Training a new puppy not to chew on furniture is an important step in protecting your home while also guiding your puppy’s behavior. Puppies naturally chew as they explore the world and ease teething discomfort, but redirecting this habit can help save your furniture from damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to training your puppy to stop chewing on furniture.
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Why Do Puppies Chew on Furniture?
Before diving into training, it’s important to understand why puppies chew on furniture. Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, especially when they are teething. It helps relieve the pain and pressure in their gums as their adult teeth come in. Additionally, puppies explore their environment with their mouths, and furniture may seem like an inviting target.
How Do I Stop My Puppy from Chewing on Furniture?
By following these steps, you can redirect their chewing habit toward more appropriate items and prevent future damage to your belongings.
1- Offer Appropriate Chew Toys
The first step in stopping your puppy from chewing on furniture is to provide them with safe and appropriate alternatives. Puppies need to chew, especially when teething, so make sure they have a variety of toys that cater to their needs.
Choose Durable Toys: Select toys specifically designed for teething puppies, such as rubber or nylon toys, which are tough and safe for chewing.
Try Frozen Chew Toys: Cold toys can help soothe sore gums. You can freeze certain toys or offer frozen treats to provide relief during teething.
Rotate Toys Regularly: To keep your puppy interested, rotate their toys every few days. This helps prevent boredom and keeps them engaged with the right items.
2- Use Bitter Sprays as Deterrents
If your puppy continually targets specific pieces of furniture, using bitter sprays can be an effective deterrent. These sprays are non-toxic and safe for your puppy but have an unpleasant taste that discourages chewing.
Apply on Frequently Chewed Areas: Spray the bitter solution on the legs of tables, chairs, or any other furniture your puppy seems to like. Reapply as needed, especially after cleaning.
Test First: Before spraying large areas, test the product on a small, inconspicuous part of the furniture to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.
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3- Supervise and Redirect Behavior
Supervision is key to training your puppy. Whenever your puppy starts chewing on furniture, you should step in immediately and guide them toward more appropriate behavior.
Correct Gently: If you catch your puppy chewing on furniture, use a firm but calm “no” to correct them. Avoid yelling, as this could scare your puppy and make them anxious.
Redirect to a Toy: Immediately offer a chew toy as a substitute. When your puppy starts chewing on the toy instead of the furniture, praise and reward them with a treat or affection to reinforce the positive behavior.
4- Puppy-Proof Your Home
Preventing your puppy from accessing tempting furniture is an important part of the training process. Puppy-proofing your home reduces the chances of destructive chewing.
Block Off Areas: Use baby gates or exercise pens to restrict your puppy’s access to rooms with valuable furniture or items they might chew on.
Keep Valuables Out of Reach: Ensure that shoes, cushions, and other chewable items are placed out of your puppy’s reach when they’re unsupervised.
5- Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to teach your puppy the right behavior. Rewarding them when they chew on their toys instead of furniture will help them associate chewing with the appropriate items.
Praise and Treats: Every time your puppy chews on a toy instead of furniture, immediately offer praise and give them a treat. This helps reinforce the behavior you want to see.
Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial. Always reward good behavior and correct inappropriate chewing in the same way each time. Over time, your puppy will understand what’s expected of them.
6- Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A bored or under-exercised puppy is more likely to engage in destructive behaviors, including chewing on furniture. Keeping your puppy active and mentally stimulated helps reduce unwanted behaviors.
Daily Walks and Playtime: Make sure your puppy gets enough physical exercise to burn off excess energy. Play fetch, go for walks, or engage in other interactive games to keep them entertained.
Provide Puzzle Toys: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can keep your puppy engaged and less likely to chew on furniture out of boredom.
7- Consider Crate Training
When you’re unable to supervise your puppy, crate training can be an effective way to prevent destructive chewing. Crates provide a safe, comfortable space for your puppy to stay when you’re not around.
Make the Crate Inviting: Add soft bedding and chew toys to the crate, so your puppy sees it as a positive place to relax. Never use the crate as punishment, as this will create negative associations.
Gradually Increase Crate Time: Start by placing your puppy in the crate for short periods, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable.
8- Address Teething Pain
Puppies often chew more when they’re teething, as it helps alleviate discomfort in their gums. Providing specific tools to soothe teething pain can prevent them from seeking relief by chewing on furniture.
Frozen Toys or Washcloths: As mentioned earlier, freezing toys or damp washcloths can soothe aching gums and provide an appropriate outlet for chewing.
Offer Safe Chews: Provide chew sticks or teething rings designed for puppies to relieve pressure on their gums.
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Sum Up
Training your puppy not to chew on furniture requires patience, consistency, and the right techniques. By offering appropriate chew toys, supervising and redirecting their behavior, and using positive reinforcement, you can guide your puppy to form healthy chewing habits. Remember, it’s natural for puppies to chew, especially when teething, but with time and effort, they’ll learn to focus their energy on the right items. Stick with the process, and both your home and your puppy will benefit in the long run.