Chew Toys are a MUST
for a well mannered puppy!

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*First, they NEED to chew because they are teething, and chewing promotes healthy teeth and gums. Just like babies, the chewing helps to relieve discomfort while they're teething.

*Second, your puppy or dog always needs the outlet to chew. It is a definite stress reliever, and if he knows early on what he is SUPPOSED to be chewing, then later he will stick with the accepted chew items instead of your furniture and/or shoes etc.

Several bad dog behaviors are actually related to stress. Since chewing is a "stress reliever" for your puppy or dog, having the appropriate chew toys for him on hand at all times will serve to prevent a multitude of these unwanted behaviors.

* Dogs never chew out of spite. This is a grave misunderstanding of dog behavior. As a matter of fact, if they are feeling insecure and/or they miss you they might want to chew your shoe because it has your scent on it. No malice there, just an attempt to be close to you. In fact, especially if you are angry with them, chewing an item of yours is actually an attempt to make things better(not spite). I know it works the opposite, BUT the dog does NOT know that. If it were human, yes it could be spite; but the canine species is incapable of that human emotion.

If, in the beginning, your puppy forms a habit of chewing "ONLY his chew toys", and never starts chewing unacceptable things, this good habit will kick in when he feels stress and wants to chew.

If you see your puppy start to pick up a shoe or he starts to knaw on a sofa, just remove the shoe or calmly move him away from the sofa, and replace it with the acceptable toy. Always resort to the mildest form of correction needed. Make sure the correction fits the offense, as over-correcting will make your puppy fearful of you and less responsive to correction later. Over-correction can also scar your puppy for life.

If you feel you need to say no, then say it in a calm and low tone, and then appropriately redirect the behavior; (such as replacing with an acceptable chew toy, etc.)

Chew Toys: What's right for my puppy?

Take into account the jaw strength of your puppy or dog. When puppies are very young, jaw strength may not be a big concern. But always monitor the condition of their toys as some of the softer ones, which they need when they're young for comfort or teething, can come apart as your puppy grows. You want to keep them from choking or swallowing anything harmful.

Be sure any soft toys are always clean as well as in tact. If they soak up urine etc. this will not be a good thing for you puppy to always have with him and could affect his potty training.

For light chewers, fleece chew toys are wonderful. Again, just be sure to keep them clean and dry. Click Here to read an article on fleece toys.
The kong toy is the king of all chew toys. You can stuff it with treats or peanut butter and keep your puppy or dog occupied for hours. This is the best chew toy you could ever want. The only way anyone would ever have to replace it is if they lost it(or just wanted another one).

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