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How to Stop Puppy Biting and Chewing at Home
Puppy chewing is normal, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. Learn why puppies chew, what they need during teething and adolescence, and how to guide them towards appropriate chew habits with practical, puppy-friendly support.
Practical, kind guidance to help puppies chew safely and owners feel confident
How to Stop Puppy Biting and Chewing at Home
Why Puppies Chew – and How to Guide Them in the Right Direction
If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your life, you’ll already know they love to chew. At my puppy training classes in Oxford, I hear this question all the time: “Why is my puppy chewing everything?”
Chewing is completely natural and an important part of puppy development. It helps puppies explore their environment, cope with teething discomfort, and learn about the world around them. With the right guidance, you can protect your home while helping your puppy develop appropriate chewing habits.
You can also find further puppy behaviour guidance and support at [www.talkingpetbehaviour.co.uk].
Why Chewing is a Normal Part of Puppy Development
Exploring the World Through Their Mouths
Puppies experience their world through their mouths in much the same way human babies do. Picking things up, mouthing objects, and carrying items around are all normal behaviours that help them learn about textures, shapes, and materials.
This type of chewing is not misbehaviour. It is a key part of early learning and development.
⸻
Teething in Puppies (3–6 Months)
During the teething period, puppies chew to relieve sore and itchy gums as their adult teeth come through. You may notice:
• Increased chewing
• Preference for softer or chilled items
• Small blood marks on toys
• Temporary fussiness around food
Providing suitable chew items at this stage helps reduce discomfort and limits damage to household items.
⸻
Adolescent Chewing and Destruction
Many puppies go through another chewing phase between 6 and 12 months of age. At this stage, puppies may:
• Develop strong preferences for certain textures
• Target items such as beds, skirting boards, or furniture legs
• Chew more when bored, over-aroused, or under-stimulated
Without support, this phase can turn into a learned habit rather than passing naturally.
⸻
Why Your Puppy Might Chew the Wrong Things
Chewing is not always linked solely to teething. Other common causes include:
• Hunger – meals may not be meeting your puppy’s needs
• Boredom – lack of physical exercise or mental stimulation
• Attention-seeking – chewing reliably gets a reaction
• Stress or anxiety – chewing can be calming and self-soothing
• Separation-related behaviour – destruction when left alone
Understanding the underlying cause helps you choose the most effective approach.
⸻
How to Redirect Your Puppy’s Chewing
Stopping chewing altogether is neither realistic nor healthy. The goal is to guide your puppy towards appropriate outlets.
1. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Remove temptation wherever possible, especially during early puppyhood. Common items to put away include:
• Shoes and slippers
• Children’s toys
• Remote controls and charging cables
In my puppy training classes in Oxford, this is often described as setting your puppy up for success.
⸻
2. Provide Safe and Satisfying Chew Items
Variety helps maintain interest. Rotating items every few days can reduce inappropriate chewing.
Good options include:
• Rubber chew toys such as Kongs or Toppls, stuffed and frozen
• Natural edible chews like pizzles, dried tendons, or yak bars
• Rope toys for supervised tug and chewing
• Frozen carrots for teething relief
If your puppy prefers certain textures, providing safe versions of those textures helps prevent them seeking alternatives.
⸻
3. Offer “Destruction Play”
Some puppies enjoy shredding. When this need is not met, cushions and furniture often suffer.
Appropriate options include:
• Cardboard destruction boxes with scrunched paper and treats
• Burrow-style toys with removable pieces
• Cardboard tubes with food wrapped inside paper
These activities support mental enrichment and problem-solving skills.
⸻
4. Reward the Right Choices
When your puppy chooses an appropriate chew item, quietly reinforce that decision. This might include:
• Calm verbal praise
• Gentle interaction
• Adding a treat to the toy they are already chewing
In Puppy School classes across Oxfordshire, owners are encouraged to notice and reinforce desirable behaviour rather than focusing on mistakes.
⸻
5. Manage the Environment When You Can’t Supervise
Even well-supported puppies can make poor choices if overtired or unsupervised. Helpful tools include:
• Baby gates
• Playpens
• Crates, where puppies are already comfortable and relaxed
As your puppy’s habits improve, supervision can gradually be reduced.
⸻
When to Get Expert Puppy Behaviour Help in Oxford
If chewing is accompanied by signs of anxiety, aggression, or mainly occurs when your puppy is left alone, professional support is recommended.
As a qualified pet behaviourist, I support puppies where chewing may be linked to emotional stress, separation-related behaviour, or underlying welfare concerns. In some cases, dental pain or medical issues may also be contributing, so involving your vet is an important first step.
Early guidance can prevent chewing behaviours from becoming long-term habits and helps ensure your puppy’s needs are being fully met.
⸻
Book Your Puppy Training Classes in Oxfordshire
Chewing is a normal part of puppyhood, but with the right training, enrichment, and management, puppies can learn what is appropriate to chew and what is not.
At Puppy School Oxford City, my puppy training classes in Oxford focus on calm foundations, socialisation, and practical behaviour support to help puppies and owners get off to a confident, settled start together.
👉 Find out more and book your place here: [ https://www.puppyschooloxfordcity.co.uk/bookings]
⸻
Puppy Chewing FAQs
Why do puppies chew so much?
Puppies chew to explore their environment, relieve teething discomfort, manage emotions, and meet natural behavioural needs.
When do puppies stop chewing everything?
Most puppies reduce excessive chewing as they mature, particularly with consistent management and suitable outlets. Adolescence can bring a temporary increase.
Is chewing a sign of bad behaviour?
No. Chewing is a normal behaviour. Problems usually arise when puppies do not have appropriate outlets or are under-stimulated.
What should I do if my puppy chews when left alone?
Chewing during absences may indicate separation-related distress. Professional guidance is recommended to address this safely.
Can puppy training classes help with chewing?
Yes. Puppy classes support appropriate behaviour through management, enrichment, and owner education.
If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your life, you’ll already know they love to chew. At my puppy training classes in Oxford, I hear this question all the time: “Why is my puppy chewing everything?”
Chewing is completely natural and an important part of puppy development. It helps puppies explore their environment, cope with teething discomfort, and learn about the world around them. With the right guidance, you can protect your home while helping your puppy develop appropriate chewing habits.
You can also find further puppy behaviour guidance and support at [www.talkingpetbehaviour.co.uk].
Why Chewing is a Normal Part of Puppy Development
Exploring the World Through Their Mouths
Puppies experience their world through their mouths in much the same way human babies do. Picking things up, mouthing objects, and carrying items around are all normal behaviours that help them learn about textures, shapes, and materials.
This type of chewing is not misbehaviour. It is a key part of early learning and development.
⸻
Teething in Puppies (3–6 Months)
During the teething period, puppies chew to relieve sore and itchy gums as their adult teeth come through. You may notice:
• Increased chewing
• Preference for softer or chilled items
• Small blood marks on toys
• Temporary fussiness around food
Providing suitable chew items at this stage helps reduce discomfort and limits damage to household items.
⸻
Adolescent Chewing and Destruction
Many puppies go through another chewing phase between 6 and 12 months of age. At this stage, puppies may:
• Develop strong preferences for certain textures
• Target items such as beds, skirting boards, or furniture legs
• Chew more when bored, over-aroused, or under-stimulated
Without support, this phase can turn into a learned habit rather than passing naturally.
⸻
Why Your Puppy Might Chew the Wrong Things
Chewing is not always linked solely to teething. Other common causes include:
• Hunger – meals may not be meeting your puppy’s needs
• Boredom – lack of physical exercise or mental stimulation
• Attention-seeking – chewing reliably gets a reaction
• Stress or anxiety – chewing can be calming and self-soothing
• Separation-related behaviour – destruction when left alone
Understanding the underlying cause helps you choose the most effective approach.
⸻
How to Redirect Your Puppy’s Chewing
Stopping chewing altogether is neither realistic nor healthy. The goal is to guide your puppy towards appropriate outlets.
1. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Remove temptation wherever possible, especially during early puppyhood. Common items to put away include:
• Shoes and slippers
• Children’s toys
• Remote controls and charging cables
In my puppy training classes in Oxford, this is often described as setting your puppy up for success.
⸻
2. Provide Safe and Satisfying Chew Items
Variety helps maintain interest. Rotating items every few days can reduce inappropriate chewing.
Good options include:
• Rubber chew toys such as Kongs or Toppls, stuffed and frozen
• Natural edible chews like pizzles, dried tendons, or yak bars
• Rope toys for supervised tug and chewing
• Frozen carrots for teething relief
If your puppy prefers certain textures, providing safe versions of those textures helps prevent them seeking alternatives.
⸻
3. Offer “Destruction Play”
Some puppies enjoy shredding. When this need is not met, cushions and furniture often suffer.
Appropriate options include:
• Cardboard destruction boxes with scrunched paper and treats
• Burrow-style toys with removable pieces
• Cardboard tubes with food wrapped inside paper
These activities support mental enrichment and problem-solving skills.
⸻
4. Reward the Right Choices
When your puppy chooses an appropriate chew item, quietly reinforce that decision. This might include:
• Calm verbal praise
• Gentle interaction
• Adding a treat to the toy they are already chewing
In Puppy School classes across Oxfordshire, owners are encouraged to notice and reinforce desirable behaviour rather than focusing on mistakes.
⸻
5. Manage the Environment When You Can’t Supervise
Even well-supported puppies can make poor choices if overtired or unsupervised. Helpful tools include:
• Baby gates
• Playpens
• Crates, where puppies are already comfortable and relaxed
As your puppy’s habits improve, supervision can gradually be reduced.
⸻
When to Get Expert Puppy Behaviour Help in Oxford
If chewing is accompanied by signs of anxiety, aggression, or mainly occurs when your puppy is left alone, professional support is recommended.
As a qualified pet behaviourist, I support puppies where chewing may be linked to emotional stress, separation-related behaviour, or underlying welfare concerns. In some cases, dental pain or medical issues may also be contributing, so involving your vet is an important first step.
Early guidance can prevent chewing behaviours from becoming long-term habits and helps ensure your puppy’s needs are being fully met.
⸻
Book Your Puppy Training Classes in Oxfordshire
Chewing is a normal part of puppyhood, but with the right training, enrichment, and management, puppies can learn what is appropriate to chew and what is not.
At Puppy School Oxford City, my puppy training classes in Oxford focus on calm foundations, socialisation, and practical behaviour support to help puppies and owners get off to a confident, settled start together.
👉 Find out more and book your place here: [ https://www.puppyschooloxfordcity.co.uk/bookings]
⸻
Puppy Chewing FAQs
Why do puppies chew so much?
Puppies chew to explore their environment, relieve teething discomfort, manage emotions, and meet natural behavioural needs.
When do puppies stop chewing everything?
Most puppies reduce excessive chewing as they mature, particularly with consistent management and suitable outlets. Adolescence can bring a temporary increase.
Is chewing a sign of bad behaviour?
No. Chewing is a normal behaviour. Problems usually arise when puppies do not have appropriate outlets or are under-stimulated.
What should I do if my puppy chews when left alone?
Chewing during absences may indicate separation-related distress. Professional guidance is recommended to address this safely.
Can puppy training classes help with chewing?
Yes. Puppy classes support appropriate behaviour through management, enrichment, and owner education.
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Clare was very clear with all the instructions, and was happy to repeat things when Bailey and I did not understand them the first time. Clare always greeted us on arrival, and offered assistance when Bailey wouldn't settle. The training was very helpful and gave me confidence that I was doing the correct thing. It was also helpful to discuss specific issues. Thank you Clare, Bailey and I really enjoyed the training. The most helpful tip was allowing 3 seconds for meeting other dogs, that positively changed our experience when we were out walking!”— Clare C.
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“We did Puppy School at Cutteslowe Community Centre. It’s a good location with a park opposite, which is great to take your puppy to decompress before classes start. We only had four puppies in our class which was great. Four was brilliant! Everyone had their own little safe space. Clare was a very good teacher...she gave very clear instructions and used the puppies to demo the training requirement...Every puppy worked at their own pace, so although they were all at different stages of their training, no one felt left out. My GSD puppy thoroughly enjoyed all the classes and we really looked forward to the next one. We had done a fair bit of training with our puppy before we attended Puppy School but it was still well worth going! For us, it verified we were doing the right thing, and also there were a couple of real nuggets of info which we have found very helpful as well as the general socialisation for all the puppies there...I would thoroughly recommend Puppy School Oxford City and Clare for anyone looking for puppy classes.”— Pam B
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“We loved our time at Puppy School Oxford City. Clare’s guidance was brilliant, and really set us and Baxter up for success. Learning about cooperative care and how long to restrict greetings with other puppies made such a difference, and so many of the exercises have been invaluable as Baxter has grown up. I’d highly recommend the classes to any new puppy owner!”— Gemma P.
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“The class was very informative well structured for all different puppies. Clare is very knowledgeable working with dog's, behaviour training really improved my bonding with Louie. Would definitely recommend to new owners or owners struggling with certain behaviour issue's with there puppy.”— Kar L.