Why Is My Puppy Chewing Baseboards Teething Phases And Redirection Tricks

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. It’s instinctive, natural, and often frustrating when that curiosity turns into destructive chewing—especially on baseboards. If you’ve found tooth marks along the edges of your walls or caught your pup gnawing on wood trim, you’re not alone. This behavior is most commonly linked to teething, but it can also stem from boredom, anxiety, or lack of training. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward solving it. More importantly, knowing how to redirect your puppy’s chewing habits ensures both your home stays intact and your dog develops healthy behaviors early.

The Science Behind Puppy Chewing

Chewing is a fundamental part of a puppy’s development. From birth, puppies use their mouths to investigate textures, temperatures, and shapes. As they grow, this behavior intensifies during the teething phase, which typically begins around 3 weeks of age and continues until about 6–7 months. During this time, puppies lose their 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth. The process causes discomfort, swelling, and an irresistible urge to chew.

Baseboards, being low, accessible, and often made of soft wood or plastic, become prime targets. They're at the perfect height for small jaws and provide firm resistance that soothes sore gums. However, chewing on non-food items like baseboards poses risks: splinters, ingestion of harmful materials, dental damage, and costly home repairs.

“Puppies don’t chew out of spite—they chew because it feels good, relieves pain, or satisfies a need for stimulation.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Integrative Veterinarian

Teething Phases: What to Expect and When

Understanding the timeline of puppy teething helps owners anticipate chewing spikes and respond appropriately. While individual timelines vary slightly by breed and size, most puppies follow a predictable pattern.

Age Range	Teething Stage	Common Behaviors	Recommended Actions
3–6 weeks	Baby teeth emerge	Nursing, gentle mouthing	Introduce soft chew toys; monitor littermates’ play
8–16 weeks	Peak baby teeth presence	Increased chewing, biting hands/feet	Begin toy rotation; start basic commands
12–20 weeks	Baby teeth begin falling out	Aggressive chewing, finding lost teeth	Provide frozen chews; puppy-proof home
16–28 weeks	Adult teeth erupting	Chewing on furniture, baseboards, shoes	Consistent redirection; crate training
5–7 months	Teething concludes	Chewing decreases if properly trained	Reinforce good habits; continue mental stimulation

During the 12- to 20-week window, chewing reaches its peak. This is when baseboard destruction becomes most common. Owners who intervene with structured alternatives during this critical period set their dogs up for lifelong success.

Tip: Freeze a wet washcloth or Kong toy filled with low-sodium broth to give your puppy a soothing, safe outlet for gum pressure.

Why Baseboards Are a Target (And How to Stop It)

Not all chewing is equal. Puppies don’t randomly pick baseboards—they’re drawn to them for specific reasons:

• Accessibility: Baseboards are at nose level and run throughout the house.
• Texture: Wood and vinyl offer satisfying resistance that mimics bones.
• Residual scents: Cleaning products, food crumbs, or previous pet markings may linger.
• Lack of alternatives: If no appealing chew toys are available, baseboards become the default.

To stop the behavior, address each factor systematically. Start by removing the appeal of the baseboard and increasing the appeal of appropriate chew options.

Step-by-Step: Redirecting Chewing Behavior

Redirection isn’t just about stopping bad habits—it’s about teaching better ones. Follow this five-step approach to shift your puppy’s focus from baseboards to acceptable outlets.

1. Puppy-proof high-risk zones. Use removable barriers or baby gates to block access to rooms where baseboards are frequently chewed. Cover problem areas with deterrents like double-sided tape or aluminum foil (textures puppies dislike).
2. Apply a bitter-tasting spray. Use a pet-safe bitter apple or citrus-based spray on baseboards. Reapply after cleaning. Most puppies avoid surfaces that taste unpleasant after one or two tries.
3. Introduce high-value chew toys. Rotate durable rubber toys (e.g., KONG, West Paw) and nylon bones. Match the toy’s firmness to your puppy’s bite strength. Soft plush toys may encourage more destructive habits.
4. Catch and redirect in real time. When you see your puppy approaching a baseboard, calmly interrupt with a neutral sound (“eh-eh”) and immediately offer a chew toy. Praise enthusiastically when they take it.
5. Reinforce consistently. Every interaction counts. Even one instance of allowing chewing on an off-limits surface teaches the puppy it’s sometimes okay.

“I once worked with a Labrador puppy who destroyed over $800 worth of trim in three weeks. Once we implemented a strict redirection protocol with frozen chew toys and room confinement, the behavior stopped within 10 days.” — Sarah Jennings, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Building a Chew-Proof Environment: A Practical Checklist

Prevention is more effective than correction. Use this checklist daily during the teething phase to minimize temptation and maximize success.

Checklist: Puppy Chew Prevention Plan

• ✅ Remove access to baseboards when unsupervised (use baby gates or crates)
• ✅ Provide at least 3 types of chew toys (soft, firm, edible-safe)
• ✅ Rotate toys every 2–3 days to maintain novelty
• ✅ Apply pet-safe bitter spray to vulnerable areas weekly
• ✅ Schedule 3–4 short chewing sessions with interactive toys per day
• ✅ Clean baseboards with odor-neutralizing cleaner to remove residual scents
• ✅ Supervise closely during peak chewing hours (after waking, post-meals)
• ✅ Use puzzle feeders to satisfy oral fixation during mealtimes

When Teething Isn’t the Cause: Other Triggers to Consider

While teething explains most early chewing, persistent baseboard destruction beyond 7 months may indicate other issues:

• Boredom: Understimulated puppies chew to self-soothe. They need at least 30–60 minutes of daily physical and mental exercise.
• Anxiety: Separation distress or environmental stress can manifest as destructive chewing, often focused on entry points like doors and baseboards.
• Lack of training: Without clear boundaries, puppies assume freedom to chew anything not explicitly forbidden.
• Dietary deficiency: Rarely, pica (eating non-food items) can signal nutritional imbalances. Consult your vet if chewing includes dirt, paper, or fabric.

If your puppy continues chewing baseboards after teething ends, evaluate routine, enrichment, and emotional well-being. Consider working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist to rule out underlying causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the puppy teething phase last?

Most puppies finish teething by 6 to 7 months of age. During this time, they’ll gradually lose all 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth. The most intense chewing occurs between 12 and 20 weeks.

Are antlers or rawhide safe for teething puppies?

Hard bones like antlers or dried rawhide can fracture developing teeth or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Opt for softer, flexible rubber toys designed for puppies instead. If offering edible chews, choose those labeled “for puppies” and supervise use.

What should I do if my puppy swallows a piece of baseboard?

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Small splinters may pass naturally, but larger pieces can cause obstructions or internal injuries. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or straining to defecate.

Conclusion: Turning a Challenge into a Training Opportunity

Chewing baseboards is a common but correctable phase in puppyhood. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, what starts as a destructive habit can become a lesson in impulse control and appropriate behavior. The key is not to punish, but to guide. By understanding the teething timeline, removing temptation, and offering satisfying alternatives, you teach your puppy what to chew—not just what to avoid.

Your response during these early months shapes your dog’s lifelong habits. Every redirected chew is a step toward a well-mannered companion. Start today: stock up on puppy-safe toys, secure your baseboards, and commit to positive reinforcement. Your home—and your puppy—will thank you.

💬 Have a teething puppy? Share your best redirection trick in the comments below—your tip could help another overwhelmed pet parent!