Help! My Puppy Won't Stop Chewing: Tips for Overcoming Common Puppy Pain Points

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it’s not without its challenges. From sleepless nights to chewed-up shoes, every puppy owner faces obstacles along the way. The good news? With the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and set your pup up for success. Here are five common pain points puppy owners face and practical tips to address them.

1. Toilet Training Troubles

One of the first challenges many puppy owners encounter is toilet training. Accidents in the house can be frustrating and time-consuming to clean up.

Solution:

• Establish a routine: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your pup with praise and treats when they eliminate in the correct spot.

• Supervise and manage: Keep an eye on your puppy indoors and use a crate or playpen to limit accidents.

2. Biting and Chewing

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but this can result in unwanted biting and destruction of household items.

Solution:

• Redirect biting: Offer appropriate chew toys whenever your puppy starts biting.

• Provide enrichment: Keep their mind engaged with puzzle toys, frozen treats, and safe chew items.

• Manage the environment: Don't leave chewable items lying around to steal. Consider hiding your shoes away until after the teething period!

  
  

3. Lack of Sleep (for Both of You!)

Puppies can take a while to settle into a sleep routine, leaving owners feeling exhausted.

Solution:

• Create a calming bedtime routine: Ensure your puppy has had adequate exercise/mental enrichment, bathroom breaks, and quiet time before bed.

• Set up a few cozy sleep spaces: Dogs love choice, so set up a few areas with comfortable bedding and a calming toys.

• Be patient and compassionate: Very young puppies need time to adjust, so showing them love when they need it is ok!

  
  

4. Socialisation Woes

Proper socialisation during puppyhood is critical, but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked.

Solution:

• Expose your puppy gradually: Introduce them to new people, environments, and other dogs in a controlled, positive way.

• Watch for signs of stress: Don’t force interactions if your puppy seems overwhelmed.

• Use rewards: Reinforce positive experiences with treats and praise.

  
  

5. Training Challenges

Puppies are eager to learn but can also be easily distracted, making training feel like an uphill battle.

Solution:

• Start simple: Focus on the most important life skills first, such as crossing the road safely, leaving items and coming back when called.

• Keep sessions short: Puppies have short attention spans, so aim for 5-10 minute sessions.

• Be consistent: Use the same cues and hand signals every time to avoid confusion.

• Seek professional help: If you’re struggling, consider working with a qualified dog trainer.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Owning a puppy comes with its fair share of challenges, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, you can navigate the bumps in the road. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your furry friend.

Need help with your puppy? At Ellie’s School for Dogs, we offer personalised training plans to tackle these pain points and more. Contact us today to learn how we can support you and your pup on this exciting journey!