How to Stop German Shepherd Chewing

Like many breeds the German Shepherd can be prone to chewing at times, especially when they are puppies.  At that time your shoes, your TV remote, and things like your sunglasses probably aren’t safe to leave lying around the house!  A German Shepherd puppy is likely to think anything he can fit in his mouth is a chew toy.  Fortunately, when it comes to how to stop German Shepherd chewing, there are some methods that work.

Stop German Shepherd Puppy Chewing

All puppies chew.  When they’re very young puppies put things in their mouth to taste them and learn about them.  When they’re about four months old puppies start to get their adult teeth.  This means they go through weeks of teething, just like human babies.  It hurts when their new teeth are erupting through the gums and puppies chew on things seeking relief.  And German Shepherd puppies chew on things just because it’s fun and they want to play with stuff.

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You can do a lot to prevent German Shepherd puppy chewing.  First, be sure to provide your puppy with LOTS of his own toys.  You should give him all kinds of toys such as hard rubber Kong toys, Nylabones, rope toys, and even some soft things to chew on.  You can also soak and freeze some clean wash cloths for your puppy.  Give him a frozen wash cloth to chew on when he’s teething and it will soothe his gums.  Keep some in the freezer and wash them as he gets through with them so you can refreeze them.

Of course, if you live with any young puppy you need to keep your valuable possessions put away.  Puppies can’t resist taking things that belong to you and they will chew on them, so pick up your shoes, TV remotes, cellphones, sunglasses, and other things that would be tempting for a puppy to chew on.

Prevent German Shepherd Chewing

German Shepherd chewing often continues even when your puppy grows up.  These dogs are legendary chewers.  But your dog doesn’t have to engage in destructive chewing.  You can provide some acceptable things for your German Shepherd to chew on so he won’t do any damage or get in trouble.

To prevent German Shepherd chewing with your adult dog you should provide them with safe things to chew on that can stand up to hard chewing, such as the XXL king-sized black Kong that is usually given to bully breed dogs.  German Shepherds are serious chewers and they usually need these tough Kongs.  You can also give them the Nylabone “Big Dog” chews.  These chews can be hard to find and they are more expensive than some other Nylabones but they will last when your German Shepherd starts chewing on them.  German Shepherds will usually destroy most other chew toys fairly quickly.

You can also keep your German Shepherd from chewing on inappropriate things in the house by making sure you give him lots of attention.  Some dogs chew because they are bored or lonely.  Providing plenty of attention will take care of this problems.  You should also make sure that your German Shepherd is getting plenty of exercise.  It’s good for your dog and if your dog is pleasantly worn out from exercise he’s less likely to spend his time chewing or looking for things to destroy.

Enrolling your German Shepherd in a good training class is another excellent way to prevent your German Shepherd from chewing.  A dog who has his mind occupied by training and what he’s learning is less likely to spend time thinking about chewing.

Conclusion

German Shepherds are champion chewers at all ages.  You can stop destructive chewing by giving your German Shepherd plenty of toys and safe things to chew on.  Provide lots of attention and exercise.  And enroll your German Shepherd in a good training class.