How to Keep Puppies from Chewing on Furniture

Puppies chew on furniture for a number of reasons including boredom, teething, or the desire to learn. Puppies explore with their mouths and they seldom realize it is going to get them in trouble. Below are several steps that will help you keep your puppy from chewing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A lot of patience
• An area where the puppy can be confined.
• Lots of appropriate chew toys
• Deterrent spray for furniture

Getting Started

1. Find a space in your home, maybe a laundry room or in the kitchen where your puppy can be confined and away from all furniture when you are not home. Chewing happens for reasons such as boredom when the owners are away. Puppies have a ton of energy and will take it out on anything that crosses them when you are gone.

2. Supervise your puppy closely to prevent chewing when you are home. If he is confined when you are home then he will never learn not to chew. Remember that your puppy is a lot like a toddler; it needs to be watched at all times.

3. Purchase appropriate chew toys for your puppy. Go for toys that will satisfy her curiosity and teething needs. Stick to durable toys such as Nylabones and Kongs. These types of toys will last a long time and feel good on her teeth. During this stage it is best to avoid any toys that have fabric of any kind. To the puppy this isn't any different from your sofa or your shoes.

4. Catch your puppy in the act of chewing on your couch and take the opportunity to teach him it's wrong. Never resort to hitting your dog or any other violent behavior. The best way to correct him is by pulling him away from the furniture and placing one of his toys in front of him. Each time he chews on the toy praise him and even give him treats. When he goes for the sofa again, calmly bring him back to the toy. This is called positive reinforcement.

5. During down time you can hold training sessions with your puppy. Take her near her favorite furniture "chew toy" and bring several of her appropriate toys. Do the same as you did before when you caught her, only this time reward her any time she is near the good toys and ignoring the furniture. If she shows interest in the wrong item, you can add a firm, "NO" command to your training.

6. Don't give up; there is one more thing you can do to make it easier. Do not allow the puppy on the furniture. If you want the puppy to ignore the furniture during playtime and while you are away, he has to ignore it all of the time. Even when you want him to cuddle up on your lap, he should be in an appropriate dog bed beside the couch instead.

Tips & Warnings

• * Always be sure to praise at every opportunity. Anytime your puppy is chewing on the right toys is the right time.
• Don't make a big deal out of leaving home. Place the puppy in its area and leave without notice. This will calm the puppy and help lessen the chewing.