Getting Started Week Nine - Chew Training

Wrong Move: Allow the pup to chew on old shoes and socks,  leave squeaky or plush toys in the kennel with the  puppy.

Right Move:   Only allow access to approved chew toys like Kongs, Nylabones, Sterilized Bones, or Dental Ropes. It is safe for the puppy to try to destroy these while confined in a portable kennel, x-pen, bathroom, etc.

Note: Make toys that can be easily destroyed such as squeaky toys, or anything made of finished leather or fabric for Interactive Play Only. Pick them up and put them away when you are not there to supervise. Not only are these toys expensive to replace, but dogs may come to think that household items made of these materials are okay to chew up and destroy.

Recommendation: Teach "Contented Confinement" when you are home by providing an edible chew toy such as a compressed rawhide. Take away any parts when small enough to swallow. Praise interest in chewing (good for teeth, and a great intellectual pastime), and smear some peanut butter inside a sterilized bone or Kong to get them started.

Don't allow the puppy free access in the house until toilet and chew training are completed. This is KEY to Error-Free Puppy Raising™.