Cats Are Not Chew Toys! 

By Teri Champigny

Puppies will chew on anything in sight.  Plants, electric cords, furniture, and you brand new $100 shoes.  They are bored and trying to entertain themselves or teething.  You must let the puppy know which items are bad for him to chew on - and be sure he knows the cat is NOT a chew toy!  Make sure he has a wide assortment of chew toys nearby.  If he is over six months old, you may need to see a vet concerning any dental problems.

One good idea is to freeze a wet washcloth and let him chew on it.  The cold will feel good and he will bite the cloth for a while.  You can even give him some ice cubes to munch on.  This will also help soothe the gums as well.

It is quite natural for the puppy to want to chew.  Like small children, they put everything in their mouth to learn about it.  Keep all objects of worth out of the pup's way and find a nylon bone or the like to take its place.  Then praise for correct behavior.  Nylon bones can be quite effective for the puppy's chewing problem.  You must use them from the outset though, otherwise they get used to other bones such as ham bones and won't use the nylon.  These types of bones look like a cord of rope and help the teeth stay clean.

Be leery of pork and chicken bones.  They can splinter in the stomach or cause any number o digestive problems.  Give bones that are too large to swallow.  Also as a rule, pig's feet, hooves, and any other half-digested treat are not good for the puppy either.  And the old thick rawhide the butcher gives you can give the puppy diarrhea.

If you find them munching down on items they aren't supposed to be, you need to move them to another area, and bring one of his chew toys to him.  If he starts to chew on it, give praise and a treat.  He will learn what makes you happy and what doesn't.