Why do dogs chew?
Biologists tell us that chewing is all about toning jaw muscles. Dogs no longer need to split bones and grind down marrow to survive, but the urge is hardwired into them—and into some more than others. Some dogs live to chew; others can take it or leave it. How often dogs chew and what they chew also falls under individual taste.
What is certain is that chewing is normal and healthy, not a behavior problem. But it can still be a regular problem—for you and your furniture.
It’s not a phase.
Puppies do chew more, yes. But chewing isn’t like baby teething; it won’t peter out and eventually stops. All dogs chew some, and some dogs chew a lot. Whether you have a puppy or a newly adopted grown dog, give him plenty of allowed things to chew right away to get him hooked on those instead of your shoes.
The things dogs chew.
Edibles: Chew bones, pigs’ ears, bully sticks, greenies, rawhides, etc.
Non-Edibles: Tennis balls, Nyla bones, Kongs (without food), etc.
Dissectible Things: Plush toys, rope toys, Hide-A-Bee (Squirrel, Bird), etc.
Puzzle Toys: Stuffed Kong, stuffed marrow bone, tricky treat balls, etc.
Experiment to find out what your dog prefers. Always have a mixed selection at hand and rotate different types of chewies to keep your dog interested.
The training part.
Step 1. Prevent mistakes. When you can’t supervise, put your puppy or dog in an enclosed, dog-proofed area with a sanctioned chewie.
Step 2. Teach good chewing choices. Audition a range of chewies until you find the ones most appealing to your dog. Dogs have texture preferences, so try to match what he is like. If he is attacking the couch pillows, try giving him plush toys. If he is eyeing the table leg, try a bone. Praise liberally when your dog chews something allowed.
Step 3. Interrupt mistakes. If your dog chews the wrong thing, interrupt and trade him for something he can chew on. Praise liberally when he does.
Step 4. Repeat if needed. If mistakes happen often, revisit step 1. Go back to using an enclosed, dog-proofed area until your dog consistently makes better chewing choices.