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How to Stop Puppies from Chewing on Household Items

Protect Your Household Items, Your Puppy, and Your Sanity

By Crystal Ray, published Aug 23, 2006
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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

How to Stop Puppies from Chewing on Household Items
How to Stop Puppies from Chewing on Household Items

It's normal for puppies to chew on everything they can get their teeth on.

Credit: www.sxc.hu/index.phtml

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Takeaways
  • A puppy is nothing more than a baby with fur, so you must puppy proof your home.
  • Puppies have the natural desire to chew, so provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys.
  • A puppy den could significantly help stop destructive chewing.
Did You Know?
Puppies as old as 16 months can have the desire to chew on things they shouldn't.
Resources
  • Do you have questions regarding the health of your puppy? ThePetCenter.com offers valuable information and photos provided by professional veterinarians.  
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