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Friday, August 29, 2008
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How to Train Your Puppy Not to Chew

By michaelgavin
 
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Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • Chew toy such as nylon bone, chewy rope, chewy tire and tennis ball
  • Step 1:
    Buy your puppy new toys that they are allowed to chew on. You can easily find a good variety of toys at your local pet supplies store. Try and pick up at least 3 toys; depending on the size of your home you may want to buy as many as 7.
  • Step 2:
    Show them their toys. After you have acquired some puppy toys, make sure your pet has a chance to see and play with all of the toys. Praise them in the process and create a game out of it that captures their attention. This lets the puppy know that these items are theirs and that it is OK to chew on them.
  • Step 3:
    Set the trap. Now that you have toys aplenty, it is time to teach your puppy that these are the only objects they can chew on. Spread several of the toys out in a room of your choosing, along with several other items they are not allowed to chew on, such as socks, a newspaper and other household items.
  • Step 4:
    Spy on your puppy. Set the puppy in the room alone and pretend to leave—only hide around the corner and spy on them. Wait and see if they decide to go for a toy or an item they are not allowed to chew on.
  • Step 5:
    Praise the puppy when they chew their toys. If the puppy goes for a toy, let them chew on it for a minute before surprising them with praise, “Good puppy, chew your toy!”
  • Step 6:
    Scold the puppy if they go for a forbidden object. If you catch the puppy going for a forbidden object, surprise them with a scolding, which involves a stern and deep voice, and a light grab to the scruff: “Bad puppy, this is a no-no!” Then offer them a toy that they can chew and say, “Here this is yours, you can chew this!”
  • Step 7:
    Enforce the rules. This step involves trying to constantly keep an eye on your puppy whenever you have the time. By reinforcing which objects they can and can’t chew, you will eventually create the understanding of this in the mind of the animal.
  • Step 8:
    Discipline is necessary. If you return home from work and find your puppy has gone on a chewing spree of your favorite items, you will have to discipline them. Time-outs work just as well for puppies as they do for children. If you do not have a kennel to put your puppy in, a small bathroom will always suffice. Make sure to scold them and let them know they are going to time-out. Remember the punishment must fit the severity of the crime; never leave your puppy in a time-out longer than 30 minutes.
  • Step 9:
    Repeat until successful. You will only be able to train your puppy not to chew by reinforcing this concept repeatedly. It may take your puppy several weeks or even months before they actually understand the difference between things they can and can’t chew. Remember practice makes perfect both for human and for puppies.

Tips & Warnings

  • If your dog is not neutered or spayed yet, make sure to get this procedure done as soon as possible. Generally animals tend to calm down once they have undergone this minor outpatient surgery.
  • Always remember to spread your puppy’s toys out around the house before you leave. Let them see you doing it so they know that their toys are everywhere and they have something to chew on.
  • Never use extreme physical force when disciplining your puppy, no matter the crime. Even if they have chewed up your prized possession, they have no comprehension of this. They know only that they have chewed it and it was tasty. In order to effectively train your animal you will have to communicate with them on their level.
  • Not enough toys lying around for your puppy to chew usually means that many of your things may be converted to a chew toy. The more toys the better.
How to Train Your Puppy Not to Chew Provided by eHow.com