So you finally broke down and got that adorable pup you have wanted for some time now.
It seems to be the perfect companion you had in mind to spend your time with.
Today, that puppy turned into a "Chewing Beast".
What's going on? Hey, you need to relax and get a handle on what just happened to that adorable little sleep, eat and be happy pet you thought you brought home.
It's all part of them growing up.
And boy do they do that fast.
After climbing the walls for a little bit you'll come to realize that chewing is part of their natural cycle of growth.
When they finally cut their permanent teeth they will chew on anything they can get their paws on.
They love to "snack" on everything from real food to shoes, walls, wooded railings, doors, clothes or what they think are chew toys.
During this time it is so important to provide your puppy with the proper chew toys and objects necessary for them to get through their teething period.
This doesn't mean you go out and by one chew bone for them.
It is important to get a variety of chews for them.
Why you ask? Its simple.
As their teeth are growing in they are changing constantly.
Some are settling in others are just starting to cut through the gums.
Having several toys, some that are soft, some medium and some hard help the teeth continue to grow properly, won't hurt the gums and keep your pet from ruining everything in sight.
Although chew toys will help curtail the demolition derby your pets involved in, its only one part of the overall process.
It actually starts when you bring them home.
They need to be trained to stay away from improper items that aren't theirs as early on in their lives as possible.
If you get them the proper toys as soon as you bring them home you can avoid having to train them when it's too late.
This would be like closing the barn door after the horse is already out.
Get them use to it at an early age.
But you need to take a daily active part in this training.
It can't be "let's buy them a toy and everything will be fine routine".
Let me explain.
If I buy my pet a toy and they "play with it" that's all it is to them a toy.
If they are given this chew toy to keep them occupied when you take improper items away from them it becomes more than a toy.
It becomes the right thing they should have in their mouth and with the correct stern warning should get them in the correct habit of what to chew and not chew.
But don't think for one minute this toy or toys are all that is necessary.
If they are left alone during the day and are not confined to an area away from other items the training is useless.
You have to keep them separated from objects you don't want them to have and only give them access to the proper chew toys.
That being said let's take a look at what they should have available to them.
1.
As we said have an entire range of toys from soft to hard chewing surfaces.
2.
Rope chew toys are good to have.
Their a little more indestructible, good to tug on when you play with them.
Remember though two very important things.
Don't tug so hard as to pull their new teeth out.
You hold it let them do the tugging.
Secondly, get the right size for the dog.
A small pup has a small mouth so get them the right diameter rope.
3.
Rawhide chews are good but you need to watch them with these toys.
Sometimes they like to try and swallow large pieces they have chewed off and they can choke.
4.
There are a lot of new toys that are not only good for them to chew but keep them busy as well.
They are interactive toys to keep them from being bored which ultimately may be why they chew in the first place, even if they aren't teething.
5.
Don't give them rags.
Rags are cloth and they associate being allowed to chew these with anything else made of cloth.
Bad idea.
6.
No ribbons or strings.
These items if swallowed can seriously damage there insides.
7.
Keep rubber bands out of sight.
Same thing they can cause big problems if swallowed.
8.
It's nice to have treats around.
Don't just give them to your pet to keep them from chewing on something, but as a reward for not chewing on something.
Big difference.
9.
Keep one or two different boxes of Chew Toys available.
Keep changing out the toys so they don't get bored.
Have new one available especially if you see them getting aggressive with the wrong items, like the leg of your chair.
Puppies like kids have a short attention span and constantly need redirection.
That's the only thing that will make this work.
10.
Check with your vet but beef marrow bones are great for them.
It will keep them occupied for quite a while, they love the taste, they are inexpensive, and will help with the overall health and cleaning of your pets teeth.
11.
Don't give them toys that are for kids.
They probably aren't made for the animal to chew and have parts that can seriously hurt them.
Don't underestimate your pets ability to chew anything.
Even if they are tiny little pups.
Puppies that chew are doing nothing but having fun or trying to get some comfort for their new teeth.
It is a healthy, natural pet behavior to do so.
By training them at an early age you are providing the proper foundation for a long-lasting happy relationship between you and your pet.
Responsible pet care is so important and they sure will love you for it.