If you’ve ever welcomed a new puppy into your home, you’ve likely experienced the whirlwind of tiny teeth sinking into everything—shoes, furniture, or even your fingers during an enthusiastic play session. While it may seem like your pup is on a mission to destroy, chewing is a natural and necessary behavior that plays a vital role in their development. Understanding why puppies chew and how to guide this instinct properly will not only save your belongings but also set your furry friend up for a lifetime of success.
Let’s dive into why chewing is so essential and how it creates a win-win for both you and your furry friend.
Why Puppies Chew: More Than Just a Habit
Chewing isn’t just a phase—it’s hardwired into a puppy’s DNA. From as early as three weeks old, puppies use their mouths to explore the world. When teething starts, typically around three to four weeks and lasting until about six months, chewing provides much-needed relief as sharp baby teeth make way for adult teeth. Just like human babies with teething rings, puppies seek out anything they can gnaw on to soothe their sore gums.
But teething relief isn’t the only reason puppies chew. It also serves as a natural stress reliever. Whether adjusting to a new home, experiencing bursts of energy, or encountering unfamiliar situations, chewing helps them process emotions and stay calm. 1 Without appropriate outlets, this pent-up stress can manifest in undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging, or destructive tendencies.
The Benefits of Chewing: Mind, Body, and Behavior
Chewing isn’t just about keeping your puppy busy—it has significant physical and mental benefits.
- Dental Health: Chewing helps prevent and remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting good oral hygiene and fresher breath. Establishing proper chewing habits early can support long-term dental health—which means a healthier adult dog, too.
- Mental Stimulation: Puppies are naturally curious and intelligent. When they chew, they engage in problem-solving—figuring out how to grip a toy, maneuver a bone, or get to the tasty center of a chew treat. This keeps their minds active and prevents boredom-related mischief. 2
- Stress Relief & Comfort: Puppies often chew to self-soothe, especially in new or stressful environments. Having a reliable chew toy helps them manage anxiety and adjust to changes with confidence. *Oftentimes, when they first come home, they may be a bit shy or overwhelmed, which can delay the onset of noticeable chewing behavior for a few days.
- Developing Healthy Habits: Teaching your puppy what’s appropriate to chew on sets the foundation for a well-mannered adult dog. Puppies who learn to chew designated toys and long-term chews instead of household items are less likely to develop destructive habits later in life.
How to Guide Healthy Chewing
Rather than trying to stop chewing altogether, the goal should be to channel it into appropriate outlets. Here’s how:
- Provide a Variety of Chew Options – Offer different textures and materials, such as rubber chew toys, rope toys, and edible chews securely held in a Bow Wow Buddy® safety device . This keeps things exciting and prevents boredom. You may also find that your puppy prefers one over another, which will save you money in the long run by avoiding purchases they don’t enjoy.
- Make Approved Chews More Appealing – A rubber toy with a dab of peanut butter, a bully stick, collagen chew, or a frozen carrot can be more enticing than your furniture.
- Supervise & Redirect – If your puppy goes to chew on something off-limits, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Consistency is key.
- Use Positive Reinforcement – The best way to ensure the right behavior is by reinforcement. Don’t yell at your puppy if they chew on the wrong thing—they are still learning. Instead, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew item and praise them when they make the right choice.
- Puppy-Proof Your Home – Keep tempting objects like shoes, socks, and cables out of reach while your pup learns what’s fair game.
Chewing for Life: A Skill That Stays
Chewing isn’t something puppies outgrow—it remains an essential part of their lives. Adult dogs chew to relieve stress, stay mentally engaged, and maintain healthy teeth. By teaching your puppy proper chewing habits now, you’re giving them a lifelong coping mechanism that supports their well-being.
The Takeaway: Embrace the Chewing Phase
Chewing is an instinct, not a nuisance. When managed correctly, it benefits your puppy’s teething process, mental stimulation, stress relief, and long-term dental health. By embracing this natural behavior and guiding it wisely, you’re not just protecting your home—you’re setting your pup up for a happier, healthier life. So stock up on chews and appropriate chew toys, be patient, and enjoy the journey of raising a well-adjusted canine companion!
Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, canine wellness expert and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs.
* This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.
**The points of view expressed above are those of our clinical nutritionist and are supported by science, her education and experience. We are committed to providing the best, most straightforward, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.
1. Flint HE, Atkinson M, Lush J, Hunt ABG, King T. Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs during Short Periods of Social Isolation. Animals (Basel). 2023;13(4):552. doi:10.3390/ani13040552
2. Hunt RL, Whiteside H, Prankel S. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals (Basel). 2022;12(2):141. doi:10.3390/ani12020141
