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Chew on This: Tips for Surviving Puppy Teething
Say goodbye to puppy teething woes with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Ah, the joys of getting a new puppy. They’re all cuddly and cute…until they start biting. Suddenly, your arms and legs become their personal chew toys, and your home begins to look like a warzone. But fear not, fellow puppy parents! Teething is a natural process that every puppy goes through, and with the right training, you can teach your furry friend to be gentle and not turn you into a human chew toy. So sit back, grab a chew toy (or several), and get ready to learn some helpful puppy teething tips that will save your sanity and your shoes.
Why Puppies Bite
Have you ever wondered why puppies love to bite? Well, it’s not because they want to hurt you or be destructive, but rather because it’s part of their playful nature. When puppies play with each other, they often bite and nibble as a way of exploring their environment and learning social skills.
As they interact, they start to learn what is acceptable and what is not, especially when another puppy yelps and stops playing for a bit.
But, as a new puppy owner, you need to continue this learning cycle to ensure that your pup learns how to play and interact with humans appropriately. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why puppies bite and how you can help redirect their behavior to prevent destructive habits.
What You Can Do
Teaching your puppy proper behavior is a must. Puppy training classes will help your little one down the road, when their bite may become more serious. Socializing your puppy gives them confidence and can make them more comfortable in varying situations. In turn, these tips can help with biting behavioral issues.
Teach bite inhibition: Teaching your puppy to play gently with humans is essential. Start by letting your puppy nibble on your hand. When they bite too hard, yelp like you’re hurt and let your hand go limp. Reward your puppy for stopping or licking you. Repeat this process until your puppy learns to be more gentle with their bite.
Use toys: It’s a good idea to have a variety of chew toys on-hand that your puppy can chew on instead of your fingers or toes. Whenever your puppy tries to go after your fingers or toes, substitute a chew bone or toy. Your puppy will be happy to have something new to chew on, and your fingers and toes will thank you.
Dog Chew Toys
KONG Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy
Price: $18.99
Nerf Dog 9″ Super Scent Bone, Bacon Scent
Price: $10.99
Browning Shot Shell Red Squeaker Dog Toy
Price: $13.99
Spunky Pup Small Gnaw Guard Dog Toy
Price: $4.99
Petstages Mini Dentachew Pack Dog Toys
Price: $9.99
West Paw Large Drifty 8.5″ Dog Toy, Green
Price: $18.99
Find a puppy playmate: Socialization is crucial for puppies, and finding a playmate can help burn off some of your puppy’s energy and teach them social skills. If you don’t know anyone with a puppy, enroll your puppy in a training class. Your puppy will get to learn new behavioral skills and get designated playtime, giving you a break from the puppy teething.
Use a puzzle feeder: Puzzle feeders are toys that dispense food or treats when your puppy solves a puzzle. Using a puzzle feeder can help keep your puppy mentally stimulated and prevent destructive behavior caused by boredom.
Incorporate obedience games: Obedience games, such as hide-and-seek or red light, green light, can make training more fun and engaging for your puppy. These games can also help reinforce obedience commands and build a strong bond between you and your puppy.
Train your puppy to perform tricks: Teaching your puppy to perform tricks, such as rolling over or playing dead, can be a fun and rewarding way to train your puppy. Trick training can also help improve your puppy’s overall behavior and obedience.
Now, with these helpful tips and tricks from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll be able to survive the puppy teething phase with ease. Just remember, it’s all part of the journey of being a puppy parent. The good news is, one day you’ll look back on this time with fondness, remembering the cute little puppy nips and playful chews.
In the meantime, it’s important to stay patient and consistent with your training. Puppies thrive on routine and repetition, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while for your furry friend to catch on. Remember to always reward good behavior and redirect unwanted behavior, rather than punishing your puppy.
And don’t forget to have fun! Puppies have a way of bringing joy and laughter into our lives, even during the most chaotic moments. Take time to play with your puppy, teach them new tricks, and enjoy the bonding experience that comes with being a puppy parent.
So, grab a chew toy (or several), take a deep breath, and embrace the adventure of puppyhood. With a little patience, a lot of love, and some helpful guidance from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll make it through puppy teething with your sanity (and your shoes) intact.
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For more tips on caring for puppies and other animal family members, check out our other Pet Care articles.
