Behavior Problem Solving

Constructive Chewing: Redirect & Enrich

Behavior Problem Solving

Overview

Puppies chew to soothe teething. Adult dogs chew for stress relief, boredom, and jaw satisfaction. The goal isn't to eliminate chewing — it's to redirect it onto appropriate items and prevent access to the wrong ones.

Why it matters

Chewing lowers cortisol. A dog with regular chewing outlets is a calmer dog.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Redirect demo: puppy grabs a shoe, handler swaps for a legal chew. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

  1. Provide a variety of chew types: rubber (Kong), safe bones, bully sticks, cardboard-and-treat DIYs.

  2. Rotate chews weekly to keep them novel.

  3. When you catch inappropriate chewing, swap — don't scold. Trade the shoe for a legal chew, praise the switch.

  4. Puppy-proof: pick up shoes, cords, remotes. Manage the environment.

  5. Feed one meal a day out of a puzzle feeder or Kong to combine food and chewing.

  6. Frozen Kongs are a great long-lasting option for crate time.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] A "chew library" of 5–6 different textures and shapes. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

  • Punishing chewing without providing alternatives.

  • Giving the dog access to rooms full of "off-limits" items.

  • Ignoring the underlying need — a bored dog will find something to chew.

Practice this week

Provide 3 different chew options per day for 2 weeks.