"NO! Don't Chew That!" Controlling Your Dog's Chewing Behavior

Dogs learn about the world by using many of their senses. Their sense of smell is much more advanced than a human and they use their eyes and their ears to explore the world around them also. But to many of new owners dismay, dogs also use their mouths to take in new information about the world around them.
Many a dog owner has come home to find Mom brand new $180 pumps chewed to bits by their new puppy. It’s a frustrating fact of life that puppies like to chew. Until your puppy learns when, where and what is appropriate to chew your best bet is to control the chewing because you are not likely to eliminate it.
Puppies need to chew as they are teething. Much like babies, a puppies teeth growing in can be painful and the rubbing and chewing of different things offer relief. But even adult dogs can chew; oftentimes it is out of boredom or just a need for an outlet of excess energies.
Controlling your puppy in regards to the chewing situation is easily accomplished. Take responsibility for your own belongings. Your puppy will never chew something that he cannot find. Just like you take measures to baby proof your home to protect your toddler, you need to puppy proof your home to protect your puppy and your belongings. If there is something you don’t want your puppy to chew on, make sure it is out of reach of your puppy. By the same token, if you do not want your puppy to chew on your shoes or socks do not give him an old shoe or an old sock to chew on. Your puppy is a dog and he does not have the ability to differentiate between the old shoe he is used to chewing on and the brand new $180 shoes in your closet. Your dog should only be allowed to chew his own specified doggie toys.
Until your puppy learns the rules of the household, you should confine him if you are unable to watch him. Choose a safe place that is puppy-proofed; provide fresh water and his toys. If your dog is crate trained, the crate is always a good solution for this.
Give your dog plenty of attention and people time. Your dog needs love and companionship and appropriate training. You will have fewer problems all around with your dog if he receives some good training on how to be a well-behaved and upstanding doggy citizen.
Chewing is natural behavior for your dog. Your job is to control it and train your dog what is appropriate for him to chew on. ( By Kevin Lynch )