Bringing a puppy home is a joyful experience—until you notice teeth marks on your favorite sofa or chair leg. Chewing is a natural behavior, but if you’re wondering how to stop your puppy from chewing furniture at home, you’re not alone. Many pet owners face this phase, especially during teething.
In this blog, we’ll explore why puppies chew and what you can do to redirect that energy without stressing your pup—or your wallet.
Why Do Puppies Chew Furniture?
Chewing helps puppies in a few important ways:
- Teething relief: Puppies start teething around 3–4 weeks and continue until about 6 months of age. Chewing helps relieve gum discomfort.
- Exploration: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. New smells, textures, and shapes are all interesting.
- Boredom: If your puppy is left alone for long periods or doesn’t get enough mental stimulation, chewing becomes a self-soothing habit.
- Attention-seeking: Some puppies learn that chewing gets a reaction—especially if you yell or chase them.
Understanding the cause is key to finding the right solution.
Simple Steps to Stop the Chewing Habit
Here’s a step-by-step approach you can follow at home:
1. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Before you can train your puppy not to chew, you need to reduce temptation:
- Move shoes, cables, and children’s toys out of reach.
- Block off rooms with valuable furniture using baby gates.
- Spray furniture legs with a puppy-safe bitter deterrent.
2. Provide Chew Alternatives
Your puppy will chew—it’s your job to give better options.
- Use teething toys that can be frozen to soothe sore gums.
- Offer natural chews like bully sticks or puppy-safe dental bones.
- Rotate toys every few days to keep your puppy interested.
3. Supervise Closely
Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially during free time.
- Use a playpen or crate when you’re not around to supervise.
- If you catch them chewing furniture, calmly say “No” and replace the item with a toy.
- Praise them immediately when they chew the right thing.
4. Build a Chew-Friendly Routine
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
- Provide daily walks and playtime to burn energy.
- Introduce interactive toys like food puzzles or treat-dispensing balls to challenge your puppy’s brain.
- Schedule regular nap times to prevent overstimulation.
5. Use Training Techniques
Training takes consistency, but it pays off:
- Teach the command “Leave it” or “Drop it.”
- Reward your puppy with treats when they make the right choice.
- Keep training sessions short, fun, and positive.
6. Avoid Punishment
Yelling, scolding, or rubbing a puppy’s nose in damage doesn’t work—it only creates fear and confusion. Instead, focus on redirecting the behavior and reinforcing good choices.
When Chewing Could Be a Sign of Something More
If your puppy continues chewing destructively beyond 6 months, it could point to:
- Separation anxiety: Chewing when left alone may mean your puppy is stressed.
- Nutritional deficiency: Pica, or the urge to chew/eat non-food items, may signal a lack of nutrients.
- Lack of stimulation: Puppies need both physical and mental exercise.
Talk to your vet or a professional trainer if you’re concerned.
Puppy Teething Timeline (Quick Overview)
| Age | Teething Stage |
|---|---|
| 3–6 weeks | Baby teeth start to come in |
| 6–8 weeks | All baby teeth are present |
| 12–16 weeks | Adult teeth begin pushing in |
| 6 months | Most puppies have adult teeth |
Use this timeline to be prepared for extra chewing phases.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to stop your puppy from chewing furniture at home is all about patience, prevention, and redirection. Puppies grow out of this phase—especially when you support them with the right tools and love.
Be consistent with training, keep your home puppy-proofed, and celebrate small wins along the way. Before long, your pup will learn what’s chew-worthy—and what’s not.
🛋️🐾 Got a teething puppy chewing up your home? Try frozen carrots, tough rope toys, and lots of praise for good choices! Petsdogpuppy