How to Stop a Puppy From Chewing Carpet

Don't trust that look of innocence.
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If your carpet has become puppy's latest chew toy, don't despair. Chances are he just discovered it and is making the most of the new thing by chewing it to his heart's content. You don't have to put up with it or get mean. A bit of training should suffice.

Step 1

Give him something else to chew on. If he's a young puppy, he might be teething and desperately looking for something to chew on to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Pet stores sell toys similar to -- but stronger than -- the ones available for teething babies. Or you can get him rubber balls or soft toys to help soothe his gums and stay away from the carpet.

Step 2

Spread many chew sticks and bones around the house. Some dogs chew household stuff because they're bored. Bones are usually more interesting to chew than carpet because they taste better and last longer -- so accommodate Rover with lots of chewable treats. Lots and lots. Don't just give him one bone and expect that to be enough. Instead, put one in each room and two in rooms where carpet is. Even if he doesn't drag his bones around, he'll still find one available wherever he goes.

Step 3

Spray the rug with something icky. Get a pet deterrent spray or make your own using diluted vinegar, ammonia or alcohol. Then spray the carpet areas that doggie is bent on destroying. Next time he goes to chew on it, he'll taste whatever you spray -- hopefully it will be disgusting enough to convince him to not try again.

Step 4

Incorporate training into your routine. Puppies need to be taught what's acceptable and what isn't. After all, to him the carpet might seem like a very acceptable chewing toy. When you're home, keep an eye on your puppy at all times and immediately say "no" when you see him chewing anything inappropriate, including the carpet.

Train puppy on proper chewing behavior. This means letting him know what's acceptable for chewing and what isn't. When you see him chewing the carpet, besides saying "no" you'll want to remove him from the spot or use something to startle him -- such as a squirt from a water bottle or a shake of a soda coin with coins inside -- so he associates chewing carpet with uncomfortable things.

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