If your puppy is chewing everything, start by removing tempting or dangerous items, offering an appropriate chew object and rewarding them when they use it. Chewing is normal, especially while puppies explore and develop their adult teeth. The goal is not to stop chewing altogether; it is to make the safe choice easier.
Why is my puppy chewing so much?
Puppies investigate their surroundings with their mouths, and teething can increase their urge to chew. A puppy may also chew more when they are bored, unsettled or lacking suitable activities. Do not assume every episode has the same cause: notice what they target, when it happens and whether they are alone.
Make the room easier to navigate safely
Put shoes, laundry, remote controls and other tempting objects out of reach. Keep electrical cords inaccessible, and check the space from puppy height. When you cannot watch closely, use a suitably set-up puppy-safe area rather than giving access to the whole house. Keep appropriate chew options available there, but do not leave any toy with a puppy unsupervised until you are confident it is suitable and remains intact.
What should I do when I catch them chewing a shoe?
- Stay calm. Avoid shouting or punishment; it does not teach the puppy which objects are acceptable.
- Offer an appropriate chew toy and encourage an exchange rather than chasing or wrestling over the shoe.
- As soon as the puppy engages with the approved object, praise them or reward them with play.
- Move the shoe out of reach, then look for a way to prevent the same opportunity next time.
Repeat this consistently. Alongside chew opportunities, give your puppy age-appropriate play, social contact and mental stimulation.
How do I choose a chew toy?
Choose an object appropriate for your puppy’s size and chewing style. Supervise its first uses, inspect it regularly and remove it if pieces loosen or it becomes damaged. Any chew object can present a choking or swallowing risk if it is the wrong size or breaks apart.
For a product example, Cartaroo lists a rubber gourd puppy chew toy set. Its listing describes a rubber chew and treat-holder toy; that does not make it suitable for every puppy or safe to leave unattended. Check the listing and supervise use.
When should I speak to a vet?
Ask a qualified veterinarian for advice if chewing is excessive, your puppy seems distressed, their mouth appears painful or injured, or they may have swallowed part of an object. Choking or suspected swallowing of a dangerous item needs prompt veterinary help. A toy is not a substitute for finding and addressing an underlying problem.
Make a safe chew choice easy, reinforce it often and manage the environment while your puppy learns. If the pattern persists despite those changes, seek individual advice rather than escalating punishment.
