Hello, my lovely human! 🐾
It’s me, your puppy — the one who’s been nibbling on everything from socks to chair legs. I thought it might help if I explain why I chew, what’s happening inside me, and how we can work together to make this journey easier for both of us.
Chewing is a completely natural behaviour for me. I’m not trying to be naughty — I’m exploring my world and helping my little body grow properly!
Here’s why I chew:
🦷 Teething Pain
From about 3 weeks old to 6 months old, my baby teeth come in, fall out, and my adult teeth push through. It can be really sore! Chewing helps ease the ache, like a nice little gum massage.
🧠 Learning About the World
Chewing teaches me about textures, tastes, and shapes. My mouth is like my hands right now — I’m using it to figure out what’s safe, fun, or interesting.
💪 Jaw Strength
Chewing helps me build up my jaw muscles, which I’ll need for healthy eating and playing when I’m bigger.
🧘♂️ Stress Relief
When I’m feeling excited, anxious, or tired, chewing helps me calm down. It’s my version of a big deep breath.
Here’s what you can expect as I grow:
| Age | What's Happening | How You Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 weeks | Baby teeth come in | Soft toys and gentle chews |
| 8–12 weeks | Teething discomfort begins | Softer puppy-safe chews |
| 3–6 months | Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth grow | Cold chews, frozen treats |
| 6–12 months | Adult teeth settle, chewing for habit | Tougher, longer-lasting chews |
| 12 months + | Chewing slows but doesn’t stop | Rotating chews and enrichment |
❗ Important:
Even after teething finishes, I’ll still enjoy chewing — it keeps me busy and happy!
Working together will make both our lives easier. Here's what I need from you:
Please don’t just hope I’ll “grow out of it.” I need safe things to chew on!
Some of my favourites from The Pets Larder could be:
Natural Puppy-Safe Chews like Beef Moon Bones or Turkey Necks
Soft Chew Toys for my early teething days
Frozen Carrots or Puppy Teething Rings when my gums are really sore
🧊 Top Tip:
Freeze a natural chew — it soothes sore gums beautifully!
If you catch me chewing your shoe (oops!), stay calm. Take the shoe away gently and offer me something better, like my chew toy.
Consistency helps me learn:
“Oh! Chew the bone, not the trainers. Got it.”
When I pick my chew toy instead of your chair leg, praise me like crazy!
It helps me understand what makes you happy.
🎉 A happy you = a happy me.
When I chew the wrong thing, I’m not being bad — I’m being a puppy.
Gentle, patient guidance works better than telling me off.
💬 Think:
"Teach, not punish."
This won’t last forever, I promise.
By around 6 months, the worst of the teething pain will ease.
By 12 months, I’ll be a chewing pro — choosing the right things (most of the time!) with your help.
You’re my world, and I want to make you proud.
Thank you for being patient, understanding, and helping me grow up happy and healthy.
Lots of licks and tail wags,
Your (sometimes chewy) puppy. 🐾
About the Author
I’m Katy Peck, with years of hands-on experience and a passion for kind, natural training, I created TEDDY Talks to help families and their dogs understand each other better — one gentle “why?” at a time.
TEDDY Talks was created by Katy Peck, a passionate dog advocate with years of hands-on experience in behaviour, training, and nutrition. As the co-founder of one of Cornwall’s busiest dog day care centres, Katy helped care for up to 80 dogs a day, learning first-hand what makes dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.
In 2018, she brought that knowledge into the world of natural nutrition by opening a pet shop focused on healthy, wholesome choices — supporting thousands of customers with thoughtful advice, honest information, and a personal touch.
TEDDY Talks is the natural next step: a way to take everything we’ve shared in person and make it available to every dog lover, everywhere. These free downloads and training tools are built from real experience, not just theory — and grounded in kindness, patience, and the belief that when we understand why, we can teach how.
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