Puppies are adorable and so much fun, but they can also be a lot of work. One common issue that new puppy owners face is getting the puppy to stop biting everything in sight, including their crate. In this post, we’ll discuss some tips on how to get your puppy to stop biting their crate and become a well-behaved member of the family.
Table of contents
Why are puppies biting their crate? And how to stop it?
If your puppy is biting its crate it can be due to a few different reasons. Every reason has its own solution. So let’s take a look at the reasons and the solutions to help your puppy stop biting their crate.
Biting by nature
Puppies are born with an innate curiosity that drives them to explore their surroundings. And what better way to explore than with their mouths? Everything goes in, so they can taste, smell, and feel it. This helps them to learn about the world around them. Though it may be messy for us, puppies are just doing what comes naturally to them.
Solution: The best way to stop a puppy from biting their crate is to provide them with plenty of chew toys and bones to gnaw on. This will help redirect their urge to bite and give them something that is okay to chew on.
In addition, make sure that their crate is comfortable and inviting, with soft bedding and a toy or two inside. This will redirect your puppy’s natural urge to want to chew its crate.
Finally, provide lots of positive reinforcement when your puppy is not biting their crate. This can be in the form of treats, petting, or verbal praise. By consistently rewarding your puppy for good behavior, they will eventually learn that biting their crate is not acceptable.
Your puppy is teething
Teething is a process that all young mammals go through, and it can be a very painful one. When puppies start teething, around 3-4 months of age, they may start to bite on their crate or anything else they can get their teeth on in an attempt to find relief from the discomfort.
Teething usually lasts until the puppy is around 6-7 months old, and during that time they will lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth.
Solution: If your puppy is biting their crate because they’re teething, the best solution is to provide them with plenty of chew toys to help them through this painful phase. You can also try freezing a wet washcloth for them to chew on, as the cold can help to numb the pain.
Your puppy is bored
Puppies can also become bored easily and may start chewing on their crate out of boredom or frustration. This is especially common if they’re left in their crate for long periods of time without any toys or stimulation.
Solution: The best solution for boredom is to provide your puppy with plenty of toys and chewable, as well as regular exercise. If you’ll be away from home for more than a few hours, make sure your puppy has had enough stimulation and exercise before crating them.
experiencing Separation anxiety
One of the most common behavioral problems in puppies is separation anxiety. Puppies who are crate-trained from a young age may start to associate the crate with being left alone, and this can cause them to become anxious and stressed.
As a result, they may start biting or chewing on the crate in an attempt to escape. Separation anxiety is a serious problem that can be difficult to overcome.
Solution: there are some things that you can do to help your puppy cope. First, make sure that the crate is comfortable and spacious, and consider adding some toys or treats to help keep your puppy occupied.
Second, gradually increase the amount of time that you leave your puppy alone, starting with short intervals and slowly working up to longer periods.
Finally, make sure to praise and reward your puppy when he or she behaves calmly in the crate. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your puppy overcome separation anxiety.
What you should avoid doing when your puppy is chewing its crate
Now you know some of the reasons why your puppy might be chewing on its crate, as well as some possible solutions. But there are a few things that you should avoid doing when your puppy is chewing its crate.
Never punish your puppy
First, never punish your puppy for chewing their crate. This will only make them more anxious and stressed, which can exacerbate the problemInstead, focus on positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise or treats, when your puppy is not chewing their crate. This will help them to understand that good behavior is rewarded.
Don't use bitter spray on the crate
Second, don’t use bitter spray or any other type of deterrent on the crate. These products are designed to make surfaces unpleasant to chew on, but it can be an unpleasant experience for you puppy when they are constantly confronted by the spray. And, if your puppy is already anxious or stressed, these products can make the problem worse.
Don't be impatient with your puppy
Finally, don’t be impatient with your puppy. Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, and it’s important to remember that they’re still learning. With the above tips, as well as patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your puppy learn to stop chewing their crate.
Final thoughts – How to get puppy to stop biting crate
Puppies chew on their crates for a variety of reasons, including teething, boredom, and separation anxiety. The best way to stop your puppy from chewing their crate is to provide them with plenty of toys and chewable, as well as regular exercise.
If you’ll be away from home for more than a few hours, make sure your puppy has had enough stimulation and exercise before crating them. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your puppy learn to stop chewing their crate.
