There is a strange misconception that all puppies cause damage to shoes, purses, and remote controls. The truth is that a lot of puppies do.
But not all puppies.
Why do I hesitate to tell you that Magic NEVER chewed on ANYTHING she wasn’t supposed to? Because it feels like bragging. It feels like you’ll never believe me. Or that you’ll say I got lucky, or “Of course HER puppy is perfect. She’s a dog behaviourist!” Sure, I have a lot of experience working with puppies at the University of Guelph, but Magic was the FIRST puppy I ever raised at home. And I wasn’t even doing in-home training yet. I started in-home training because she showed me that I was special and could HELP people. I thank her for that every day.
Magic the Rottweiler puppy playing with a toy skunk at in a friend’s backyard
Listen. The club of “Woe is me (giggle, giggle, - cue the slow song) —what did my puppy destroy today?” is the biggest club on planet Earth. I spent four years not writing this article. I’ll admit, I was tired of never fitting in.
But here’s the thing: I don’t EVER want to be a part of a club that promotes harming puppies. Think about that the next time you click LIKE on a video where a puppy is surrounded by feathers because it ate a duvet, or is sitting on a kitchen floor with garbage strewn about. Or forced to sit in a corner because they got into the garbage can. What?
I don’t think that’s cute. I think it’s scary. That puppy could ingest duvet feathers or chicken bones or plastic wrap and actually DIE. And NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT THAT!!!!!!
And don’t get me started on all the videos where the human is punishing the puppy hours later for the mess.
Sharpei puppy chewing on a cat’s scratching post.
Let’s start a new club. A club of responsible puppy owners whose puppies won’t EVER be at risk of eating something that kills them.
Deal?
Let’s go. Let’s get pumped! And let’s spread the word!
Here’s how to raise a beauty instead of a beast.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS — You can check out Google, Insta, or TikTok and find pictures and videos of puppies doing all kinds of naughty things. They’re running away from their humans carrying sandals in their mouths, munching food from kitchen tables, and gnawing on table legs. Every time you take a video or picture of your new puppy being naughty, you are missing an opportunity to teach them not to be naughty. When you giggle or chase them around making shoe-stealing a game, you are accidentally teaching them that the behaviour is acceptable. The very first time your puppy puts a shoe in their mouth, calmly communicate that this isn’t allowed. Be consistent with your wording. If you’re going to say “No,” then make sure everyone your live with says “No.” If everyone says something different (or if one family member allows shoe chewing,) it’s time for a family meeting to get everyone on the same page.
Be consistent and fair to your puppy at all times, or you will raise a dog who is confused. (Adult Golden Retriever holding a shoe in her mouth.)
2. REDIRECT — When your puppy picks up a shoe, your child’s toy, or the remote control, you have several options of how to react. Many people yell the puppy’s name and then the word ‘no.’ After that, the puppy usually enjoys a great game of chase. Sometimes, the human secretly enjoys this game as well. Your puppy has now learned that when they pick up certain items, they can get you to play chase with them. How fun! Try a calm approach instead. If your puppy has a favourite toy, now is a great time to squeak it. As soon as they drop your shoe, say “Good drop,” or “Good aus,” or whatever you would like to call it.
If your puppy has a shoe in his mouth, offer one of his toys as a trade. (Photo: black and white terrier chewing a yellow toy pig.)
3. PREVENTION — Teach your puppy the “drop it” command when they are VERY young. We taught Magic “aus” (the German word for “out” or “drop it”,) before we taught her to sit. It’s THAT important. When you teach this command using their toys, they learn very quickly. You can also use treats, just make sure that you also use verbal praise, so that you don’t raise a dog who only works for food. Magic understood “aus,” at 8 weeks of age. The first, and ONLY time she picked up my sandal to investigate it, I said “Magic, aus,” and she dropped it. I said, “Good aus.” Then, I picked up one of her toys and we played with that instead. It really can be that easy.
If you want to raise a puppy who NEVER destroys anything in your home, book a session with us BEFORE you get your puppy. We will help you begin teaching your puppy BEFORE you even bring them home from the breeder. It’s NEVER too early to begin training your puppy.
My floors are covered in cat toys. Magic has never picked one up.
I’d never HEARD of a chew-proof puppy bed until I read about them in an online forum in 2020 (never needed one - never will.)
When you get tired of replacing expensive shoes, purses, dog beds, couches, and drywall — call me. I would be so happy to help you protect your puppy and keep her safe.
You can enjoy EVERY moment of your puppy’s life. You just need to communicate with them in a way they understand. (Photo:Puppy lying on her back on a lap with rose petals scattered around.)
Puppies make mistakes and so do people. Don’t beat yourself up if your puppy has eaten one of your shoes, just know that you can still teach them not to. There’s still hope.
Stay safe, dog leaders! Have a wonderful weekend!
Alyssa
Photos by: Claudia Udrea (Boxer puppy with pink sneakers,) Alyssa Foulkes (Rottweiler puppy chewing on a toy skunk in a friend’s backyard,) Sophie Elvis (Sharpei gnawing on a cat’s scratching post,) Lespinas Xavier (Golden Retriever holding a shoe in her mouth,) Justin Veenema (black and white terrier chewing a yellow toy pig,) Sophia Kunkel (Puppy lying on her back on a lap with rose petals scattered around.)