So you have a new puppy and the little bugger is acting like the tazmanian devil. Nothing new there, but I am here to tell you there are things we can do to make it a happy home for everyone. Puppy’s need to chew, it is how they exercise their jaws, help baby teeth fall out and explore there world. But just because they need to chew does not mean they need to destroy your house. Here are some tips on how to make life with puppy a little more bearable.
First, it is important you give your puppy boundaries. they need to understand what they can chew and what they cannot, even if this means simply putting up barriers so they cannot use your prize couch as an exercise toy for their needle like teeth. Puppies, like kids, will put anything and everything in their mouth, so it is up to us as the humans to keep our possessions safe.
Teach your puppy about crates: this will give you a safe place to put the little sweetpea when chewing is forbidden, you need a break, when you are trying to house train, or just because at some point in their life they will need to be placed in a crate. If you ever need to board your dog, or leave them at the veterinarians for the day or even fly, they will be required to be in a kennel. If you don’t take the time to get them comfortable with this as a puppy, it can be very frightening to them as an adult. It is a fact that dogs like small, confined places to sleep. By giving them a crate to sleep in at night, you quickly create an area where they can be safe and comfortable. And dogs love it. It is also the quickest way to train a dog to not urinate or defecate in the house. And that is probably the first goal we all have as dog owners.
Another way to preserve your prize possessions is to provide plenty of available toys which the pup can chew on. It is important they have a variety of toys. Many dogs will get bored with the same toys and need different stimulation. I recommend getting everything from hard rubber ones like a kong, to ropes, to stuffed animals, to balls. It will keep the puppy engaged and stimulated. As you notice them no longer playing with certain ones, get them something new. Also, if you see them chewing on your new pair of Danners, take them away and replace it with an appropriate toy. Always be diligent and aware so you can be quick to remove any objects from the pups mouth, that are not allowed for chewing.
Exercise is also very important. The more you give your puppy the exercise they need, the less likely they are to become bored and decide to use your living room as their play room. All dogs need to at least 45 min to 1 hour of exercise a day. That does not mean put them in the backyard and expect them to entertain themselves, it means you need to actively engage them. It can be throwing a ball, going for a walk, going swimming, fetching a frisby or going for a bike ride with them. But they need active exercise to keep their minds and bodies fit.
