Why do golden retriever puppies chew so much?

Golden retriever puppies are undeniably adorable with their fluffy coats and playful personalities. But there’s one thing that can drive their pet parents crazy: their propensity to chew on everything in sight. From shoes to furniture, these pups seem to have an insatiable desire to gnaw on anything they can sink their teeth into. But why do golden retriever puppies chew so much? And, is there anything you can do to stop them? 

Let’s get to know the goldens

Sweet, loyal, lively and incredibly good with kids – it’s no wonder golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia. But what makes this breed so, well, golden? Let’s go back to the 19th century when they were first bred to find out.

In 1868, Lord Tweedmouth of the Scottish estate of Guisachan was interested in sporting and hunting dogs and finding one that could handle the Scottish climate and terrain. After failing to find any existing breeds that could keep up, he decided to create his own. By breeding a flat-coated retriever with a tweed water spaniel, Lord Tweedmouth helped create what we now know as the beloved golden retriever. 

As seen in their medium to large size stature and solid, athletic build, the golden retriever has the sporting and retrieving genes all through their DNA. Coupled with their high canine intellect and effortless ability to learn commands, it’s easy to see why the golden retriever has long since been known as the preferred dog for hunting.

But even though the sport has been domesticated out of the golden, the instinct to catch and carry is still strong in this breed. Hence the reason these dogs, especially as puppies, like to put everything in their mouths. 

Do all puppies chew?

Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them, so it’s fair to say that there’s a method behind the madness (and destruction) of this natural behaviour. Here are some of the reasons puppies chew.

• Stress relief: Puppies, in particular, use their mouths to help them cope with stress. And when they come home with you, dog separation anxiety can continue when they see you leave the house or even just the room. Chewing helps to soothe their anxiety and provides a source of comfort.
• Pain relief: Chewing is also an essential part of a puppy’s teething process. As puppies grow, their baby teeth fall out, and their adult teeth grow in. This can be a painful process, and chewing helps alleviate discomfort by massaging the gums and providing an outlet for the growing teeth. It’s not uncommon for puppies to chew more during this time to seek pain relief.
• Exercise relief: All puppies require plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. When they don’t get enough run and play time, puppies can become bored and restless, and chewing becomes a way to alleviate that boredom. Providing plenty of dog toys, exercise, and attention can go a long way in curbing unwanted chewing behaviour.
• Communication relief: Dogs don’t speak human. So in order for them to tell us something, they have to find a different way to communicate. Puppies use chewing as a way to signal to their owners that they need help, are frustrated, or just want some attention. By observing your puppy’s body language and chewing habits, you can better understand what they are trying to communicate so you can respond accordingly.

Thankfully, chewing is predominantly a puppyhood behaviour and should subside considerably with age. If you notice that your older puppy or teenage dog is still chewing things around the house once they are out of this stage, it may be time to visit your veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying causes. 

How do you stop a golden retriever puppy from chewing?

The short answer is you don’t. Chewing is a natural part of puppyhood, no matter the dog breed. But, there are ways you can redirect this destructive habit so your puppy can find healthier outlets for their instinctual behaviour.

Not all chewing is created equal 

While it’s natural for golden retriever puppies to chew, it’s important to make sure they are chewing on appropriate items. You don’t want your new shoes, your favourite piece of furniture or even worse, their own dog bed to become your puppy’s new chew toy. 

One of the best things you can do is provide your puppy with plenty of appropriate chew toy options. Look for toys that are specifically designed for puppies, as these will be softer and gentler on their developing teeth. You may also want to try a variety of textures and shapes to see what your puppy prefers. The more they chew their toys, the safer your furniture will be.

Smart dogs need stimulating

Golden retriever puppies are clever dogs, and they need plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. So one of the best ways you can try and curb your golden’s chewing habits is by increasing their exercise habits.

Keeping in mind that puppies are still not able to manage hour-long walks at these young ages, you can still keep them active during wake times with short walks around the block, energetic games of fetch or even just a stroll around the backyard to get lots of sniffs for mental stimulation. When it comes to puppies and chewing, it’s good to remember that a tired puppy is a happy puppy. And tired puppies are more likely to sleep in their bed than chew it.

Puppy patience

It’s essential to remember that golden retriever puppies are still learning and exploring the world around them. They’re not intentionally destructive or trying to be difficult. Instead, they’re simply trying to understand their surroundings and find their place in the world. By providing plenty of love, patience, and training, you can help your golden retriever puppy learn appropriate chewing behaviour and become a happy, healthy, and well-behaved member of your family.

The best bed for a golden retriever puppy

When it comes to choosing the perfect dog bed for your perfect golden retriever puppy there are a few important factors to consider. First and foremost is the size. Puppies grow…fast. So you want to get a dog bed that’s large enough to accommodate their growing body and give them the comfort to stretch out at any age.

But even more important than size is the durability of the dog bed. Did we mention that golden retriever puppies like to chew? The best dog bed for a golden puppy is one that is made from high-quality materials that are not only able to withstand constant chewing, but easy to keep mess and muck free.

Omlet and your golden retriever puppy

At Omlet, we believe puppyhood is one of the best hoods to be in. Yes, it comes with its share of frustrations and destruction, but the love and happiness you get in return is unmatched. As the ideators and new benchmark makers of the pet products industry, we’ve taken our expertise to the next level and designed dog crates, dog beds and every other dog product you need to keep your golden retriever and you happy together – and your furniture intact.

This entry was posted in Dogs