Chewing
As part of their natural instincts, dogs and particularly puppies, will often exhibit mouthing or chewing behaviour. Not only is this a vital part of learning and socialization as puppies, but chewing can also be a play, teething, or anxiety relieving behaviour. Destructive behaviour is more commonly seen if a dog is in conflict, or quite upset – as often seen with separation anxiety.
It is therefore quite important to determine the reason for the chewing. If a variety of objects are chosen as the chew toy, then play or teething behaviour may be the cause. Directing the chewing towards a more productive end is advisable, or allowing a more suitable object such as a kong filled with treats would be suggested. Play periods and chew treats are usually adequate to prevent some of this behaviour; other alternatives include self feeders, other pets, and even videos.
Attention-getting behaviour, including garbage raiding and stealing food off counters, must not be encouraged. Prevention, booby-traps and supervision to prevent access is important, as the behaviour itself in getting into the garbage is self-rewarding. Booby-traps must be noxious enough to immediately stop the chewing, including citronella based sprays, bitter apple, and even cayenne pepper mixes.
Dogs that are destructive due to anxiety or to escape confinement must be trained to become comfortable with their surroundings – see our Obedience & Crate Training guide.
Biting
Normal social interaction between puppies often involves play biting and mouthing behaviour. Teething behaviour usually is associated with chewing on household objects. Teething objects, such as ice cubes or kongs filled with softer treats, work well to prevent damage to chair and table legs, while letting the puppy relieve some of the irritation to the gums as the adult teeth prepare to come in. Rough or aggressive play, such as tug of war and wrestling, should not be encouraged.
Puppies learn limits to biting while playing with other pups, therefore socializing your puppy with other healthy, vaccinated dogs or puppies in the home or environment is of benefit. Puppies must learn that chewing on hands and body parts is painful. All family members must be consistent in that training. It may be initially required to let out a loud cry or yell so that the puppy realizes the play is finished. When everyone does this consistently, biting behaviours should stop fairly quickly. Adult supervision is necessary to teach children to do this as well. If the puppy continues with the biting, all play activity stops and a "time out" is enforced until he calms down.