Please visit and LIKE our Facebook Page and share with family, friends and on your own Facebook page, and ask them to share further – it is only by working together and sharing knowledge and education that we can improve the lives of dogs and assist owners. We do not inundate you with posts – an average of 5 per week, and the odd Did You Know and General Post. Thank You!
Puppy Biting and Chewing
By Carla Strydom
Carla runs Raslouw Puppy School In Pretoria and is one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. CLICK HERE to find out more about them
Carla runs Raslouw Puppy School In Pretoria and is one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. CLICK HERE to find out more about them
WHY DO PUPS BITE AND CHEW?
There are several reasons why puppies bite and chew. It is normal for a puppy to explore the world with her mouth. They don’t have hands like we do to pick up objects. Naturally they pick things up with their mouth to get a taste, touch and feel for it. Gnawing helps jaw muscles and facial nerves develop. It also removes plaque from teeth and promotes good gums. Puppies bite and chew because it is a natural behaviour, because their gums are itchy or because they are bored. You cannot stop a puppy from biting and chewing, you can however teach your puppy what is acceptable to chew on and how hard it can bite.
Biting:
Puppies aren’t born knowing that biting hurts. When a puppy is still with its mother, it plays with its mom and siblings and bites them. When the puppy bites too hard the mom or siblings with yelp. The puppy then takes this as a sign that it was too hard and stops. When a puppy leaves its mom at 8-12 weeks of age, mom is no longer there to teach them right from wrong. This is where we come in. As the human mom or dad it now becomes our responsibility to teach the puppy. Unfortunately many people never take the time to teach the puppy this. We call this bite inhibition. This is when you deliberately let your puppy chew on your fingers in order for you to give them feedback and therefore teaching them how hard or soft they are allowed to bite. When the puppy bites too hard, you will yelp or make a high-pitched “ouch” and take your fingers out of her mouth. Wait a few seconds and do this again. If the puppy is licking and biting softly, give her feedback like good puppy, softly, really nice. If the puppy bites hard again, yelp and take your hand out of her mouth. Wait for a couple of seconds and repeat the process. If the puppy bites hard again, leave the room. Do this exercise again after about 30 minutes, two to three times a day. To help your puppy succeed in this exercise, smear some peanut butter or frozen butter on your fingers. Encourage your pup to lick your fingers.
Chewing:
When puppies are teething they chew on everything and some days you’ll feel as if your puppy is all teeth. From the couch to the potted plants, chair legs to laces, shoes to socks and everything else lying about. Itchy gums will drive a puppy bonkers and between four and six months of age she will be teething. Chewing helps the baby teeth loosen and fall out in order to make way for the permanent teeth. Unfortunately they cannot distinguish between what to chew and what not to. With a little bit of persistence and patience you can easily teach your puppy what she is allowed to chew on and what not. Decide on a command that means “Get that out of your mouth!” (I use “leave it” or you can also use “drop it”) Place your puppy’s toys on the floor as well as a few personal items like your slippers and purse. Encourage your pup to explore the items. When she picks up your slipper, give the “leave it” or “drop it” command. Quickly divert her attention onto her own toys and encourage her to play with them. Praise her and give feedback when she plays with her own toys.
When buying toys keep in mind that there are three different types you can buy:
1. Brain toys
Toys like puzzle balls, buster cubes and Kong’s. These toys stimulate your puppy’s mind because she has to work and think to get the food out. Kong’s can be stuffed with peanut butter or cheese spread and some of their own food. Puzzle balls and buster cubes can be filled with half a portion of their normal food ration and some chicken, steak or vienna pieces.
2. Human interactive toys
These are toys that you have to throw to your puppy or play together with like balls, toys that are made of material and toys that have a squeaky or bell inside. The soft toys should only be given to your puppy when you can supervise her. She could shred and swallow the stuffing or squeaker and this could make for an expensive trip to the vet. Don’t give your puppy a ball and expect her to entertain herself all day. Balls were made for throwing, so rather play this game when you get home.
3. Chew toys
Perfect for when your puppy is teething. Toys made from solid rubber, chew rings or rubber bones that are especially made for teething puppies. You can also make your own. Wet and twist a washcloth and freeze it until solid. Give to your puppy to chew when she’s teething. The cold will help sooth her gums. As soon as the washcloth thaws, wash the cloth, twist and refreeze.
Although it sometimes feels as if your puppy will be teething forever, take heart that this phase shall pass too. Be patient, consistent in your training and supply a variety of toys that you interchange so she doesn’t get bored.