Why Chewing is Essential for Your Puppy's Mental Health
Chewing is not a "naughty" behavior—it is an innate biological need for every dog, particularly puppies. Chewing releases feel-good hormones like endorphins and dopamine in a dog's brain, which naturally lowers their heart rate, reduces stress, and promotes deep relaxation.
During the teething phase (between 3 and 6 months), chewing provides vital physical relief for swollen, aching gums as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth push through. Providing safe, suitable chews is the single best way to protect your furniture, shoes, and hands from destruction!
The Ultimate "Chew Basket" Strategy
The single most effective tool I recommend to all my puppy clients in Solihull is the Chew Basket.
Set up a low, accessible basket in your living room filled with a variety of safe, natural chews of different textures and hardnesses—such as split deer antlers, yak bars, buffalo horns, olive wood, and cow hooves. Whenever your puppy approaches furniture, chair legs, or your slippers to chew, calmly redirect them straight to their chew basket. They will quickly learn to take themselves to the basket whenever they feel the urge to chew!
My Top Recommended Natural Chews
1. Animal Ears (Rabbit, Lamb, Cow & Venison)
Animal ears are low in fat, highly digestible, and gentle on young stomachs. Rabbit ears with fur still intact are brilliant natural de-wormers—as the fur passes through the digestive tract, it gently sweeps away intestinal parasites!
2. Pizzle Sticks (Bully Sticks)
100% natural beef muscle chews that are long-lasting, highly palatable, and soften as the puppy chews. They are safe, fully digestible, and perfect for keeping a puppy occupied while you enjoy dinner.
3. Wood Chews (Coffee Wood & Olive Wood)
For puppies obsessed with chewing wooden chair legs or garden sticks, natural coffee or olive wood sticks are fantastic. Unlike outdoor sticks, these specialized woods do not splinter into sharp shards—they flake off into soft, safe fibers that can be swallowed safely.
4. Himalayan Yak Bars
Made from dried Himalayan yak cheese, these hard bars are long-lasting and rich in protein. When the bar gets down to a small, choke-hazard nub, simply pop it in the microwave for 40 seconds—it puffs up into a crunchy, safe cheese crisp!
5. Split Antlers & Horns
Naturally shed deer antlers cut in half allow puppies to easily scrape out the mineral-rich marrow without risking tooth fractures. Buffalo horns offer a durable, hollow shell that can also be stuffed with peanut butter or wet food!
Dangerous Chews You Must Avoid
Warning: Dangerous Chews to Avoid
- Rawhide: Made using harsh chemical bleaches and glues. Rawhide swells in the stomach and poses a severe choking and intestinal blockage risk.
- Cooked or Air-Dried Bones: Cooking alters bone structure, making bones brittle. They splinter easily and can puncture the mouth, throat, or intestines.
- Plastic & Nylon Chews: Can break off into sharp plastic fragments that damage teeth and cause internal blockages.
Golden Safety Rule: Always supervise your puppy while they have any chew, and remove small pieces before they become a choking hazard!
Are you looking for puppy training In Solihull?
If so, book a free call and lets chat.
Book a free call