Why be Chewsy?
Why Chewing Matters: A Natural, Necessary Outlet for Dogs
Chewing isn’t just a habit dogs pick up, it’s a deeply routed natural behaviour that plays an important role in their wellbeing. Whether you’re raising a teething puppy, supporting an energetic adult, or looking to meet your dog’s instinctual needs in a safe, appropriate way, chewing can be one of the best outlets you can offer.
Here’s why chewing is more than just keeping your dog busy and how to do it thoughtfully.
Puppies and Teething: Chewing as Relief
Teething in puppies can be a difficult time. During teething, chewing helps soothe sore gums and allows loose baby teeth to come out naturally. It also gives puppies a constructive way to explore the world around them because let’s be honest, they’ll try to chew anything.
Providing appropriate chew options at this stage is essential. Go for:
Soft rubber chews (like puppy-specific Kongs or Nylabone Puppy)
Chilled carrots or frozen chew toys (great for sore gums)
Natural chews like air-dried fish skins or soft pizzles (supervised, of course)
Redirecting chewing onto suitable items early helps prevent damage to shoes, furniture and keeps your puppy from learning bad habits.
Chewing After Exercise, Play or Sports: Completing the Picture
After a walk, play session or your preferred dog sport, your dog might still seem a bit "wired." That’s because while physical activity helps burn energy, it doesn’t always satisfy their mental or instinctual needs. Chewing is a great way to round off an active outing and bring your dog back to a calmer state.
Many ethical trainers and canine behaviourists also talk about fulfilling the predatory sequence in safe, structured ways. The predatory sequence is the natural chain of behaviours dogs have inherited from their hunting ancestors:
Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab → Bite → Kill → Dissect → Consume
Most dogs aren’t hunting their own meals anymore (thankfully), but the instincts are still there. Activities like flirt pole play, tug, or fetch fulfil the early parts of that sequence-chase, grab, bite. But stopping there can leave dogs revved up.
That’s where chewing comes in. Offering a long-lasting chew after play allows dogs to complete that “dissect and consume” stage, in a safe, non-destructive way. It satisfies instinct, calms the nervous system, and gives their brain time to settle, and then can rest and digest.
Choosing the Right Chew: Safety First
Not all chews are created equal and what works for one dog might not suit another. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Size & Texture Matter
Choose chews that are appropriately sized for your dog’s breed and jaw strength. A chew that’s too small is a choking hazard; one that’s too hard can break teeth.
Avoid extremely hard items like weight-bearing bones, antlers, or hooves, especially for dogs with strong jaws.
Duration Without Frustration
Long-lasting chews are great as long as your dog can actually enjoy them. If a chew is too tough or too complex, some dogs may give up or become frustrated.
Chews with some give, like beef tendons, dried trachea, or braided fish skins, often hit the spot.
Watch for Food Sensitivities
Just like people, dogs can have intolerances. If your dog has known sensitivities, stick to proteins you know they can handle. Novel proteins like rabbit or venison can be a great option for sensitive dogs.
Supervision is Non-Negotiable
Always supervise your dog when they’re chewing. Even experienced chewers can misjudge and try to swallow something too big. Stay nearby, and remove small or worn-down pieces as needed. Always provide a fresh bowl of water too.
Chewing is More Than a Distraction
It’s comfort for a teething puppy. It’s a calming, instinct-satisfying ritual for an adult dog. It’s a healthy outlet for energy, frustration, and boredom. And it’s something we, as responsible guardians and trainers, can offer with intention.
By offering safe, appropriate chew options, especially after walks, training, or stimulating play we help our dogs meet both their physical and emotional needs. It’s one of the simplest ways to support their wellbeing, build trust, and help them feel more settled in their daily lives.
Looking for chew suggestions tailored to your dog’s age, size, or dietary needs? Reach out, I'm always happy to help match the right option for the right dog.
