4 Easy Hacks to Protect Your Furniture From a Teething Puppy
Are you planning on bringing home a pup? Then you’ll also need to be prepared for chewed-up furniture legs and other damage to your couches, shoes, etc. Fortunately for you, it’s easy to control this behavior. Read on to know how you can keep your furniture and other items safe from a teething puppy.
Can You Prevent Your Puppy From Chewing on Furniture?
Your puppy begins teething sometime around three weeks from birth, and the process continues until six months by when all of their permanent teeth have arrived. A teething puppy is on a mission – to deal with its sore gums in the easiest way possible.
Chewing is a natural canine behavior, and dogs love wood. And while not all dogs chew on furniture, training a little pup not to chew is easier said than done. And, until your little pet realizes what to chew and what not to, prevention is the only tool you have.
Thankfully, there are several easy hacks to keep your little pup away from your furniture. Read on to know-how.
4 Ways to Stop Your Fur-ball From Chewing Furniture
The exact teething period varies from breed to breed, but the fact is that puppies, irrespective of species, tend to gnaw on almost everything that’s within reach during this period.
There are a few sure-fire ways to keep your pup from making your furniture their favorite chew toy. Here’s what you can do to keep your stuff safe while also helping ease the discomfort your pet is going through.
1. Distract Them With Toys
The most common method that pet-parents often adopt to deal with teething puppies is using chew toys. They’re convenient distractions and will keep your pup from gnawing on your furniture.
Your pup can relieve their pain by chewing on toys that are made specifically for your little teething canine. The majority of teething dog toys are rubber, plastic, or other materials. They are also available in different sizes according to your puppy’s stature.
You can purchase chew toys according to the level of chewing your little one tends to engage in, ranging from squishy toys to sturdy toys.
Chew toys are worth the investment you make on them because not only are they soothing for puppies, but they ensure your furniture and footwear remain undamaged. Remember to keep the toys right next to your pet at all times, so they don’t chew on the closest thing available.
You can also consider placing their chew toys in your refrigerator for a while since cold is soothing for sore gums.
Even though chew toys are generally durable, they tend to wear with time and usage. So, keep an eye out for damaged and worn-out toys before they become a possible choking hazard for your little chewer.
2. Provide Chew Treats
If you can’t let them chew on your furniture, then give them something else to chew on! Offering them chew treats is an effective way to keep them away from your belongings.
Chewing treats are entirely safe to consume. If you are unsure about your pup using chew toys made of plastic and rubber, chewing treats are a viable alternative. There are several tasty flavors to choose from and can keep your dog occupied for hours on end.
Make sure to purchase treats that use natural ingredients, as added chemicals or preservatives could harm your young pup’s digestive system.
Did you know that chew treats will also help your puppy keep their teeth clean? Along with aiding your puppy’s teething process, these treats also remove any food or gunk stuck to their teeth. Minty-fresh breath, coming right up!
Remember that chew treats are different for puppies and adult dogs. Since puppies have very fragile teeth, their chew treats are comparatively much softer than those available for full-grown dogs.
Note: Avoid items like bully sticks and ice cubes at all costs.
3. Use a Taste Deterrent
Dogs loathe bitter foods. And if you spray a little taste deterrent that contains bitter flavors on your furniture, they will undoubtedly stop chewing on it after the first few unpleasant experiences.
But how do taste deterrents effectively work if dogs have fewer taste buds than we do? They rely on their excellent sense of smell, which makes up for their shortage of taste buds.
Dogs do possess receptors that can identify bitter foods. Once they come into contact with the bitter taste deterrent, they associate this taste with the smell of the barrier. Therefore, they will be able to identify it and steer clear.
Taste deterrents are easily on top of the list if you’re looking for easy hacks to protect furniture from a teething puppy. We recommend bitter apple sprays, as they have the best track record with keeping teething pups from chewing on something they shouldn’t.
You could buy a bitter apple spray from the supermarket or consider making it yourself at home! Making it yourself will save money and give you some peace of mind if you’re unsure about the ingredients of store-bought taste deterrents.
Homemade Puppy Taste Deterrent Recipe
All you have to do is mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of apple cider vinegar and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle till the mixture blends well, and spray a small amount on your puppy’s preferred targets.
It may be best to test the spray on a small part of your furniture beforehand to check for any discoloration or damage on the wood.
Lemon sprays are an alternative to apple sprays. The plus point here is that your home would end up smelling like citrus – fresh and fruity! Simply replace the apple cider vinegar with some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
4. Start Training Early
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) says that simply using chewing deterrents like the ones mentioned above won’t completely stop your puppy’s undesirable teething behavior.
They require training to identify objects that they can chew on and those that are off-limits.
We suggest that you directly introduce your puppy to the taste of the deterrent you plan to use. Dip a tiny piece of cotton or tissue into the block and gently place it inside your puppy’s mouth.
They are sure to spit it out and may even gag a little to get the taste out of their mouth. This activity is called conditioning. Further, it will help your puppy remember to stay away from anything that smells or tastes similar to the deterrent.
If you catch them in the act of biting your furniture, express your displeasure by loudly saying “OW!” or “Ouch!” but not so loud that you scare them away. Try placing a chew toy in front of your pup to distract it from the furniture.
If they accept the alternative, respond positively by offering them praise or treats. Positive reinforcement is one of the best methods to employ while training your dogs to behave instead of making them fear you.
Another easy way to deter them from their misbehaviors during teething is to spray them with water. Also, it’s entirely harmless; all you have to do is hide and surprise them with the water spray while they are chewing on your furniture.
Your puppy will get startled and confused because it will not figure out how it gets sprayed when it gnaws on the furniture. Eventually, your pup will quit this habit and look for other alternatives (possibly).
Bite inhibition is also necessary training that your puppy needs to moderate the force of their bite. If your puppy likes to nip at you while playing, stop engaging with them for a few moments.
Spraying will teach your puppy that biting means they don’t get your attention or playtime. Dr. Jerry Klein, American Kennel Club’s chief veterinary officer, asserts that play-biting isn’t a sign of vicious or aggressive behavior. But it’s always better to nip it in the bud.
Generally, play-biting stops right after your pupsters teething phase is over. But if the problem persists, you may want to consult a canine behavior specialist or trainer.
Final Thoughts
Chewing can be your pup’s favorite past-time, but your furniture does not have to bear the brunt of their teething. The hacks mentioned above are simple, easy, and work well to keep teething pups away from furniture and other household items.
Here is an extensive list of safe and tested teething toys and chew treats for your puppy to enjoy! Raising your pup should be a fun and safe experience for both of you. With proper training and nourishment, your pup can be your canine best friend for years to come!
