Help!

[Gixxy]

Hi!

So I could really use some help! Gixxer is my 8 week old puppy. He is also my first puppy. He's been chewing on everything lately, including my boyfriend and myself. I know this is normal and have been trying to provide him with ample chew toys. However, he'll play with them for maybe a second then move on to people, or shoes, or the couch. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get him to enjoy his chew toys over people or other things.

Also, I really don't want to crate him. My boyfriend and I are gone too long during the day to keep him crated that long and have no one to come let him out. However most people I talked to said I should crate him. Is it really necessary?

Thank you so much!

 

[TwoDogs]

However most people I talked to said I should crate him. Is it really necessary?

At 8 weeks, he can get himself into all sorts of trouble even if left in a puppy-proofed room. Puppies explore with their mouths, so anything he finds is going to get chewed and possibly ingested. If there is absolutely no way that someone can come let him out during the day, I would contain him in an exercise pen for his own safety. That way, he is in a safe area and can't get into trouble and has access to puppy pads to relieve himself. I would probably put a crate with a comfy bed in it inside the ex-pen so he has a nice place to settle into and get him used to being in a crate for when he might need it when he's older. You can take the door off the crate or latch it open with a fastener so that he can't accidentally get closed in.

 

[KWilson]

At 8 weeks, he can get himself into all sorts of trouble even if left in a puppy-proofed room. Puppies explore with their mouths, so anything he finds is going to get chewed and possibly ingested. If there is absolutely no way that someone can come let him out during the day, I would contain him in an exercise pen for his own safety. That way, he is in a safe area and can't get into trouble and has access to puppy pads to relieve himself. I would probably put a crate with a comfy bed in it inside the ex-pen so he has a nice place to settle into and get him used to being in a crate for when he might need it when he's older. You can take the door off the crate or latch it open with a fastener so that he can't accidentally get closed in.

I agree with TwoDogs if you don't crate then place him in an exercise pen when you can't be home to watch him.

 

[RLucky]

When my puppy would chew on my hands or nip at toes, etc. I looked up information on it. What did work is when they touch you (not even completely bite you) with their teeth say OUCH! really loud. They get startled and stop what they're doing. I did that with Zelda and it's seemed to work. Also, she is really good with taking treats from my hand without biting. I'll say "Easy" before I give it to her, and she's really gentle. Before when she didn't know any better...I wouldn't give the treat to her till she was gentle.