Congratulations on the new puppy.
Now hide your shoes.
If your puppy suddenly seems determined to sample your furniture, socks, cords and fingers, you're experiencing one of the most predictable parts of puppyhood:
teething and chewing
The good news? Chewing is normal.
The challenge is teaching your puppy what they should chew.
Why Do Puppies Chew So Much?
Puppies explore the world with their mouths.
During teething, chewing also gives them an outlet while their baby teeth are changing and adult teeth are developing.
If appropriate puppy chew toys aren't available, puppies tend to find alternatives themselves.
Unfortunately, those alternatives may include furniture, shoes and household objects.
Redirect Instead of Simply Saying “No”
Instead of trying to eliminate chewing, teach your puppy where chewing belongs.
Keep appropriate puppy toys available and redirect them when they begin chewing something they shouldn't.
Over time, that helps establish a healthier pattern:
This is mine to chew. That isn't.
What Should You Look for in a Puppy Chew?
Puppies do not have the same chewing needs as adult power chewers.
Consider:
Appropriate softness
Extremely hard products may not be ideal for developing puppy teeth.
Proper size
Choose something large enough that your puppy cannot swallow it.
Controlled wear
Inspect frequently and replace damaged or excessively worn toys.
Supervision
A puppy should be observed while learning how to interact with a new chew.
The individual puppy
Even puppies of the same breed and age may chew very differently.
Why BetterBone Light Is Designed for Puppies
BetterBone offers three densities, and Light is the recommended starting point for puppies.
It provides a more forgiving chewing experience than harder-density options while giving puppies an appropriate outlet for the urge to chew.
As your puppy grows and their adult teeth develop, reassess their chewing style.
A dog who begins as a gentle puppy chewer may eventually graduate to Moderate, or even Hard.
Puppy-Proof the Environment Too
A good chew isn't a substitute for puppy-proofing.
Get down at puppy level and look around.
Remove or secure:
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Electrical cords
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Children's toys
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Shoes
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Medication
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Small objects
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Trash
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Anything breakable or swallowable
Giving your puppy appropriate options works best when inappropriate options aren't constantly available.
Mental Stimulation Matters Too
A puppy who is bored and overflowing with energy is often more likely to invent their own entertainment.
Balance chewing with:
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Short age-appropriate walks
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Training
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Sniffing games
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Play
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Rest
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Food puzzles
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Socialization appropriate for their developmental stage
Puppies need stimulation—but they also need plenty of sleep.
Your Puppy Will Grow. Their Chew Should Change Too.
Puppyhood changes quickly.
The chew that's right at four months may not be appropriate at 10 months.
Continue evaluating:
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Weight
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Adult tooth development
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Chewing intensity
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Product wear
Dog-first product selection should evolve as the dog does.
Your puppy doesn't need the toughest chew on the shelf.
They need the right chew for this stage of their life.
Start with BetterBone Light and use the Chews-ing Guide to find the appropriate size for your growing puppy.
