How do I select a puppy and be sure it won't chew in the future?

1. 82

   Carmen Hposted 13 years ago

   How do I select a puppy and be sure it won't chew in the future?
   
   Almost 90% of dogs I know have chewing habit, and some of them didn't even chew when they were puppies.  It really is frustrating when the furniture gets disfigured by a beloved dog.

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2. 79

   BizGenGirlposted 13 years ago

   You can't choose a dog based on chewing. All dogs chew at some point, and it is always the worst when they are teething, not when they are very little.
   
   On top of that, every dog is different. Some will chew more than others, some will easily take to chewing on their own toys.
   
   Just choose a dog and commit to consistent anti-chew training, and invest in plenty of items that they can chew on, such as cow knuckles, frozen hooves and other goodies. This will deter them from the furniture, but nothing is 100%, and you certainly can't go by breed, nor can you tell in their youth.
   
   Your only other option is to adopt an older dog who has been evaluated. That way the dog will be past it's chewing stage and you will know it's not a persistent chewer.
   
   Though even then, you'll want to make sure not to get a dog that is high anxiety, because when you leave home, they might resort to chewing, even if they have never done so before.

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3. 87

   tsmogposted 13 years ago

   I read somewhere chewing is both a deficiency of sometype causing it and the teething principle. Selecting is gon'na probably either a researched thing or an emotional thing. I agree with BizGenGirl that they all chew to some degree or another.

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4. 89

   akirchnerposted 13 years ago

   The key to keeping a dog from chewing on what you don't want them to chew on is to provide them with appropriate things to chew on.  No dog will ever 'not chew'.  Especially puppies~ 
   
   Dogs that have a tendency to chew always need chew toys or they will find something (that is yours) to chew up or chew on. 
   
   If you see a dog or puppy chewing on something it's not supposed to chew on, say "no" if you want - it probably won't stop the behavior though.  The best thing to do is continually replace the chewed upon thing with an APPROPRIATE chew thing and just keep doing that until they get the picture.

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5. 82

   Bukarellaposted 13 years ago

   Vast majority of dogs wants to chew on things. First, when the teeth are changing (around 4-5 months), and later when the teeth are setting into the jawline (around 9-10 months) the dogs have a need to relief the discomfort through chewing. So that's one part of the problem.
   Second part of the problem is that dogs are not taught what they are allowed and not allowed to chew on. It takes time, work and persistence to explain to an animal that doesn't speak the same language and is for all purposes is a baby-toddler-teenger the first year of life with you, why he/she is not allowed to chew on things that seem to be perfectly built for chewing on them.
   
   You will have to always keep your puppy in sight, until it learns to behave appropriately. You will have to have dog-toys and long lasting chewy-treats (like bully sticks) ready to relief puppy's teething in a positive manner. When you see them picking something up of yours to chew on, say "NO", and redirect them to one of their own toys. As soon as the puppy grabs their toy - praise and play and treat. You will have to repeat these steps abotu 20000 times before puppy turns 4-5 months, and if you remained consistent and patient, by that age the pup will learn what to do and what not to do. If instead you stick your pup in the crate for the day, and let them out once in a while to play and then "put them away" like a toy, they will never learn how to behave. If you don't redirect from your clothes and furniture in a consistent patient manner time after time, they will not learn to expect the same result, and will assume that sometimes it's okay to chew on things, and other times it's not okay.
   
   My rottie has damaged only 2 things in her puppyhood. One was an accident during play (ripped sweatshirt), and the other one was chewed up cell phone charger (she got to it the first week we had her). Other than that the steps I described helped us teach her "chewing manners". I can even do laundry with her in the room, and she won't get in the way.
   
   Good luck with your puppy training!

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6. 61

   Erin Braxtonposted 13 years ago

   You should pick a puppy that you bond with and not by how much you think they will chew.  I have a West Highland White Terrier and he never chewed one shoe or any furniture.  I did look up one day after he was 10 months and noticed that he chewed the baseboard trim in my condo (just a few corners).  But I consider myself lucky.
   
   I recommend that you do what a lot of people don't do when they get a puppy, monitor their freedom and keep them confined to certain areas.  Puppies are not show pieces and accessories.  They are living breathing animals that need to be taught early on, in order to prevent bad behavior later in life.  Some people get them and just want to play with them but you have to put in the time to achieve the best behavior.  No slip ups. Just train the from the moment they get in your house!
   
   Begin by limiting their space.  Only after they begin to gain your trust, can you let them roam freely, with access to certain rooms and the ability to get to furniture with those teeth!
   
   I believe in crate training.  That way, they are on a schedule and they are only out and about when you can watch them.  The crate becomes their room and if needed, you can send them to their room for bad behavior!  If they have not been out to take care of their business or you can not keep an eye on them, they are in their crate.  And just like babies, you have to keep things out of reach with them. At 9, my dog is finally over ripping through the trash, but he's nine! Over time, you'll have a perfectly trained dog because you took the time to do what needed to be done.
   
   Check out the book "Puppy Preeschool" by John Ross. They even give breed recommendations.

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