Poodle Information
Your Subtitle text
Poodle Teething & Chewing
Overview
Puppies will chew to:
While puppies are usually most infamous for destroying shoes, books and just about anything that they can get their mouths on, adult Poodles can have chewing issues also!
Puppies will chew to:
- Explore their world
- Ease the intense feelings of teething
- Help cope with Separation Anxiety
- Ease boredom
Dont worry! No matter how old your Poodle is , or whether your have a Toy, Miniature or Standard, help is here!
Puppies
One of the reasons that Poodle puppy will chew, even before teething has begun, is to explore the world. A puppy will use their mouth (as opposed to a hand) to figure out….”What is this?” “What is this made of” “Will this cause pleasure to gnaw on?” “Will this make noise if I bite down” ….and most importantly: “Am I allowed to be chewing on this?”
One must understand that it is in the nature of a Poodle puppy (or any other dog breed, for that matter) to chew and explore with their mouths. And there are ways that you can limit what is chewed on…and answer that biggest question of all “Am I allowed to be chewing on this?”
Since a puppy will put anything in their mouth, it is extremely important to puppy proof your home for at least the first year or so. Floors are an “everything is up for grabs” zone to a puppy and must be kept clear.
One of the most common complaints of puppy owners is “My puppy chewed my shoes!” The answer is to simply put your shoes in an area that your puppy cannot reach.
While you don’t want to have to rearrange your entire home, a loving owner must make certain changes for the sake of their new canine family member and this includes finding new areas, out of reach, for things such as:
- Shoes
- Pocketbooks
- Cigarettes
- Wallets
- Wires / electrical cords
- Remote controls
One of the Most Important Command Words
There are, of course, some objects that must be on ground level and this is where one of the most important command words comes into play: “No”. However, for chewing issues, this should be followed by a trade. What does this mean? When you see that your puppy is chewing on something inappropriate, say “No” in a firm voice and then offer a toy to your Poodle. When they accept the toy, give great praise to teach your pup that chewing on the toy is what makes you proud of them.
Sometimes, a puppy can be stubborn, and this is where you must not be shy. If you say “No” in a firm voice and he or she just keeps on chewing away on the corner of your new couch… give the command in a quick, loud manner. Many times this may startle a puppy – this is acceptable. This means that you have captured their attention and can now offer the trade and give them the chew toy.
Teething
A puppy must be allowed to chew as much as they wish, when they are teething. This is a very difficult time for a Poodle puppy, as the urge to relive their discomfort is quite overwhelming. It will be your job to supply the correct items. Anyone can create a dog toy! Some toys are so cheaply put together, the manufacturers splash on some color, give it a cute name and people scoop them up. However, those are the toys that most dogs do not find interesting and you inevitably waste your money and your dog is not being helped. Toys should have 1 or more of the qualities:
- Interactive – Moves or makes noise when chewed
- Have several different types of surfaces – for example rubber knobs on one end to put between teeth when the gums are sore and rope for a different feel
- Can be put into the freezer - There are many dog toys that can be frozen and this can be a great way to help a teething puppy. Alternatively, putting a damp, soft wash cloth into the freezer and offering that, once cold, can offer cooling relief
• 4 Months old - the incisors begin to grow in
• 5 months old - the canine teeth begin to grow in
• 6 months old - the molars begin to grow in
By 8 months old, a puppy should have all teeth ascended and stop teething. Do keep in mind that some Poodles are late bloomers and teething may last a bit longer.
Easing the Pain
Teething toys help, of course. Giving your puppy an ice cube to lick and chew on will help distribute cold to the gums and help with discomfort; however a pup can quickly become bored with an ice cube. Dr. Sara's Healthy Home Cooking for Poodles includes 5 recipes for teething Poodle puppies, which are both delicious and help greatly (and 67 Poodle dog food recipes in all.
Teaching Your Dog to Chew on Dog Toys
Once you have cleared the house of low level items the best that you can and you watch your Poodle carefully to stop any unwanted chewing, you must have a proper supply of dog toys. Your Poodle may need a bit of encouragement to play with their toys.
Puppies love new objects. Therefore, one trick that works well is to have 2 groups of toys…always keeping 1 available and 1 hidden. Every week, you can switch out the toys and most puppies will be very happy to have “new” toys to play with. Do keep in mind that any toy that you pup has seemed to become very fond of, should not be put away and should always be available.
If your pup is reluctant to play with toys, you can encourage them by making up games such as “Find”. This is a simple game that engages a pup to “Find” a toy that you clearly allow them to let you see tucking it away under a cushion or behind a door. You then give the “Find” command and pat the floor to help lead the way. Offer great praise when the “find” the toy. Cluing in on their owner’s tone and actions, a pup will believe that they have truly found something special. Chew toys should always bring a positive association.
This training method of using the "Find" word will come in handy for the next issue.
Separation Anxiety Chewing
If your Poodle destroys things or chews on objects while you are away, they are most likely expressing their nervousness and anxiety while waiting for you to return. You can resolve this once your Poodle is used to their fun and interesting toys. When you come home, give your dog the "Find" command. When your dog grabs a toy and brings it to you, then you may lavish him or her with hugs, kisses and attention. In this way, your Poodle will learn that having a toy ready for your arrival is a good behavior that will earn them lots of love and attention.
More Chewing & Teething Help
Chewing & Teething are huge issues for not just the growing puppy but for adult dogs as well. Many owners who do not reinforce proper training in the puppy years, find themselves with an adult dog who has had years of chewing habits. If you are looking for much more information or if you wish for the AllPoodleInfo Experts to answer any questions that you have....just click here to learn how this can be available to you.
More Chewing & Teething Help
Chewing & Teething are huge issues for not just the growing puppy but for adult dogs as well. Many owners who do not reinforce proper training in the puppy years, find themselves with an adult dog who has had years of chewing habits. If you are looking for much more information or if you wish for the AllPoodleInfo Experts to answer any questions that you have....just click here to learn how this can be available to you.
