Puppy Pacifiers! (The Wonders of Long Lasting Chews)

It can be gray hair inducing, trying to manage a puppy and all their behaviours. We often remind people that having a puppy can be similar to having a new baby in the home. It can almost seem more overwhelming because you feel like you have less of a support network and a fair amount of confusion as to why it feels so difficult.

There are many tips and tricks to surviving the trials of puppyhood ownership, and the one we will be covering today is something that we really want to shed light on.

Long lasting chews will save your sanity.

What is a long lasting chew, you ask? It's very much in the name - something that your puppy can chew on, that will last a long time. This includes things like:
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• A stuffed kong toy, perhaps even with the contents frozen 
• A cow hoof
• A yak chew (something on the market more recently, made out of yak cheese and a hit with the pups!)

And WHY, you are asking, is something so simple, such an amazing thing?

Well, dear reader, let me explain as to why you should be going out shopping in the next day to get your puppy (or your dog), something new to munch on.

Chewing is a stress relief behaviour for dogs. It releases tension in their jaws, releases calming endorphins, and for puppies, can soothe teething pain. If your puppy is feeling frustrated about things in life, or if they are bored, or overtired, a chew is something to give to them, so that they can have an outlet for their stress.

Think of how a baby sucks their pacifier, their thumb, or maybe even a blanket. Some puppies do suckle on blankets to self soothe as well, and if we want to make sure that our pups are getting their needs met, why not give them something that will sate them, but with something more appropriate than a furniture corner?

There’s also something that comes with making sure there is something in your puppy’s mouth. It means that they can’t bark! If you’re in a situation where your puppy may have the urge to let off some woofs (a puppy class comes to mind), making sure they’ve got something to munch on really does highlight how a long lasting chew is like a pacifier for them.

Chews are also extremely good at aiding your puppy in learning how to settle. If they only get their chew in a crate, or on their bed, then a those locations become very calming, relaxed spaces. Somewhere your puppy wants to be to get the treat - which is a superb outcome!

You can get creative with how you provide chews for your pup, and it’s a great way to provide mental stimulation if they are learning to be left alone. Being able to pop your puppy in their crate, and shut the door gives you time to go out grocery shopping without having to worry. It gives you peace and quiet if you need a nap of your own - and sometimes with a pup, you’ll need those extra winks! The Kong Company has an amazing range of recipes on how to properly stuff their toys, as well as the pet safe foods to use.

So let’s do a quick recap on why you should get your puppy a long lasting chew!

• Quiet puppy
• Calm puppy
• Entertained puppy
• Happy owner!
  

Authored by Sarah Endres
Dog Trainer and Behaviour Advisor

If you are feeling a little lost in how to properly incorporate chews into your puppy or dog’s routine, we are able to help! Just reach out with your enquiry and we will organise the best training we can for your situation.