From Untrained Puppies to Trained Adults

Chew time at my house is an essential and enjoyable part of the daily routine for my pack of dogs, and it includes canines of all ages. For dogs under six months, I provide whole organic carrots, which are not only nutritious but also a safe and satisfying chewing option. Puppies as young as six weeks old already possess the innate ability to chew, gnaw, and tear; these behaviors are natural and instinctual. I don't need to teach them how to chew, but rather I guide them towards appropriate chewing habits by providing suitable items during our daily chew time ritual.

Training for Chew Time

Although chewing is a natural behavior, it requires training to ensure the puppy chews on appropriate objects and in designated areas. Puppies must learn where and what to chew on, as they naturally tend to chew on everything and everyone around them. The goal is to direct them to their specific place for chewing and ensure they remain there. The first step in this process involves teaching the puppy its designated place, which I have detailed in my previous article titled Placement Training.

During the initial phase of learning their place, I also engage in kennel training. This helps the puppy learn to self-soothe and be comfortable being alone. While in their individual kennels, the puppies are provided with one or two carrots to chew on. When raising a litter of puppies, I divide them into groups of two or three and place them in kennels large enough for their small group. Although the puppies might initially compete for the carrots, I ensure there are enough carrots—usually four large ones—so that both pups can settle down and enjoy their chewing time.

Training for Chew Time Includes Inhibition Too

All puppies are born knowing how to bite, chew and tear flesh and inanimate objects such as our furnished homes.  Every day be sure to include social training that requires your dog/puppy to inhibit their bite.  When you groom your puppy no biting.  When you pet/praise your puppy no biting. I include daily muzzle training and use with my dog pack.   This single tool not only helps me cut down on destruction, it helps me achieve safe social interactions among dogs of all ages.

Outdoor Kennel Training

For puppies aged eight weeks to six months, chew time takes place in an outdoor kennel specifically set up for training purposes. This environment allows them to develop their chewing habits in a controlled and safe setting. By the time a puppy begins chew time at eight weeks, they are gradually prepared to join the indoor chew time ritual around the age of six to eight months. This transition happens after they have completed their foundational puppy training, which includes social skills, self-control, obedience, and placement training suitable for their age.

Conclusion

Chew time is more than just a leisure activity; it is a critical part of a dog's training and development regardless of age or training program.   Providing the right items to chew on and establishing clear rules and designated areas for chewing helps inculcate good habits and ensures the puppies grow into well-behaved adult dogs. Through consistent training and a structured approach, chew time becomes a rewarding and beneficial ritual for both the puppies and their caregivers.