Hey there, fellow puppy parents! So, you thought the chewing and biting would magically disappear after your little furball finished teething. Well, surprise, surprise! Your pup is still munching away, and you’re left wondering what the heck is going on. But fear not, my friends, because I’m here to tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong or abnormal with your puppy’s chewing extravaganza. In fact, post-teething puppy chewing is completely normal and part of the fun puppy package!
The Natural Desire to Chew:
Let’s talk about the incredible, unstoppable force that is a dog’s desire to chew. It’s like an itch they just have to scratch! Chewing serves multiple purposes, like keeping those pearly whites clean, combats boredom, relieves stress, gives their jaw muscles a workout, and satisfies their curious nature. Your puppy is a natural born chewer. All dogs have a need to chew, even after the teething phase is over. Let’s channel that energy into some puppy-approved activities.
Varying Levels of Chewing Tendencies:
Just like humans have different preferences, dogs have varying degrees of chewing gusto. Some pups may be content with softer chew toys, while others transform into full-on chewing machines that seek out the toughest, most durable items in existence. It’s all part of their unique personality! So, get to know your puppy’s chewing tendencies and find them the perfect chew toys that can handle their gnawing adventures. It’s like finding the perfect workout equipment for your furry little athlete!
Embracing Natural Behavior:
This is important and bears repeating: chewing is as natural to dogs as chasing squirrels and sniffing butts. Instead of fighting against it, let’s redirect that chewing energy into more appropriate outlets. We cannot stop the need for chewing, but we can channel it towards appropriate outlets. Ensure your home is equipped with a wide selection of safe and durable chew toys. Additionally, provide long-lasting edible chews that can withstand the strength of your puppy’s jaws. Trust me, once you provide them with suitable chew options, your favorite pair of shoes will be safe and sound. Well, at least until they learn how to tie laces.
Read more about puppy biting and chewing and discover some of our favorite chewies and toys.
Play Biting/Chewing vs. Learned Habits:
Time to address the difference between playful chomping and naughty habits. Puppies love to engage in play biting and chewing—it’s how they explore the world and interact with their littermates or even with you. But if the biting and chewing become problematic, it’s time to guide them towards more acceptable behavior. Train them with positive reinforcement techniques and teach them the fine art of bite inhibition. Your hands will thank you, and so will your friends when they meet your well-mannered pooch.
Mouthing and even chomping on you could be a learned behavior. Sometimes we think we are teaching our dogs to not mouth us, but we are inadvertently teaching them that gnawing on us is a fun game.
An Example of Learned Habits
Let’s explore how learned habits can develop from innocent interactions. Imagine this scenario: You sit down on the couch, and your puppy excitedly jumps up, trying to engage with you. In response, you instinctively move your arms around, avoiding any contact with their teeth while firmly saying, “No, stop it!” The next time you sit down, your puppy repeats the behavior, jumping up and mouthing. In an attempt to discourage them, you once again move your hands around, exclaiming, “Stop, get off!” Unbeknownst to you, a habit begins to form. Your puppy associates your presence on the couch with an exciting mouthy-jumpy game.
This unintended game is an example of how behavior that is reinforced will persist. Your puppy inadvertently receives reinforcement for their bitey, mouthy, and jumpy behavior because your arm movements initiate a playful game, and even the verbal communication provides attention. As a result, your puppy may believe that sitting down on the couch signals the start of a fun round of puppy wrestling.
Chew on this.. final words
Okay, fellow puppy enthusiasts, now you know! Chewing is a natural desire that persists even after the teething phase, and that’s totally normal. So, let’s make peace with it. Provide your pup with a variety of awesome chew toys, give your puppy tantalizing long lasting edible goodies, redirect their chewing energy, and remember that every chew is a step closer to an enriched, happier pup. Just keep your sense of humor intact, stay patient, and keep up with consistent training. Together, we’ll navigate the world of puppyhood, one chew toy at a time. Now go out there and enjoy those adorable, chew-happy moments with your furry bundle of joy!
Do you love your puppy, but are frustrated by the different developmental stages? Yes, I adore my puppy, but could use help turning the chaos to calm.
