Nipping and Chewing: Holiday Puppy Training Tips for 2024 in Richmond, VA

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families in Richmond, VA, it’s a time for celebration, decorations, and gatherings. But if you have a new puppy this year, it’s also a time when nipping and chewing behaviors can get out of hand. Puppies are naturally curious and teething, so they may be more likely to explore their environment by chewing on anything they can get their paws on—whether it’s your favorite shoes, holiday decorations, or even that special gift you just wrapped!

At Sit Happens RVA, we understand how these behaviors can be both frustrating and worrisome for new puppy owners, especially during the busy and festive season. Thankfully, with a little guidance and the right training, you can nip these behaviors in the bud and ensure that your puppy’s first holiday season is a happy and peaceful one for the whole family.

Why Do Puppies Nibble and Chew?

Before we dive into training tips, it’s important to understand why puppies chew in the first place. Chewing is a completely normal behavior for puppies, but it can be a little more intense during the holiday season. Here’s why:

1. Teething: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where they’re trying to relieve discomfort in their gums. This phase usually peaks around 3 to 6 months of age, and chewing provides much-needed relief.
2. Exploration: Puppies experience the world through their mouths. Everything is new and interesting to them, which often leads to nibbling on objects they come across.
3. Energy and Boredom: Puppies have a lot of energy and need outlets for it. If they’re not getting enough mental stimulation or exercise, they may turn to chewing to burn off that extra energy.
4. Attention-seeking: Sometimes puppies chew simply to get your attention—especially when they notice that you react when they nibble on something they shouldn’t.

Now that you know why puppies chew, let’s talk about how to stop unwanted chewing behaviors, especially during the holiday season.

Training Your Puppy to Stop Nipping and Chewing

The key to addressing your puppy’s chewing and nipping habits is consistent training. Here are some proven strategies to get your puppy on the right track.

1. Redirect with Chew Toys

When your puppy starts chewing on something inappropriate—whether it's your favorite pair of slippers or a holiday decoration—redirect their attention to a designated chew toy. It’s important that these toys are interesting and engaging for your puppy. Choose toys that are tough enough to withstand some serious chewing but also provide variety. You can even find chew toys designed to help with teething pain!

Make sure to praise your puppy when they focus on their chew toy instead of the forbidden object. Positive reinforcement will help them understand that chewing the toy is a behavior you encourage.

2. Use the “Leave It” Command

Teaching your puppy the “leave it” command is an essential part of their training, especially when they’re tempted by things they shouldn’t chew on. When they reach for something they shouldn’t, give the “leave it” command in a firm but calm voice. Once they stop trying to grab it, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

By practicing this command in various situations, your puppy will learn that there are certain items they simply shouldn’t touch. The holidays often bring new objects into the home, so this training will be especially helpful.

3. Provide Plenty of Physical and Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy! Make sure you’re providing your puppy with enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Long walks, playtime at the dog park (like Forest Hill Park or Church Hill Dog Park in Richmond), and puzzle toys can help tire out your puppy and reduce the urge to chew from boredom.

If you’re too busy during the holiday season to give your puppy all the attention they need, consider hiring a dog walker or using interactive toys to keep their minds engaged while you’re occupied.

4. Use Deterrents for Problematic Chewing

For items that are off-limits, such as electrical cords or holiday decorations, using a safe deterrent can be effective. There are sprays available that are designed to make chewing on certain objects undesirable, without harming your puppy. Make sure to test the spray on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage your items.

5. Provide Safe Spaces

Sometimes, puppies chew because they feel anxious or overwhelmed. The excitement of holiday gatherings or the presence of new guests can be stressful for your puppy. Creating a safe space for your puppy, such as a crate or a designated room with their bed and toys, can give them a break from the hustle and bustle. This space will allow them to relax and focus on their chew toys instead of the things they shouldn’t touch.

Enroll in Puppy Training with Sit Happens RVA

At Sit Happens RVA, we offer professional puppy training services to help address behaviors like nipping and chewing. As the owner and head trainer, I (Nicole) bring years of experience and a passion for helping puppies grow into well-behaved adults. Having recently moved to Richmond, I’m excited to work with families here in the area and share the techniques I learned while apprenticing with Dave Stellato.

Whether you’re in Henrico, Hanover, Ashland, Goochland, Rockville, or anywhere in the Richmond area, our customized one-on-one training sessions are designed to meet your puppy’s needs. I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate puppyhood, especially with the added chaos of the holiday season. My goal is to make training fun and engaging for both you and your puppy while achieving lasting results.

Keep Your Holidays Joyous and Stress-Free

This holiday season, make sure your puppy’s behavior isn’t a cause for stress. With a little patience, consistency, and guidance from Sit Happens RVA, you can ensure that your puppy learns proper chewing habits while enjoying a safe and fun-filled holiday season.

Don’t let nipping and chewing ruin the festivities. Contact Sit Happens RVA today and let’s work together to set your puppy up for success in 2024!