When our dogs pinch us, it is usually a matter of attracting our attention or initiating a game. Do not confuse this behavior with aggressive biting. Dogs that interact with their litter siblings several weeks before adoption are more likely to learn about natural pinching and mouth-writing from each other. You can also control this behavior in your adult dog by yapping when he bites too hard and immediately leaving the interaction for the next 10 seconds. Repeat this sequence until your dog learns to be gentle during the game. Regular social conversations with other puppy playmates will help strengthen the correct behavior.

Chewing seems to be firmly embedded in every dog’s DNA. The key to reducing annoying chewing (like on your wallet, furniture or limbs) is to ensure that your dog has many safe toy and bone alternatives. Most dogs chew because of teething problems, boredom, anxiety, or just of curiosity. Give your dog plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to reduce mischief. If he gets his hands on your new sunglasses, correct them immediately and replace the forbidden item with a responsible chew toy. And then, you know, you buy yourself a new pair of sunglasses.

Chewing is a natural action for all dogs; it is only part of the way they are wired. Dogs and especially puppies, explore the world by mouth. They like to chew because it calms them down. However, chewing can quickly become a behavioral problem if your dog causes destruction. Worse still, she could eat something like a sock that could block her intestines.

The most common reasons dogs chew are the following:

Puppy teething

Boredom or excess energy

Anxiety

Curiosity (especially puppies)

Break this habit now. If you catch her chewing something she shouldn’t, say “no,” replace the item with a legal toy, and praise her as soon as she chews it.

How to avoid or repair it:

Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by giving him lots of chew toys. Keep personal belongings away from your dog. If you are not at home, keep your dog in a box or in a place where less destruction can be caused.

If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, correct your dog quickly with a sharp noise. Then replace the object with a chewing toy. One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercises so that he can wear out energy and be stimulated in this way instead of going over to chewing.