Just like human babies, puppies love to explore the world around them. Sometimes, this means simply going from room to room and seeing what's going on. Other times, it means actually chewing or eating something - even things that aren't meant to be eaten. In addition to just being curious, puppies - like babies - also go through teething. This period can be very painful, and chewing on something can help relieve the discomfort. However, this behavior is not always appropriate. While a toy designed for teething is one thing, allowing your pup to chew on anything and everything is not just frusrating, but dangerous as well.
It is best to nip this behavior in the bud as soon as possible to eliminate problems further down the road. In order to keep your dog's chewing to a minimum, here are five steps you can take to make the process much easier for both you and your dog.
Puppy Proof the Home
The easiest way to keep your pooch from chewing up the many items in your home is to put them out of their reach. Start with any toxic products or chemicals, including certain plants. Other items to keep out of reach include electrical cords, socks, shoes, and children’s toys. Shut the doors to rooms that you have not puppy-proofed and consider crate training for times when you cannot supervise them.
