Probably one of the most common questions that new dog owners ask us in our chat at the moment. The small pointed puppy teeth not only look cute but can also hurt quite a bit and abuse many a pair of favorite shoes rudely as a chewing bone. But don’t worry, we at Pupy will save your hands and shoes and explain step by step how your dog learns the so-called bite inhibition, and tell you the top 4 chewing alternatives to shoes and wooden tables!
Bite inhibition in play
Surely you have noticed that your dog uses his teeth in play instead of his hands. First of all, there is nothing against it. Your dog does not want to bite you viciously and usually does not have rabies when he goes over the top in the game. On the contrary, for him, the whole thing still means fun, even if the pointed milk tooth just scalps your thumb. However, since we humans really don’t have thick fur and definitely have more sensitive skin than dogs, we have to show our new family members the intensity with which they can play with us.
If you observe puppies and dogs with each other you can quickly see that they also stop each other in their eagerness by interrupting the game with a stop signal. Usually, this happens super quickly, you’ll hear a short howl, then maybe a threatening baring of teeth or brief bumping or snapping at the air. The dogs interrupt the game, sometimes briefly shaking off their stress or placating each other. Then it usually continues with the game, as if nothing had happened. As dog owners, you can imitate this behavior to some extent.
Of course, they should not now practice in front of the mirror to bare their teeth. No. What you should imitate is the short sound of pain, e.g. with an “ouch” and the interruption of the play sequence. So if your puppy has gone over the top, first make pain sound e.g. “ouch”, then interrupt the game and turn away from your puppy. Very important: Your puppy is not pushed to the ground or otherwise physically punished here. It is enough to turn away from your puppy, stand up and let him think for a moment why the game ended so abruptly. After 2-3 minutes you or your puppy can start the game again. Unlike us humans, dogs don’t hold grudges and we should learn that from them too!
Calf biting and dull 4 minutes
Another common problem in puppyhood is the “Dolle 5 minutes.” Your puppy will run around the apartment like crazy, biting curtains, the sofa, and sometimes your feet or calves. Unfortunately, getting very excited has the opposite effect. Because if you get excited, this mood can be transferred to your dog very quickly. It is better if you meet your dog in such a situation with calmness. Catch him at a moment when he comes towards you, leash him if necessary and take him to his basket or dog box. Have sent him to his place, a chewing bone or very slow petting can help to calm your dog. In general, a short house leash that you attach to your dog’s harness (1 meter and without a loop) is recommended for the first time. This way you avoid an unintentional game of tag while your dog is getting excited. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that short racing sessions without anyone or anything getting to feel your puppy’s teeth are also perfectly fine and should not always be prevented.
Of shoe biters and furniture lovers
Beloved clothing and pieces of interior decor can also fall victim to your teething puppy. The key here is to create an alternative. Offer your dog plenty of opportunities to chew during teething, and it’s better to leave your favorite shoes by the front door or in the shoe closet during this time.
5 suitable chewing items during the change of teeth:
