How To Train A Puppy Not To Bite Furniture During Teething

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and when teething begins between 3 and 6 months of age, chewing becomes both a comfort mechanism and an instinctual behavior. While this phase is natural, it can lead to damaged furniture, shoes, and household items if not properly managed. The good news is that with consistency, redirection, and positive reinforcement, you can guide your puppy toward appropriate chewing habits—without resorting to punishment or frustration.

Teething puppies experience sore gums as their 28 baby teeth are replaced by 42 adult teeth. This discomfort drives them to chew on anything within reach, especially soft, fibrous materials like wood trim, fabric, or electrical cords. Left unchecked, this behavior can become habitual even after teething ends. The key lies in understanding your puppy’s needs and providing better alternatives before destructive chewing takes root.

Understanding Puppy Teething Behavior

Teething typically begins around 3 weeks of age with the emergence of milk teeth, but the most intense chewing phase starts at 12 to 16 weeks and can last up to 7 months. During this time, puppies seek relief through chewing, which applies pressure to the gums and helps new teeth erupt more comfortably.

Beyond physical discomfort, chewing also satisfies a puppy’s curiosity. Puppies use their mouths much like human babies use their hands—to investigate textures, shapes, and scents. Without guidance, they won’t distinguish between a sofa leg and a rubber toy.

It's important to remember that your puppy isn't being “bad” by chewing furniture—it simply doesn’t know any better. The role of the owner is to prevent access to inappropriate items while teaching acceptable alternatives through consistent training.

“Puppies don’t outgrow bad habits—they grow into them. Early intervention during teething sets the foundation for lifelong behavior.” — Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, Integrative Pet Care Specialist

Step-by-Step Guide to Redirect Chewing Behavior

Training a puppy not to chew furniture requires proactive management rather than reactive correction. Follow these steps in order to build lasting habits:

1. Remove temptation: Use baby gates or close doors to restrict access to rooms with vulnerable furniture. If your puppy can’t reach the couch, they can’t chew it.
2. Provide multiple chew toys: Stock a variety of textures—rubber, nylon, rope, and soft plush—to see what your puppy prefers. Rotate toys every few days to maintain interest.
3. Freeze chew toys: Fill rubber toys (like Kongs) with water or low-sodium broth and freeze them. The cold soothes inflamed gums and makes the toy more appealing than room-temperature furniture.
4. Supervise closely: When your puppy is loose in the house, keep them within sight. Intervene the moment they approach a table leg or curtain tassel.
5. Redirect immediately: When you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, calmly say “Oops,” remove the item, and replace it with an approved chew toy. Praise them generously when they accept it.
6. Use taste deterrents: Spray bitter apple or citrus-based sprays on furniture legs, baseboards, and other tempting targets. These are safe but unpleasant to taste.
7. End on a positive note: After redirection, engage your puppy in play or a short training session to reinforce good choices.

Tip: Keep a basket of chew toys near commonly targeted furniture. The easier the alternative, the more likely your puppy will choose it.

Effective Chew Toy Comparison

Not all chew toys are created equal. The best ones withstand enthusiastic gnawing while soothing sore gums. Below is a comparison of popular options:

Toys	Best For	Pros	Cons
Rubber Toys (e.g., Kong, West Paw)	Cold-sensitive gums, long chewing sessions	Durable, can be stuffed/frozen, mentally stimulating	Expensive; some puppies may crack them
Soft Plush Chew Toys	Gentle chewers, comfort seeking	Familiar texture, comforting	Easily destroyed; stuffing can be ingested
Nylon Bones	Strong chewers, long-term durability	Long-lasting, promotes dental health	Too hard for sensitive gums; may damage teeth if overused
Rawhide Alternatives (e.g., bully sticks, yak chews)	Extended chewing, flavor motivation	Natural, satisfying texture	Calorie-dense; supervision required to prevent choking
Interactive Puzzle Chewers	Mental stimulation + gum relief	Combines chewing with problem-solving	Learning curve; may frustrate young puppies

Common Mistakes That Reinforce Bad Habits

Even well-meaning owners can accidentally encourage unwanted chewing. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Playing tug-of-war with household items: If you let your puppy “win” a shoe or towel in play, they learn that grabbing household objects leads to fun.
• Inconsistent rules: Allowing chewing on one wooden object (like a chew stick) but not others confuses puppies. They don’t generalize well.
• Using physical punishment: Yelling or tapping teaches fear, not understanding. It damages trust and may increase anxiety-related chewing.
• Leaving valuable items within reach: If your puppy has free access to furniture, expecting them not to chew it is unrealistic.
• Ignoring early signs: A puppy mouthing a chair leg once should be redirected immediately—before it becomes routine.

Tip: If your puppy consistently targets one piece of furniture, consider covering the legs with protective covers or repositioning the item out of reach.

A Real-Life Example: Training Bella the Beagle

Bella, a 14-week-old beagle, was destroying her owner’s antique dresser legs every evening. Her owner, Mark, tried spraying water and saying “No,” but Bella returned to chewing within minutes. Frustrated, he consulted a certified dog trainer.

The trainer recommended a three-pronged approach: First, cover the dresser legs with soft silicone protectors. Second, place two frozen Kongs and a rope toy near Bella’s bed. Third, implement a structured schedule—short walks followed by 20 minutes of quiet chewing time.

Within five days, Bella stopped targeting the dresser. By redirecting her to appealing alternatives at the moment of temptation and making those options more rewarding, the behavior faded. After six weeks, the protectors were removed, and Bella had no further interest in the furniture.

This case illustrates that success isn’t about stopping chewing—it’s about guiding it appropriately.

Prevention Checklist: Stop Furniture Chewing Before It Starts

Use this actionable checklist daily during your puppy’s teething phase:

• ✅ Remove or block access to chewable furniture and cords
• ✅ Stock at least 5 different types of chew toys
• ✅ Freeze 2–3 chew toys each morning
• ✅ Apply pet-safe bitter spray to high-risk areas (reapply weekly)
• ✅ Supervise your puppy 100% of the time when loose in the house
• ✅ Crate or pen your puppy when unsupervised
• ✅ Rotate toys every 3 days to maintain novelty
• ✅ Reward your puppy with praise or treats when choosing toys over furniture
• ✅ Schedule at least two 15-minute chew sessions per day using stuffed toys
• ✅ Check furniture nightly for wear and re-treat if necessary

When to Seek Professional Help

Most chewing issues resolve by 7–8 months as adult teeth settle in. However, persistent or escalating destruction—even with proper management—may signal underlying problems:

• Anxiety or separation distress: Chewing confined to times when alone may indicate stress.
• Excessive drooling or bleeding gums: Could point to gingivitis or retained baby teeth requiring veterinary attention.
• Chewing non-food items like plaster or fabric: May suggest pica, a condition linked to nutritional deficiencies or compulsive disorders.

If your puppy continues to destroy property despite consistent training, consult a veterinarian first to rule out medical causes, then consider working with a certified canine behaviorist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the puppy teething phase last?

Most puppies begin teething around 3 weeks, lose baby teeth between 12–16 weeks, and finish growing adult teeth by 6–7 months. The peak chewing period is usually between 14–24 weeks.

Is it okay to let my puppy chew on wood?

No. Natural wood can splinter and cause mouth injuries or intestinal blockages. Even untreated lumber may harbor mold or parasites. Always provide vet-approved chew toys instead.

Can I use human teething gels on my puppy?

No. Human teething products often contain benzocaine or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. Stick to cold toys, edible chews, and vet-recommended oral gels specifically formulated for pets.

Conclusion: Building Better Habits One Chew at a Time

Training a puppy not to bite furniture during teething isn’t about suppression—it’s about substitution. By meeting your puppy’s physical and emotional needs with compassion and consistency, you turn a challenging phase into an opportunity for bonding and learning.

Remember, every time you redirect your puppy to an appropriate toy, you’re reinforcing self-control and building trust. The behaviors you shape now will influence your dog’s habits for years to come. Instead of focusing on what not to chew, focus on making the right choice the most rewarding one.

💬 Have a teething puppy? Share your biggest challenge or favorite chew toy in the comments below—we’d love to hear what’s working for you!