How to Train a Puppy to Stop Chewing on Things

By Matthias Niska

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

A bottle of dog taste deterrent such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple
Durable chew toys such as Nylabones
Ice cubes

Step 1:
As much as possible, put shoes and other items that might seem like tantalizing chew toys to your puppy up or out of his reach. When you’re not home, lock the puppy in his crate, or keep him in a restricted area inside or outside. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Step 2:
If your puppy begins to chew on something, scold her gently but firmly whenever you catch her in the act.
Step 3:
Then, take out the Apple Bitter and spray a couple of squirts on whatever he was chewing. (Apple Bitter is colorless and odorless, but dogs hate the taste of it. It should prevent your puppy from chewing on that item again.)
Step 4:
Puppies need to chew on things, even when they’re not teething. Give your puppy healthy, durable chew toys such as Nylabones, and praise and pet her when she is chewing on them. (Even if you neglect this positive reinforcement, most puppies love to chew on bones!) These types of toys not only provide an outlet for your puppy’s chewing energies, they also promote canine dental health.
Step 5:
When you can tell that your puppy wants to chew (if he begins to nip at your hands, or chew on household items) try giving him an ice cube to chew on. Ice is something harmless for puppies to chew up and swallow, and the coldness helps numb and soothe his sore gums while he is teething.

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