HOW DO YOU KEEP A PUPPY FROM CHEWING THINGS HES NOT SUPPOSED TO ? I've had my 10 mo old Chiquia mix for about?

If you don't mind, I'm gonna cut and past part of an answer i gave to someone else on this very subject. it is something I have done with several dogs, including a world class chewer, who could make a love seat disappeared in one afternoon.

"Bad item" training is how to get a dog to leave stuff alone. It is basically getting the dog to associate negative feelings with an item. Example, my dog used to get into the trash and chew shoes. Old school method would be to drag the dog to the trash can, and begin scolding the dog. Dogs do not think like we do, they don't connect the punishment they are getting with the act of dumpster diving, unless you catch them in the act. So, unless you catch the dog in act, it is pointless to punish them after the fact. They don't know exactly why they are being punished. If YOU go and knock the trash can over, then call the dog, and yell "who did this", the dog will act guilty. Most people mistake "fear" for "guilt". The dog doesn't feel guilty, just afraid. A better method is "bad item" training. Take the dog to the trash can, sit the dog down, pet him, speak nice to him, hold his collar, and then....yell at the trash can. Kick it and tell the trash can it is bad for tempting your poor dog. The dog will try to get away, don't let him, just stop attacking the trash can, and go back to petting him, and speaking nice to him. Calm him down, make him understand he is good dog, you are both there to punish the trash can (or shoes). Then attack the trash can some more. I know this sounds nuts, and you'll feel a bit foolish doing it. But, to the dog, the trash can is now a "bad item", to be avoided. He is not afraid of you, or feeling bad about himself. The item is bad! You'll have to do this more then once, but the nice thing is, you can do it at any time, no having to catch the dog in the act.

So, as goofy as this sounds, it works. Even today, I tossed some food into the trash can that had gone bad. The dog really was interested in it. I mean to you or I, a box of old donuts hold little appeal. But to the dog, he's like "hey, that smells great, gimme". All I did was say "bad trash can", and the dog back up, and let out a little growl, then went away.

Hope this helps. Best of luck, have a great day.

What a lot of other people do and have found very effective is mixing some vinegar and water into a spray bottle (90% water, 10% vinegar). Despite the vinegar being such a small portion compared to the water, a dogs keen sense of smell makes them more sensitive to it than people. If you spray items with it that you don't want him to chew, or even spray it in front of the puppy himself, he will associate the bad smell with his excessive chewing and not want to do it anymore. Some others even use citrus smells or hot sauce as a substitute but I advise against this as some dogs tend to like these tastes and some even have allergic reactions.

If you do not want to do this, you could also simply buy him extra dog treats or bones - something that he CAN chew on to keep him preoccupied. What's most effective in this area are rubber balls or kongs with treats that go inside. The dogs and puppies need to work extra hard in order to remove the treats so it keeps them busy for a long while. Some dogs even become a bit tired out after working for the food and they lose interest in chewing anything else.

Hope this helps!

Scolding is not necessarily a good thing. Even though its ok for certain things it sounds like you have to do it a lot. There is a certain type of spray that you can spray on some of his favorite chewing objects that he is not supposed to have. You can even make this spray. It's mostly water with about like 20% of vinegar. It will taste and smell horrible and he will learn thats not his chewy toy.Spray or dab with a wash cloth this liquid onto the items you are having most trouble with. Also when you play with him when ever he plays with a toy you want him to give him a treat and some praise he will think he made you happy and he will also be happy with that treat. Dogs live for there owner so DO NOT!!!! give up and keep on trying.E:0-) P.S i have noticed that your gender is (F) if you are worried about the smell of vinegar on your personal items don't if you wash them the smell will come out.

I'm doing basic obedience right now. My trainer hasn't once handled my dog. He has shown me how to handle my dog by using his own dog but that's about it. The reasoning is that I need to learn how to do these basic corrections and what not myself. Learn more https://tr.im/uwPmA

I have never considered sending my dog away for training. I guess I haven't found that much of a problem with him to even think about it.

Again, it may also have to do with the level of training you are looking for etc. No idea lol. I'm not a trainer. I think a first time dog owner needs to learn simple commands and how to handle their dog themselves as well.

Usually this starts to fade once they get teethed and get all their adult teeth. Which is around 6months. But is what i would do is buy them a new toy every week so he doesnt get bored. And possibly buy some hard bones for him to chew on, most of them dont last long but it does help. And just keep everything put up and out of reach if you can. Trust me it will get better it just takes time and patience!

Hi,

Understanding how to train your dog and how to correct bad behaviours is very important. That's why I suggest to follow a good training course. There are plenty of books and training material. One online course I recommend (I like it because it has hundreds of videos) is http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=572

It helped me a lot.

Hope it helps.

Keep up everything you do not want him to chew up. Walk him for at least thirty minutes daily, the longer the better. Teach him the "leave it" command. Crate train him and crate him when you are unable to supervise him(never use a crate as punishment)

You supervise him. Keep him confined to the room you are in to correct unwanted behavior. When you can't supervise,crate him. Chihuahuas cannot be outside dogs. Period. They have entirely the wrong coat and temperament. You have failed to properly train him so if you can't manage that then re-home him- don't make him live outside.

keep stuff out of reach. Tell i'm No. They will catch on after a will