When Do Puppies Stop Chewing And Teething?

A puppy's teething period can be an exciting time, as their sharp little teeth start to show and they learn to explore their environment. Unfortunately, it can also be a difficult time for both the puppy and their owners, as puppies are naturally inclined to chew on anything they can get their hands on. As they grow, it's important to know when it's time to stop chewing and when to start discouraging this behavior.

The process of teething and learning to control chewing behavior in puppies can vary greatly depending on the breed and size of the pup. Generally speaking, puppies will have all of their adult teeth by the time they reach seven to eight months of age. It's important to remember that even after their adult teeth come in, they may still chew on items in their environment for several more months until they learn to control their chewing habits.

Why Do Puppies Chew?

Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, and it serves several important functions. Ruffling and mouthing are ways that puppies learn about their environment. By chewing on objects, puppies can explore texture, taste, and hardness, as well as develop stronger jaw muscles. This behavior is also instinctive and helps them relieve the discomfort of teething.

Chewing also serves as an outlet for excess energy. Puppies often use their mouths to play and explore, and if they don't have enough toys or outlets for their energy, they may resort to chewing on household items. For these reasons, it's important to keep puppy-safe chew toys around, as well as plenty of interactive toys such as puzzles and treat dispensers.

How Can I Discourage Chewing?

Discouraging chewing behavior can be a challenge, but there are several things owners can do to help puppies learn not to chew on unwanted items. Immediately replacing the item with a toy or providing a distraction can be effective. For more persistent puppies, it may be necessary to provide a verbal command like “no” or “stop”, and then provide a toy to redirect their attention. Using bitter tasting sprays can also help dissuade puppies from chewing on furniture or other objects.

Ultimately, puppies need to be taught what is appropriate to chew on and what isn't. Owners should spend plenty of time interacting with puppies and teaching them acceptable behaviors. In addition, puppies should be provided with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to help them stay active and reduce boredom.

When Do Puppies Stop Chewing?

Most puppies outgrow the urge to chew on everything in their environment by the time they are six to nine months old, although some can take a bit longer. Puppies that are trained early and consistently should learn to stop chewing on unwanted items more quickly. It's important to remember that during this time, puppies will still need plenty of chew toys and activities to help them learn appropriate chewing behavior.

When puppies reach adulthood, they should no longer be chewing on furniture or other household items. If they continue to do so, it's important to speak to a veterinarian as they may be suffering from an underlying medical condition or anxiety disorder. With patience and consistency, owners should be able to effectively discourage chewing in their puppy and help them learn acceptable behavior.

Teething Toys For Puppies To Stop Inappropriate Chewing And Relieve Gums