Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially if it’s your first time as a dog owner. While German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, they can also be quite energetic and mischievous. One of the most common behavioral issues that new dog owners face is biting and chewing. These behaviors can not only be destructive to your belongings, but they can also be harmful to your puppy if they swallow something they shouldn’t. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to prevent your German Shepherd puppy from biting or chewing on things during the first two weeks. In this blog post, we’ll explore five tips to help you train your new furry friend and keep them out of trouble.

Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging. Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething phase where they feel the urge to chew and bite on everything they can get their paws on. While this behavior is normal, it can be frustrating for new puppy owners, especially if the puppy starts chewing on furniture or other important items.

The good news is that with proper training and patience, you can teach your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting and chewing on things during the first two weeks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five tips for training your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting and chewing on things.

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from chewing on inappropriate items is to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Chew toys are essential for your puppy’s dental health and can help satisfy their urge to chew.

It’s important to choose chew toys that are safe and durable. Avoid toys that can easily break apart, as your puppy may swallow small pieces and choke. Also, avoid toys that resemble household items such as shoes or socks, as this can encourage them to chew on these items in the future.

Instead, opt for chew toys made from rubber, nylon, or other durable materials. You can also fill some chew toys with treats to make them more enticing for your puppy.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting and chewing on things. When your puppy chews on appropriate items, such as their chew toys, praise them and offer treats. This will encourage them to continue chewing on appropriate items.

On the other hand, when your puppy chews on inappropriate items, such as furniture or shoes, discourage them by saying “no” firmly and redirecting their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Avoid using physical punishment, such as hitting or spanking, as this can cause fear and anxiety in your puppy.

Consistency is key when using positive reinforcement. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page and using the same commands and methods for training your puppy.

How can I prevent my German Shepherd puppy from biting or chewing on things during the first two weeks?

3. Use Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a non-toxic spray that can be used to deter your German Shepherd puppy from chewing on inappropriate items. The spray has a bitter taste that most dogs find unpleasant, so they will avoid chewing on items that have been sprayed with it.

To use bitter apple spray, simply spray it on items that your puppy likes to chew on, such as furniture or shoes. Be sure to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the item.

4. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

German Shepherd puppies are active and intelligent dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If your puppy is bored or has excess energy, they may be more likely to chew on inappropriate items.

To prevent this, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise each day, such as walks or playtime in the yard. You can also provide mental stimulation by playing games with your puppy, such as hide-and-seek or puzzle toys that require them to figure out how to get a treat.

5. Be Patient and Consistent

Finally, it’s important to be patient and consistent when training your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting and chewing on things. This behavior won’t change overnight, so it’s important to stay consistent with your training and be patient as your puppy learns.

Don’t give up if your puppy continues to chew on inappropriate items. Instead, continue to redirect their attention to appropriate chew toys and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. With time and patience, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to stop biting and chewing on things.

Overall, training your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting and chewing on things during the first two weeks requires a combination of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By providing appropriate chew toys, using positive reinforcement, using bitter apple spray, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and being patient and consistent, you can help your puppy develop good chewing habits and prevent them from damaging your home.

Training a German Shepherd puppy during the first two weeks can be challenging, but it is worth the effort. By following these five tips, you can prevent your puppy from biting and chewing on everything in sight. Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive in your training approach. With time and effort, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to be well-behaved and obedient. So, go ahead and start training your furry friend today!