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Stop Puppy Biting and Chewing: Expert Tips to Save Your Home and Sanity

Puppies are bundles of energy and curiosity, but their playful biting and chewing can quickly turn from cute to frustrating. Those tiny, sharp teeth can leave holes in your clothes and damage your furniture before you know it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your puppy’s relentless mouthy play, you’re not alone. This behavior is completely normal, but it doesn’t have to take over your life or your home.


Maggie, a professional dog trainer based in Denver South Metro, shares practical strategies to help you meet your puppy’s play needs while protecting your belongings and your skin. Here’s how you can turn puppy biting and chewing from a headache into manageable, even enjoyable, parts of your daily routine.


Eye-level view of a playful puppy chewing on a colorful chew toy in a living room
Puppy chewing on a toy to redirect biting behavior

Build a Strong Arsenal of Chew Toys to Stop Chewing on Furniture


Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Providing a variety of chew toys gives them a safe and satisfying outlet for biting and chewing. When your puppy starts biting your fingers or clothes, redirect their attention to a chew toy immediately.


  • Choose different textures: Rubber, nylon, rope, and plush toys each offer unique chewing experiences. Rotate toys regularly to keep your puppy interested. Give all toys with supervision. Maggie's favorite chew: https://a.co/d/ipHQcsv

  • Use flavored chews: Some toys come with flavors like peanut butter or chicken, which can be more enticing. Give all chews with supervision. Maggie's favorite chew: https://a.co/d/8MVpSJb

  • Keep toys accessible: Place chew toys in common play areas so your puppy can grab one whenever the urge to bite strikes. Give all toys and chews with supervision. Maggie's favorite plush toy: https://a.co/d/8dkKSm9


By offering a variety of chews, you reduce the chance your puppy will turn to your belongings for entertainment.


Introduce a Playmate to Channel Energy and Stop Biting


Puppies often bite and chew out of boredom or excess energy. A well-matched playmate can provide the social interaction and physical activity your puppy needs to burn off steam. This is where the "Karl Hack" comes in—a life-sized stuffed dog, preferably in a standing posture, sized equal to or larger than the actual dog.


  • Step 1: Introduce the puppy to Karl. Observe the puppy's reaction. If playful, let them interact. If scared, lay Karl on his side for the puppy to explore. Gradually move Karl as the puppy gains confidence. If uninterested, animate Karl to engage the puppy.

  • Step 2: Allow the puppy to play with Karl in any way they choose—biting, shaking, dragging, chewing, wrestling, or humping are all natural behaviors.

  • Step 3: Let the puppy play until tired. If they become overly excited, a break may be needed. If the puppy is damaging Karl, take him away for repairs.


Maggie's favorite Karl: https://a.co/d/dwCnoLg. Bring out Karl only during the witching hours. Put him away the rest of the day to keep play with Karl novel.



Use a Flirt Pole to Focus Play and Reduce Mouthiness


A flirt pole is a long stick with a rope and toy attached, designed to engage your puppy in chasing and tugging games. This tool taps into your puppy’s natural prey drive and provides a controlled way to release energy without encouraging biting at your hands.


  • Incorporate daily sessions: Just 5 to 10 minutes of flirt pole play can tire out your puppy quickly. Maggie's favorite flirt pole: https://a.co/d/9Nsw4xT

  • Teach commands: Use “drop it” during play to build impulse control. Hire Maggie to help you teach this crucial skill.

  • Avoid hand contact: Keep your hands away from the toy to prevent accidental nips.


Flirt poles are a fun way to strengthen your bond while teaching your puppy to focus their energy appropriately. Here is a wonderful video on YouTube to learn the rules of play around a flirt pole. Check it out: https://youtu.be/f5tWp1V5sEI?si=zfA2Tynso-MhsLi2


Consistency and Patience Are Key


Changing biting and chewing habits takes time. Consistently redirect your puppy to appropriate toys, reward gentle play, and avoid roughhousing that encourages mouthing and biting. Remember, puppies are learning how to interact with the world and need your guidance.


If you find yourself struggling, Maggie offers personalized training sessions tailored to your puppy’s personality and your household. With expert support, you can implement these strategies effectively and enjoy a happier, calmer puppy. Explore puppy training services here: https://www.maggiescanineconnection.com/about-9






 
 
 

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