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Chewing is a natural and necessary behavior that helps pups feel relief from teething pain, which occurs from birth to about 6 months. It also provides an outlet for mental energy.
Puppies explore their environment and learn about the world by chewing on things and using their mouth, much like human babies.
Expect to spend the first few months teaching them what is safe or allowed vs what is not. It will be a full-time job at first. They're a danger to themselves as they have no concept of the dangers of or difference between electrical cords vs rope toys.
Try not to get frustrated as this is normal for their development.
If you have things to do and can't directly supervise with eyes on pup and within arms reach, invest in an X-pen, it's a lifesaver!!!
The act of chewing and licking is a naturally calming and soothing activity that should be encouraged and directed onto appropriate/safe/non-human items.
When pup is acting frustrated, chewing on things, jumping up at us/biting our clothes/hands it usually means they need to chew on something asap.
We want to allow pup to have 10-15 toys around them and available at all times, a variety of shapes, textures, sizes, sounds, and materials.
Rotate some or all of these toys every few days since pups can get bored of them, you can leave 1 in rotation if it is an absolute favorite.
When pups are chewing on an inappropriate item, we must swap it out for an item of HIGHER value.
Use the "drop-it "cue! (click HERE for drop-it instructions) Ex: swap a shoe for a tiny piece of cheese THEN give them an appropriate chew toy.
When our pups are headed toward and about to grab an inappropriate item, we use the "leave it" cue (click HERE for leave-it instructions).
TEETHING HELP:
1) Take a hand towel and tie 2 knots in it, dip it in water (or watered down low sodium beef/chicken broth), wring it out, and place it in a Ziplock baggie. Then freeze it to provide an affordable, easy, and safe teething relief chew toy.
2) Ice cubes!
3) These toys:
Chilly penguin - freeze me!
Chilly bone - freeze me!
Cool teething stick - freeze me!
Textured teething ring - freeze me!
FILL WITH
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