puppy with kongWhy does your dog chew everything?  There isn’t a single answer to that question.  Dogs chew for a variety of reasons.  Some just seem have an an inborn need to chew. They find it pleasurable.  Others seem to chew only if they are bored.

Is there a difference between “Chewing” and “Destructive Chewing”?  I suppose it’s up to the beholder.  When you get right down to it, chewing is destructive by its very nature!

Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth.  Puppies especially have very sharp teeth, and a strong chewing instinct.  Just about anything your dog starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute.

puppy chewing
Chewing is a natural activity for puppies.  Just as babies explore the world through their mouths, puppies explore and learn by chewing.  Trying to get your puppy to stop chewing is a losing battle.  Instead, focus on redirecting your puppy.

  • Puppy proof your house
  • Exercise your puppy
  • Teach your puppy to be calm
  • Don’t make a big deal about comings and goings
  • Stay calm yourself
  • Give your puppy appropriate chewing alternatives