How to Prevent Your Puppy From Chewing and Eating Everything

Puppies are naturally curious and explore the world with their mouths. While it’s normal for them to chew and nibble, eating everything in sight can be harmful to their health and a challenge for you as an owner. Fortunately, with the right dog training techniques, you can guide your puppy toward safer behavior.

Here is a step-by-step guide of how to prevent your puppy from eating everything.

Why Do Puppies Eat Everything?

Puppies often eat inappropriate items due to:

• Teething: Chewing relieves discomfort when their teeth are growing in.
• Curiosity: Puppies explore their environment by tasting objects.
• Boredom or Anxiety: Destructive chewing or eating may stem from stress or a lack of mental stimulation.
• Hunger or Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor diet or hunger may lead puppies to search for food elsewhere.

Effective puppy training can address many of these underlying causes.

Step 1: Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like baby-proofing for a toddler, remove temptations and hazards from your puppy’s reach.

• Keep shoes, cords, and small objects off the floor.
• Store household items like cleaning supplies and medications securely.
• Use baby gates to limit access to certain areas of your home.

Step 2: Provide Safe Chewing Alternatives

Give your puppy appropriate toys or chews to satisfy their urge to gnaw.

• Choose durable chew toys designed for puppies.
• Rotate toys regularly to keep their interest.
• Avoid giving items that resemble household objects (e.g., old shoes), as this can confuse them.

Providing these alternatives is a foundational aspect of puppy training to develop good habits.

Step 3: Supervise and Redirect

Closely monitor your puppy, especially during playtime. If they start chewing on something inappropriate:

• Calmly remove the object and say, “No” or “Leave it.”
• Replace it with an approved toy or chew, and praise them when they engage with it.

This redirection is a key dog training strategy to correct unwanted behaviors.

Step 4: Teach Commands Like “Leave It” and “Drop It”

1. Leave It: Hold a treat in your hand, let your puppy sniff it, and say “Leave it.” When they stop trying to get the treat, reward them with a different treat.
2. Drop It: Practice swapping an object in their mouth for a treat while saying “Drop it.” Over time, they’ll learn to release items on command.

Both commands are essential components of effective dog training.

Step 5: Ensure Proper Diet and Feeding Schedule

Feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their breed, size, and age. A well-fed puppy is less likely to seek out food elsewhere. Discuss your puppy’s diet with your vet to rule out nutritional deficiencies.

Step 6: Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Bored puppies are more likely to eat or chew inappropriate items.

• Play games like fetch or tug-of-war.
• Incorporate puzzle toys to keep their mind engaged.
• Take your puppy on regular walks to burn off energy.

Daily activity complements puppy training by reducing unwanted behaviors.

Step 7: Address Anxiety or Stress

If your puppy’s chewing or eating is anxiety-driven, address the root cause.

• Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods.
• Gradually acclimate them to being alone to reduce separation anxiety.
• Provide comforting items, like a blanket or toy that smells like you.

Step 8: Know When to Seek Help

If your puppy’s behavior persists or they eat dangerous objects (like rocks, plastic, or plants), consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. Persistent eating of non-food items, known as pica, may require medical or behavioral intervention.

Conclusion

Stopping your puppy from eating everything takes patience, consistency, and proper dog training techniques. By puppy-proofing your home, providing appropriate alternatives, and teaching commands like “Leave it,” you’ll set your puppy up for success.

At Region K9, we specialize in puppy training, behavior management and obedience training to help you and your furry friend thrive together. Let us guide you through every stage of your puppy’s development!