If you’re a proud owner of a Bernese Mountain puppy, you know they’re adorable, playful, and full of energy. However, one of the biggest challenges of raising these beautiful dogs is teaching them not to chew on shoes. It’s a common problem among puppies, and it can be frustrating to come home and find your favorite pair of shoes destroyed. But don’t worry, there are effective ways to train your Bernese Mountain puppy not to chew on shoes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tried-and-true methods to prevent shoe-chewing and help you enjoy a harmonious life with your furry friend.

Stop the Shoe-Chewing: Effective Methods to Train Your Bernese Mountain Puppy

Bernese Mountain puppies are adorable and lovable furry friends that are known to be gentle giants. However, like all puppies, they are also known to have a knack for chewing on shoes. While this may seem like a harmless habit, it can quickly turn into a costly and frustrating problem for any dog owner. Fortunately, there are effective methods to train your Bernese Mountain puppy to stop chewing on shoes. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to train your Bernese Mountain puppy to stop chewing on shoes.

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the most effective ways to stop your Bernese Mountain puppy from chewing on shoes is to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Puppies have a natural urge to chew, and they need an outlet for this behavior. Therefore, providing your puppy with a variety of chew toys will not only satisfy their urge to chew but also help them learn what is and isn’t acceptable to chew on. When purchasing chew toys, make sure they are safe, durable, and appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.

2. Supervise Your Puppy

Another way to prevent your Bernese Mountain puppy from chewing on shoes is to supervise them when they are around shoes. This means keeping an eye on them and redirecting their attention if you notice them trying to chew on your shoes. If you cannot supervise your puppy, it is best to keep them in a crate or playpen where they cannot access your shoes.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Stop the Shoe-Chewing: Effective Methods to Train Your Bernese Mountain Puppy

Positive reinforcement is a powerful training tool that can help to teach your Bernese Mountain puppy what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. When your puppy behaves well, reward them with praise, affection, and treats. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage them to do it again. When your puppy chews on shoes, do not punish them. Instead, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and reward them when they start chewing on it.

4. Train Your Puppy to Leave It

Teaching your Bernese Mountain puppy to leave it is a useful command that can help to prevent them from chewing on shoes. To train your puppy to leave it, start by holding a treat in your closed hand and placing it in front of your puppy’s nose. When they start to sniff or lick your hand, say leave it and close your hand. Wait a few seconds before opening your hand and giving them the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day and gradually increase the difficulty by placing the treat on the floor or using a shoe instead of a treat. Eventually, your puppy will learn to leave it on command.

5. Use Bitter Sprays

Bitter sprays are a safe and effective way to deter your Bernese Mountain puppy from chewing on shoes. These sprays have a bitter taste that most dogs find unpleasant, and they can help to teach your puppy that shoes are not to be chewed on. To use a bitter spray, simply spray it on your shoes or any other objects you want to protect from chewing. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid spraying the bitter spray on your puppy’s face.

Conclusion

Chewing on shoes is a natural behavior for puppies, but it can quickly become a problem if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are effective methods to train your Bernese Mountain puppy to stop chewing on shoes. By providing appropriate chew toys, supervising your puppy, using positive reinforcement, training your puppy to leave it, and using bitter sprays, you can help to teach your puppy what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. With patience, consistency, and lots of love, your Bernese Mountain puppy will learn to be a well-behaved and happy companion.

In conclusion, training your Bernese Mountain puppy not to chew on shoes requires time, patience, and consistency. Remember to keep your shoes out of reach and provide plenty of chew toys and positive reinforcement. By following the methods outlined in this post, you can prevent your furry friend from destroying your favorite shoes and create a happy and healthy relationship with your puppy. So, start the training process today and enjoy a shoe-chew-free home!