Dive into the delightful chaos of puppy teething! The hosts discuss the natural behaviors puppies exhibit as they transition from baby teeth to their adult set. Meet Ted, a five-month-old pup navigating his teething struggles. Discover how to alleviate their discomfort through diverse textures and appropriate chewing options. Plus, learn why high-pitched yelps don't really help in curbing puppy biting. It's a fun and insightful exploration into managing your furry friend's energy and dental woes!
Puppies teethe around 12 weeks, necessitating appropriate chew toys to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy exploration.
Managing energetic 'zoomies' requires structured routines to prevent unintentional biting, emphasizing the importance of calm periods for puppies.
Deep dives
Understanding Puppy Teething
Puppies begin teething around two weeks of age, with 28 sharp puppy teeth that will start to fall out by 12 weeks as they are replaced by 42 adult teeth. This natural process can bring discomfort, causing puppies to chew and bite not out of mischief, but to seek pain relief. It's essential for owners to realize that chewing is a vital part of a puppy's exploration and development, and it will decline as adult teeth emerge. Providing appropriate chews is crucial, as this assists in managing teething and allows puppies an outlet for their natural instincts.
Managing Over-Arousal in Puppies
Puppies often experience bursts of energy, commonly referred to as the 'zoomies', especially in the evenings. This heightened state can lead to unintentional biting as owners may instinctively try to calm their excited puppies by picking them up. It’s important to avoid handling them during these times, as this can reinforce the behavior of biting to get attention. Instead, creating a structured routine that includes periods of calm, such as giving them time in a designated space after walks, helps them decompress from their energy spikes.
Exploring Appropriate Chewing Behaviors
To guide a puppy's chewing habits, owners should provide a variety of chews with different textures and materials, as preferences can change over time. It's noted that puppies, much like toddlers, need to explore their world, and chewing helps them identify what is safe to bite. Owners can facilitate this learning by offering designated toys, so when a puppy instinctively wants to mouth an object, they have alternatives readily available. Understanding that chewing is part of their development can help owners respond with patience rather than frustration, fostering a positive learning environment.
Are your puppy's teeth falling out? In this episode Scott and Steve talk about puppies natural behaviours around teeth and how to help them through the process.