Do You Have a Dog Under a Year of Age with a Fondness for Chewing on Everything? , You Don't Have a Behavioral Problem, You Have a Puppy!

Puppies need to chew to loosen their baby teeth and adolescents do it to anchor their permanent teeth to their jawbone. But what if this necessary activity is ruining your house? Here are some tips that may help you both survive this troublesome time.

The first line if defense is getting your dog to chew on appropriate items. When your pup does take something in to his mouth that is not his own chew toy, trade it for something more acceptable. Praise him for having that item. If you enthusiastically applaud your pet's efforts of just looking for its toys, he'll soon search for them when he feels the need to chew. Every time he picks up his own toy, instead of your shoe or table leg, tell him what a wonderful pet his is.

Rope toys can be run under the faucet for a few minutes, and then frozen for an especially soothing teething aid. Bones made of soft nylon or starch are favorites among older pups when those back molars start to erupt.

Chewing is not only good for your dogs health, but for his emotional well being. Chewing can be a means of relieving stress and an aid for coping with boredom. It is also something that is just plain enjoyable.