Chew on This: The Top 5 Mistakes New Puppy Parents Make (And How to Fix Them!)

Hey, new puppy parent! So, your adorable little addition to the family has turned into a chewing nightmare, leaving a trail of nibbled shoes and frayed furniture. Chewing is as natural to puppies as wagging tails, cuddles, and zoomies, but us humans? We tend to make some rookie mistakes that may actually make it worse and encourage these unwanted behaviors.

Here are the top five mistakes people make when it comes to puppy chewing—and practical solutions to fix them.

Mistake #1: Not Providing Enough Chew Options

The Problem: Puppies chew to relieve teething pain, explore their environment, relieve stress (yes, puppies can have stress from being in a new environment or from kids running around, etc) and to burn energy. If they don’t have appropriate outlets, they’ll turn to furniture, shoes, and anything else within reach.

The Solution: Provide a variety of chews and toys suited to your puppy’s age and chewing strength. Durable rubber toys, rope toys, and frozen teething options can keep them engaged while soothing sore gums. Try a rubber Kong stuffed with peanut butter (xylitol-free!), a bully stick secured in a Bow Wow Buddy safety device , or frozen apple slices for a natural, soothing chew. To prevent boredom, rotate chews and toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

Action Step: Assess your puppy’s current toy selection. If they only have one or two options, add a few different textures and types of chews and toys to see which they prefer.

Mistake #2: Reacting Too Late or Too Harshly

The Problem: Scolding a puppy for chewing something hours after the fact does nothing but create confusion. Yelling or punishment doesn’t teach them what they should be chewing—it just creates fear. Puppies don’t speak “retroactive scolding.” Yelling after the fact confuses them and might even make them chew in secret next time. Yelling can also create more stress, which may result in them chewing even more.

The Solution: Catch them in the act. If you see your puppy chewing something inappropriate, calmly say “no,” swap the item for an appropriate chew or toy, and shower them with praise when they chew the right thing. Avoiding yelling and consistency is key here.

Action Step: Keep chew toys accessible in every room, so you’re always ready to redirect unwanted chewing.

Mistake #3: Failing to Puppy-Proof Your Home

The Problem: Leaving shoes, socks, charging cords, and other tempting items within reach sets your puppy up for failure. Puppies don’t know the difference between a chew toy and your expensive sneakers.

The Solution: Proactively manage your environment. Keep personal items out of reach, secure electrical cords, and use baby gates or playpens to limit access when you can’t supervise.

Action Step: Do a quick walk-through of your home from a puppy’s perspective and remove or secure anything they might be tempted to chew. Think baby-proofing, but for your four-legged one instead.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Underlying Cause of Excessive Chewing

The Problem: Some puppies chew out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of stimulation. Simply providing chew toys won’t solve the problem if the root cause isn’t addressed.

The Solution: Ensure your puppy gets enough physical exercise and mental enrichment. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions can help prevent destructive chewing caused by boredom or stress.

Action Step: Observe when your puppy chews the most. If it happens after long periods of inactivity, it’s a good indicator that you need to increase their exercise and mental stimulation.

Mistake #5: Being Inconsistent with Rules

The Problem: Allowing a puppy to chew on an old shoe one day but scolding them for chewing a new one the next day sends mixed messages. Inconsistent rules = one confused puppy. They’ll never figure out what’s okay if the goalposts keep moving.

The Solution: Set clear and consistent rules about what is and isn’t acceptable. If household items are off-limits, never offer them as chew toys. Ensure all family members follow the same guidelines—a family huddle to discuss and ensure everyone’s on the same page is an invaluable part of training.

Action Step: Establish a clear chewing policy and make sure everyone in your home enforces it consistently.

Additional Tips for Preventing Destructive Chewing

• Increase Exercise: A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive behavior.
• Use a Crate or Playpen: When you can’t supervise, confine your puppy with safe chew options.
• Be Patient:Chewing is a normal phase, especially for teething puppies. With consistent training and proper management, they’ll outgrow destructive chewing. However, the habit can persist into adulthood if they aren’t given appropriate chews and encouraged to use them.

With the right approach, you can guide your puppy toward appropriate chewing habits and prevent long-term destructive behavior. Start applying these strategies today, and you’ll set your puppy up for success.

Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, canine wellness expert and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs.

* This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

**The points of view expressed above are those of our clinical nutritionist and are supported by science, her education and experience. We are committed to providing the best, most straightforward, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.