacks
Toys
Treats
Doggie gate
Plastic wrap
Anti-doggie sprays

Step 1:
Communicate to your puppy that chewing on the furniture is WRONG (and dogs, well, they like to please their masters) by catching him in the act. This requires patience. Go off to another room and let the puppy be "alone" with the piece of furniture that has become their favorite chew-toy. The minute you think you hear them ripping away at it, go to them, look DOWN at them (this makes them see you even more like you're in charge) and say, while raising your voice but NOT shouting: "NO! That is BAD. NO."
Step 2:
Since puppy-proofing your house before you get a puppy is desirable anyway, buy and install doggie gates (or baby gates) as to not allow the puppy access to the furniture, assuming it is in the living room. It may or may not choose to chew on other furniture (or your shoes) elsewhere in the house. But it will learn that the area where most of the furniture resides is off-limits.
Step 3:
Give your dogs toys or bones to chew on instead. They don't have to be expensive: any old tennis ball will do, for example. Pet stores have loads of toys and bones; don't give him any live bones or he will choke. Opt for the ones they sell in stores or supermarkets that when chewed, look like paste on their chewed ends (they are typically made with gelatin). Leave the toys/bones in an area you want the puppy to be in most, typically away from your furniture.
Step 4:
If the puppy is actually jumping on your furniture to get to a part to chew, place books or knick-knacks on the seat. This works wonders for keeping dogs off furniture.
Step 5:
Puppy-proof your furniture further. You can use plastic wrap (but you'll have to use lots of it, and the puppy may see it as a challenge and be even more motivated to destroy, and it kind of looks tacky) or anti-doggie sprays. They are many kinds out there but ask a veterinarian if he or she recommends a particular one, as many can be toxic or can stain.

Tips & Warnings

If you're going to reprimand your puppy (for anything, including accidents) it's pointless to do it after the act is done. It won't know what you are talking about and it won't stop them from doing it again. You have to catch it in the act.

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