How to Stop Puppies from Chewing on Household Items

It’s normal for puppies to chew on everything they can get their teeth on, and puppies can cause a considerable amount of damage to things such as bedding, furniture, electrical wires, cords, and other household items. Besides causing extensive damage, puppies can become seriously injured while chewing on things they shouldn’t.

The following information provides ideas and methods that enable puppy owners to stop their puppies from chewing on things they shouldn’t. A puppy doesn’t know the difference between a chair leg and a stick or a wire and a toy, so use the following methods and ideas to stop your puppy from chewing on everything in sight. Eventually your puppy will understand that chewing on furniture, wires, and other household items is not okay, and he’ll stop chewing on things he shouldn’t. Try the following puppy proofing methods to help protect your household items, your puppy, and your sanity.

Exposed Wires

A puppy is nothing more than a baby with fur, and a puppy doesn’t understand why he shouldn’t chew on certain household items such as furniture and wires. Just as you would childproof your home to protect your baby from household hazards, you also must puppy proof your home to protect your puppy as well as your belongings.

Cover exposed wires by threading them through PVC pipe or heavy tubing. Puppies have sharp teeth, but if you’re nearby, this should be enough to temporarily protect exposed electrical wires and cords.

Bitter Apple

Dogs will eat almost everything, except for bitter apple. You can find bitter apple at most pet supply stores. Apply bitter apple to items your puppy is likely to chew on, and follow product label instructions for best results. Bitter apple is well worth the price if it stops your puppy from chewing on items he shouldn’t. He’ll associated chewing on certain items with the terrible bitter flavor, and he’ll eventually avoid those items all together.

Chew Toys

Puppies have the natural desire to chew, so if you don’t want your puppy chewing on things he shouldn’t, provide him with plenty of chew toys to quell his desire. Leave a container of chew toys within his reach, and encourage him to help himself. When he’s provided with toys he can chew, he’s more likely to avoid things he shouldn’t be chewing.

Hartz�® Help! Stay Off Training Aid

If you want your puppy to avoid certain areas of your home where he’s likely to chew on things he shouldn’t, help is available. HartzÃ?® Help! Stay Off Training Aid has an odor that isn’t particularly offensive to humans, but dogs and cats don’t care for the smell. If you want your puppy to stay away from certain pieces of furniture, simply spray a rag or blanket, and place it on or near the item you want to protect. Your puppy won’t like the odor, and he’ll go elsewhere instead of chewing on and destroying furniture. Follow product label instructions for best results.

Puppy Den

Just like babies and small children, puppies must be watched. When puppies are left unattended, they can and will get into trouble. No one can supervise their puppy every minute of the day, so when you’re unable to watch your puppy, give him a comfortable den where he won’t get into trouble. Buy a crate in which to house your puppy when you’re unable to keep an eye on him.

Dogs that are accustomed to a crate don’t view their crate as a negative place or a punishment. Their crate is their very own den, and as long as the crate is roomy enough to stand up in and stretch, they won’t mind staying in their den for the night or for short periods of time during the day. If your puppy is chewing on wires or furniture when you’re not looking, along with the other ideas and methods mentioned above, a puppy den could significantly help stop destructive chewing.