(...or The Shameful Tale of Shredded Shoes)

Chewing comes naturally to puppies--anything they find goes immediately into their mouths! When this natural instinct is combined with the stress of teething, your cute ball of fur can turn into a house-wrecking menace. The bad news is destructive chewing is one of the main reasons that pups are turned into animal shelters. The good news is your dog's chewing can be controlled.

As with all training, the sooner you start the better. You can buy appropriate chew toys for you pup BEFORE you even bring him home! Make sure you have plenty of chewies to keep him occupied. The Nylabone brand of toy is a popular one--it is great for chomping pups. Rawhides can be great too, but be sure you buy American-made, good quality bones. Some cheaper quality rawhides contain chemicals that are bad for the dog's health. Keep your dog's size in mind--a Chihuahua may take forever to get through a 4 inch rawhide, while a St.Bernard may have it gone in 5 minutes. Just like a child, a pup who gulps down a treat too quickly may choke.

If your pup likes them, uncooked carrots make great, healthy chew treats. They are not fattening and their crunchiness appeals to pups. Another easy-to- make teething remedy is to take a wet washcloth, tie it in a knot and freeze it. It makes a soothing chew toy. You may need to keep several frozen, as they will thaw quickly. Never give your dog chicken or pork bones as they can splinter and seriously harm your dog. If you give a beef bone, be sure it is a heavy knuckle bone.

A puppy may teethe anywhere from 6 weeks old to 6 months old. Teething is uncomfortable and the pup will chew to ease the pain. His is not discriminating--your shoe will work as well as anything else! "Puppy proof" your home. Do not leave tempting items where a curious pup can pick it up. Give the pup plenty of his own chews to keep him occupied. If you see him pick up something he should not have, tell him firmly to "Drop it", take the item from him and then give him his own chewie. Never give a pup an old shoe or sock as a toy! He cannot discriminate between old shoes and new ones. Also, do not let a teething pup have the run of the house when you are not there to supervise. Not only may possessions be destroyed, but also the pup may actually lose his life by chewing an electrical cord or other dangerous item. He will be safe and happy in his crate with his toys while you are out.

Be sure your dog is getting enough exercise--a bored dog is a chewing dog! Sometimes dogs will chew to relieve stress and boredom. Make time to exercise and play with him and he will be less likely to chew. The upside is that it is good for you too! Aren't dogs wonderful!?

If your pup has developed a taste for some off-limit item, such as the leg of your dining room table, and your corrections are not working, there are several commercial items such as "Bitter-Apple" that you can spray on the item to make it distasteful to the dog. Ask your vet to recommend one.

Use the "3-P's", Patience, Persistence, and a "Pile o' toys", and you will make it through the chewing stage unscathed!!

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