Puppies are notorious for exploring the world with their mouths. As a dog owner, you’ve likely witnessed your furry bundle of joy chewing on everything from shoes to furniture corners.
While this behaviour might seem perplexing or even frustrating, there’s a scientific explanation behind why young dogs have an irresistible urge to put objects in their mouths.
We will delve into the reasons why puppies are more prone to mouthing and explore the stages of development that contribute to this behaviour.
1. Teething and Discomfort:
Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. Around the age of 4 to 6 months, a puppy’s baby teeth start falling out, making way for their adult teeth.
This teething process can be uncomfortable and even painful. Chewing provides relief by massaging the gums and helping to dislodge loose teeth. Puppies instinctively seek out objects to chew on as a natural way to alleviate this discomfort.
2. Exploring the World:
Puppies experience the world primarily through their senses, and their mouths are a key tool for exploration. They use their mouths to touch, taste, and feel objects around them.
Just like infants put things in their mouths to learn about their environment, puppies use this behaviour to gather information about different textures, smells, and tastes.
3. Learning Through Play:
Puppies learn a lot through play, and mouthing is a part of that learning process. When they interact with objects through chewing, they gain valuable sensory input. They learn how much pressure to apply with their jaws, what’s edible, and what’s not.
This process helps them develop motor skills and refine their bite control, which is crucial for later stages of life.
4. Social Learning and Communication:
In a litter of puppies, mouthing is a form of social communication. Puppies play and interact with their littermates, and mouthing is a way to engage in friendly rough-and-tumble play.
It also helps establish boundaries, as one puppy’s yelp signals to the other that they’ve bitten too hard. Puppies carry this social behaviour into their interactions with humans, which is why they often play-bite with their owners.
5. Attention-Seeking:
Puppies love attention, and putting things in their mouths can be a way to get it. When they chew on your belongings, they might get a reaction from you, whether it’s laughter or a reprimand.
Any form of attention reinforces their behaviour, even if it’s negative, which can inadvertently encourage them to continue putting things in their mouths.
Conclusion:
It’s important for dog owners to understand that mouthing is a natural phase of puppy development. Instead of scolding your puppy for this behaviour, provide them with appropriate items to chew on, such as chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies.
Consistent redirection and positive reinforcement, when they choose the right objects, will help them develop healthy chewing habits. Remember, patience and understanding are key to guiding your young dog through this stage, as they learn to navigate the world around them with their mouths.