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Understanding Puppy Chewing: Insights from Dogs We Trust Boarding and Training

Puppies bring boundless joy and excitement into our lives, but along with their playful antics comes a common behavior that can sometimes be frustrating: chewing. At Dogs We Trust Boarding and Training, we recognize that chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, rooted in instinct and developmental needs. In this blog post, we'll explore why puppies chew and how understanding this behavior can lead to effective training strategies for a harmonious coexistence between you and your furry friend.


puppy running with toy in his mouth


  1. Teething: One of the primary reasons puppies chew is teething. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase during which their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with teething by providing relief to their sore gums. Offering appropriate chew toys during this stage can help satisfy their need to chew while protecting your belongings from being gnawed on.

  2. Exploration and Curiosity: Puppies are naturally curious creatures, and chewing is one way they explore their environment and learn about the world around them. They use their mouths to investigate objects, textures, and tastes, much like human infants who explore the world through touch and taste. Providing a variety of safe and engaging chew toys can channel their curiosity in a positive direction and prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items.

  3. Boredom and Energy Release: Puppies are bundles of energy with short attention spans, and chewing serves as a form of entertainment and energy release for them. When left alone for extended periods or not provided with sufficient mental and physical stimulation, puppies may resort to chewing as a way to alleviate boredom and pent-up energy. Regular exercise, interactive play sessions, and mental enrichment activities can help prevent boredom-related chewing behaviors.

  4. Stress and Anxiety: Like humans, dogs may chew as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Changes in their environment, routine, or social dynamics can trigger feelings of insecurity and anxiety in puppies, leading to destructive chewing as a means of self-soothing. Creating a safe and predictable environment for your puppy, along with positive reinforcement training techniques, can help alleviate stress and reduce chewing behaviors associated with anxiety.

At Dogs We Trust Boarding and Training, we understand that each puppy is unique, and addressing chewing behaviors requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Our experienced trainers work closely with puppies and their owners to develop personalized training plans that address the underlying reasons for chewing while teaching appropriate chewing habits. Through positive reinforcement techniques and enrichment activities, we help puppies learn to channel their natural chewing instincts in a constructive manner.



puppies laying on man

Puppy chewing is a normal and natural behavior that serves various purposes, from teething relief to exploration and stress relief. By understanding the reasons behind your puppy's chewing habits and providing appropriate outlets for their chewing needs, you can effectively manage and redirect this behavior. At Dogs We Trust Boarding and Training, we're here to support you and your puppy on your journey together, offering expert guidance and training resources to promote a happy and harmonious relationship.

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