How to discipline a little dog that gnaws on everything

Discovering your favorite shoes shredded or furniture legs splintered is every new pup parent’s rite of passage. That tiny land shark exploring your home with its mouth isn’t being malicious—it’s navigating the world the only way dogs know how. But in Western homes, especially compact city apartments where space is shared and noise travels, managing this behavior humanely isn’t just polite; it’s woven into our responsibility as pet owners.

First, understand why they chew. Puppies teethe just like human babies, seeking relief for sore gums. Adult dogs might chew out of boredom, anxiety (think separation stress during a workday), or sheer curiosity. Punishing them after the fact achieves nothing—dogs live in the moment. Instead, intercept and redirect. Keep a stash of approved chews like frozen rubber Kongs stuffed with yogurt or textured rope toys soaked in low-sodium broth. When you catch your terrier eyeing the sofa leg, calmly swap it for the toy and lavish praise when they chomp the right item. This positive reinforcement for destructive chewing builds lasting habits far better than scolding.

Remember, discipline here means teaching, not intimidating. Hitting, yelling, or rubbing a dog’s nose in debris isn’t just ineffective—it’s illegal in places like Sweden and culturally frowned upon across most Western communities. Animal welfare laws increasingly prioritize force-free methods. Imagine your neighbor’s frown if they heard sharp corrections through thin apartment walls! Instead, use taste deterrents like bitter apple spray on baseboards while simultaneously rewarding calm behavior with treats. Consistency is key; every family member must enforce the same rules.

Now, let’s talk real-world logistics. If you’re in a New York walk-up, preventing chaos means puppy-proofing rigorously. Use baby gates to restrict access when unsupervised. Crate training (never as punishment!) gives your pup a safe den when you’re grabbing groceries—just ensure the crate is cozy with a chew-proof bed. And yes, puppy teething solutions must align with local laws: Rabies vaccines are mandatory everywhere in the U.S. and EU, so teething toys shouldn’t compromise vet visits.

Community respect matters too. If your dachshund gnaws during park outings, redirect with a portable chew toy—never let them munch public benches or others’ property. Always carry biodegradable bags; fines for uncollected waste hit hard in cities like London or Seattle. Leash laws exist for safety, but a leashed dog chewing sidewalk debris risks ingesting toxins—another reason redirection skills matter.

For persistent chewers, dig deeper. Is your spaniel alone for 8 hours? Doggy daycare or a midday walker might solve it. Under-stimulated husky? Try puzzle feeders or scent games. One client’s beagle stopped demolishing doorframes after daily “find the treat” sessions in their Berlin balcony garden. Sometimes, destructive chewing prevention means enriching their mind, not just their jaws.

Patience pays off. It took my neighbor’s rescue Chihuahua three months of toy-swapping and frozen carrot treats to abandon her cable-chewing phase. Celebrate small wins—each time your pup chooses the Nylabone over your Nintendo controller is a victory. Stay consistent, stay kind, and remember: those needle teeth phase does end. Until then, invest in good chews, great vacuums, and even better humor.