When do puppies stop chewing everything?

Most dog lovers learn quickly that a puppy’s mouth is one of its most active tools. Understanding when and why puppies chew is practical: it helps you protect belongings, reduce health risks from swallowed items, and shape behavior in ways that strengthen your relationship. Owners usually come to me frustrated by ruined shoes, ruined furniture, or constant vigilance; they want clear expectations and workable steps. Chewing is often normal—especially during teething—but it can also point to boredom, anxiety, or a learned habit that will persist unless addressed. When managed well, chewing becomes a phase that teaches impulse control, healthy object selection, and calmer household routines.

When will my puppy stop chewing? A short, practical timeline

Most puppies chew intensely between about 3 weeks and 6 months as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in; a second rise in interest often appears during adolescence, roughly 6–18 months, as adult teeth finish and hormonal changes increase activity. For many dogs the most frantic chewing tapers by 6–12 months and becomes sporadic adult behavior. Some dogs, especially high-drive breeds or individuals with anxiety, may continue to chew destructively into adulthood unless the behavior is redirected and reinforced. Factors that tend to shorten the period include timely teething relief, consistent training, and adequate physical and mental exercise; factors that may prolong it include unmanaged anxiety, ongoing access to tempting targets, little enrichment, or inconsistent household rules.

The biology of biting: teething, developmental stages and instinct

Chewing during puppyhood is rooted in normal development. The process of tooth eruption and loss is likely linked to discomfort; as deciduous teeth loosen and adult teeth push through, pressure and gum soreness may drive a pup to seek relief through chewing. Puppies also use their mouths as primary sensory organs—mouthing and chewing help them learn about the world in a way similar to how human infants use hands and mouths. Chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles and is arguably useful practice for adult bite control and coordination. Beyond physiology, hard or repetitive chewing can become a self-reinforcing habit: the dog chews, produces saliva, relieves discomfort or boredom, and learns that chewing produces immediate feedback. Recognizing those overlapping reasons helps set realistic expectations about intensity and duration.

When chewing peaks — common triggers and age windows

There are clear times and situations when chewing increases. Age-related peaks are common: the first intense phase often aligns with teething at roughly 8–16 weeks through about 6 months, and a later adolescent peak can follow between 6 and 18 months as adult teeth fully settle and social maturity fluctuates. Environmental and emotional triggers also matter: boredom and insufficient exercise frequently show up as destructive chewing, as does separation-related stress—some dogs chew to soothe themselves when left alone. Access is a simple amplifier: a loose shoe on the floor is a stronger trigger than a chew toy in a locked drawer. Breed and temperament play roles too; terriers and other active breeds tend to have higher oral drive, large-breed puppies may have stronger jaws and need sturdier toys, and some individuals are naturally more exploratory. Observing timing—what the dog chews, when it chews, and the emotional context—gives you clues about underlying drivers.

Safety first: hazards, red flags and what to watch for

Most chewing is harmless, but some patterns require prompt attention. Swallowing non-food items may lead to intestinal obstruction; signs that may suggest ingestion or blockage include repeated retching, persistent vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain or distension, constipation or inability to pass stool, and lethargy. Dental injuries are another danger—chewing on inappropriate hard objects can crack teeth, cause bleeding, or lead to infections; excessive drooling, reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, or a sudden change in chewing side may indicate oral pain. Anxiety-driven chewing often appears intense, focused, and accompanied by other stress signals (pacing, whining, destructive behavior when left alone). If chewing continues past the ages you’d typically expect, or if it escalates suddenly, it may be a sign of a medical issue, untreated pain, or an ingrained behavioral problem that benefits from professional help.

Immediate steps owners can take to curb destructive chewing

1. Assess quickly: note what your puppy chews (shoes, cords, furniture), when it happens (after meals, when alone, at night), and any triggers (boredom, visitors, storms). This simple map tells you whether the issue is teething, boredom, anxiety, or curiosity.
2. Remove immediate hazards: secure cords, put shoes out of reach, and collect anything small enough to be swallowed. If ingestion is suspected, call your veterinarian right away for specific guidance—some swallowed items require imaging or early intervention.
3. Provide immediate teething relief: offer a chilled (not frozen solid) chew like a wet washcloth twisted and chilled, or vet-approved cold teething toys to soothe gums. Avoid anything so hard that it risks tooth fracture.
4. Redirect consistently and reward: when you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, calmly remove the object, but immediately replace it with a suitable chew and praise or treat when they accept it. Timing matters—reward within seconds so the pup connects the behavior with the outcome.
5. Increase physical and mental outlets: short, frequent play sessions, basic training practice, and puzzle feeders can reduce the urge to chew from boredom or excess energy. Even 5–10 minutes of focused training several times a day can change behavior.
6. Establish a safe management plan: use gates, crate training, or a puppy-proofed room for unsupervised time, and set up a rotation of approved chews so novelty stays interesting.
7. Seek expert help when needed: consult your veterinarian for medical concerns (swallowing, tooth injuries, unusual pain) and a certified trainer or behaviorist if chewing is severe, persistent, or tied to anxiety. I typically recommend professional input when basic strategies don’t reduce destructive chewing in 2–4 weeks.

Train smart and puppy‑proof your home: proven management strategies

Longer-term reduction of destructive chewing is mostly about predictable routines and clear rules. Room-by-room puppy-proofing looks like this in practice: keep shoes and laundry in closed closets, tuck wires behind furniture or cover them with cord protectors, anchor or elevate houseplants, secure trash and small objects, and block access to high-risk rooms. Supervised play time should be the norm when your puppy is free in the house; when you can’t watch, use a crate or a well-fenced, puppy-proof area with approved chews. Teach consistent cues such as “drop it” and “leave it,” practicing first with high-value training treats and then generalizing to toys and household items. Reinforce the behavior of giving up an object by trading for a higher-value item so relinquishing becomes rewarding. Rotating chew toys keeps interest high; introduce new or temporarily withheld items to renew novelty rather than leaving an overwhelming number of choices that dilute engagement.

Safe chews and gear: choosing toys, treats and equipment that work

Choosing the right items makes a big difference. Age-appropriate categories you can rotate include:

• Soft rubber or nylon toys designed for teething puppies (gentler on deciduous teeth)
• More durable toys for older puppies with stronger jaws (specifically rated for power chewers)
• Frozen or chilled teething aids: dampened washcloths, frozen Kongs filled with safe food-based stuffing, or purpose-made chilled chew rings

Veterinarians and trainers often prefer non-edible chews for routine play because edible chews can add calories or present choking risks if not matched to size. For edible options, choose vet-recommended brands with clear ingredient lists and appropriate sizing for your dog. Important safety checks: the item should be larger than the puppy’s mouth opening so it can’t be swallowed whole; it should not splinter or break into sharp pieces; and ingredients should avoid known toxins (e.g., xylitol, certain artificial additives). Avoid small rawhide bits, cheap toys that crumble easily, real antlers or bones that can splinter, and any item marketed without clear age or size guidance. Supervise new items until you’re confident your puppy uses them safely.

If chewing persists: troubleshooting, when to call a pro and emergency signs

If destructive chewing continues despite consistent redirection, enrichment, and management, reassess the pattern for underlying drivers: is exercise sufficient, are social and mental needs met, and could there be medical pain or dental issues? Sudden escalation often points to stressors (household change, visitors, separation) or discomfort. Seek veterinary attention if you see signs of ingestion, oral pain, swelling, bleeding, appetite loss, or lethargy. For persistent behavioral chewing tied to anxiety, a certified animal behaviorist can design a desensitization and counterconditioning plan; in some cases, short-term medication or targeted behavior modification accelerates progress. Early, calm intervention tends to produce better outcomes than waiting for habits to become entrenched.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Oral and Dental Disease in Dogs” and “Foreign Body Obstruction in Dogs” (Merck Vet Manual)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Guidance on puppy dental health and managing common puppy behaviors
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Life Stage Guidelines and patient care resources for puppies
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): resources on separation anxiety and behavior modification
• Serpell, J. & Hsu, Y. (2005). “Effects of breed, sex and neuter status on trainability and aggression” and related veterinary behavior literature in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior