Is your Great Dane chewing everything? If you describe your Great Dane puppy as a terrorist, ankle biter, or creator of mass destruction – this post is for you!
By the end of this post, you will learn why puppies chew, how to correct undesirable behavior, correct good behavior, and a few tips and tricks I have learned after raising three Great Dane puppies!
Why do puppies chew?
Like babies, puppies explore the world and the things around them by putting things in their mouths. You can expect your Great Dane to express behaviors of teething up until they are six months old (or longer in some cases). Because teething usually goes hand in hand with sore gums, chewing on your clothes, furniture, and just about anything else you can imagine can help soothe their discomfort.Â
Oftentimes, we seem to overlook the puppy-phase in Great Danes specifically because of their rapid rate of growth. Your dog can weigh over 100lbs by the time they are six months old, however we cannot expect them to have outgrown their puppy antics just because of their height and weight.
So, in order to better shape your dog into the perfect pup, you need to begin discouraging unacceptable behavior and encouraging acceptable behavior in regards to chewing!
How To Discourage Unacceptable Behavior
I hate to say it, but it is virtually inevitable that your Great Dane puppy will destroy something of value to you, but taking the following precautions will help minimize the number of things in or around your home youâll need to replace.
- Puppy-proof your home: This step should take place before you ever bring a puppy in your home. Make sure harmful chemicals and foods are out of reach of your puppy and confine your trash in a container with a lid or in an area they cannot access. Donât leave anything of value in your puppyâs reach. If you donât want them to get ahold of it, put it away. I would say that on the counter is a safe space, but with these growing giants – itâs not!
- The infamous GASP: This is one of my favorite training techniques. Dogs are people-pleasers and will do anything and everything in their power to make you happy! So, if you donât like what they are doing – a simple but LOUD gasp followed by their name in a firm, disappointed voice will send their tail between their legs. This helps discourage a lot of undesirable behavior as they yelp and cry to their littermates in the same fashion.
- Use bitter apple spray: I have not ever used this with my dogs, however it works wonders with my cats. If your puppy is drawn to something youâre unable to move or keep out of their reach, spraying it with something unpleasant is sure to deter them.
- Donât confuse your puppy: If your dog loves stinky socks (I think this is all dogs), donât give them old socks to chew on. This goes with any object you donât want your dog attracted to whether it be shoes, hats, clothes, pillows, etc. Your puppy cannot tell the difference between an old shoe and a newer shoe that smells similar, so donât give them an old one as a chew toy!
How To Encourage Acceptable Behavior
As I mentioned previously, dogs are people-pleasers! Okay, well maybe they just LOVE pleasing you because it boosts their self-confidence, BUT you have to encourage the acceptable behavior when it comes to chewing so they begin to learn the difference between right and wrong!
- Provide Your Dog with Toys They Love: Dior is a HUGE fan of big rubber balls that squeak. He prefers a toy that he can chew for hours while also being as annoying as humanly possible LOL. So, by being mindful about watching what toys your dog likes and doesnât like can help you keep their teeth marks out of your new shoes!
- Encourage Redirection: The only time you can punish your dog for bad behavior is if you catch them in the act. Dogâs donât necessarily have a concept of time so punishing them for something they did hours or even a few minutes before is not going to give you any positive results. If you catch them heading for your laptop charger, redirect them with a rope toy and add in lots of praise!
- Keep your dog interested: Just like humans, dogs get bored! Instead of having to buy new toys every week, keep a basket tucked away in a closet or somewhere they canât reach and switch up your dogsâ toys every week or so!
- Use Interactive Toys: Snuffle mats, doggy puzzles and Kongâs are great ways for you to keep your pup entertained! I have linked my favorite interactive toys below!
Other Tips & Tricks
There are many ways to prevent puppy chewing and nipping but here are five additional ways to set your pup up for success in the beginning of their life in your home!
- Supervise your dog Just like babies, puppies canât be trusted to be by themselves until they know right from wrong. Keep your dog confined to one area of your home or be prepared to move about the house as they do! In most cases, silence equals trouble!
- Crate training This is something you should implement very early on. Whether youâre running errands, going to work, or just need a break from the nipping, a kennel is a safe space for your dog to be in while youâre away!
- Physical activity Puppies have A LOT of energy. You should also note that leaving your puppy outside by themselves doesnât mean they will exercise or play (and in most cases – they don’t). Taking daily walks, playing with them, and getting their energy out helps tremendously with chewing!
- Obedience class Training is another must for puppies, and if you cannot do it yourself, I would suggest getting a trainer or signing up for an obedience class so your dog can learn the fundamental commands (sit, leave it, stay, etc).
- Frozen washcloths If you notice your dog is extremely bite-y, instead of trying to ignore it or redirect them, give them something that might help soothe their pain! Stick a wet washcloth in the freezer and let them chew on it (under your supervision)!
Conclusion
Although having a Great Dane puppy (AKA mini velociraptor) in your house can be challenging, it is not impossible! By keeping your puppy safe, engaging their brains, and making sure they get enough exercise throughout the day, you will be on your way to having the best friend you desire! Just remember that they most likely wonât learn exactly what youâre trying to teach them in a day so be persistent but try not to get frustrated!
Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to share with my readers!? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
