When Do Puppies Stop Chewing?

You’ve just rescued your beautiful shoes from your puppy’s jaws for the third time today. The remote control is missing a corner. Your couch cushion has suspicious teeth marks. And you’re asking yourself: when does this end?

Here’s the truth — puppies go through two distinct chewing phases, and the timeline might surprise you.

The Two Chewing Phases Every Puppy Owner Faces

Most people expect the puppy chewing phase. What catches them off guard is the second round.

Your puppy goes through at least two stages where their need to chew increases: the first from eight weeks to six months as adult teeth come in, and the second during adolescence, which can be from six months to one and a half years.

That adolescent phase? It’s often worse than teething because by now your puppy is bigger, stronger, and has fully developed adult teeth that can do serious damage.

Why Puppies Chew (And Why it Gets Worse Before it Gets Better)

During teething (3-8 months)

Your puppy’s gums are genuinely sore. Puppies begin teething at around three weeks, and by approximately six weeks, all their deciduous teeth will have erupted. Then, around 12-16 weeks, those baby teeth start falling out to make room for adult teeth.

The discomfort is real. You might notice your puppy drooling more, leaving tiny spots of blood on toys, or being fussier than usual. They’re not being destructive on purpose — they’re seeking relief.

During adolescence (6-18 months)

Adolescent chewing commonly occurs in dogs between puppyhood and adulthood at seven to 12 months of age, and can last for up to six months. This happens because those adult teeth are settling into the jawbone, which can be uncomfortable.

But there’s another factor at play: teenage dogs are easily bored, full of energy, and haven’t quite figured out appropriate outlets yet.

What to Expect at Each Age

• 8-12 weeks: Your puppy arrives home with all 28 baby teeth. Chewing is exploratory — they’re learning about the world through their mouth.
• 3-4 months: This is when you’ll start to find little rice-sized teeth around your home as your puppy’s baby teeth start to shed. Chewing intensifies as adult teeth push through.
• 6 months: Peak teething time. All 42 adult teeth should be in by now. You’d think the chewing would stop, but often it gets worse.
• 7-12 months: The adolescent rebellion phase. Your once-obedient puppy might suddenly ignore commands and chew with renewed enthusiasm.
• 18 months onwards: Most dogs settle down significantly, though chewing never completely disappears — it’s a natural dog behaviour that keeps jaws strong and teeth clean.

How to Survive the Chewing Phases

Make your home puppy-proof 

Put shoes away. Tuck electrical cords behind furniture. Move the TV remote to higher ground. Make it easy for your puppy to succeed by only providing access to appropriate items. Baby gates and closed doors are your friends during this phase.

Provide appropriate chew options 

Variety matters. Rotate between rubber toys, rope toys, and frozen options. For puppy teething relief, try freezing a washcloth soaked in a low-sodium chicken broth and water mixture. Puppies love the flavour, and the cold numbs sore gums.

Hard nylon bones and antlers might seem appealing, but many vets warn against them — they can break both baby and adult teeth.

Redirect, don’t punish 

Catch your puppy mid-chew on your favourite book? Don’t yell. If you catch your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t, interrupt the behaviour with a loud noise, then offer an acceptable chew toy instead and praise lavishly when they take the toy.

Never punish after the fact. Your puppy won’t connect the dots between the chewed shoe from two hours ago and your current anger.

Exercise their body and brain 

A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Bored adolescent dogs will absolutely find their own entertainment — usually involving your belongings. Daily walks, training sessions, and puzzle toys make a massive difference.

When Chewing Becomes a Problem

Not all chewing is equal. It’s normal for puppies to mouth objects and chew appropriate toys. It becomes concerning when:

• Your puppy is over 8 months old and still destructively chewing daily
• Chewing only happens when you leave (possible separation anxiety)
• Baby teeth haven’t fallen out by 7-8 months (retained teeth need vet attention)
• Your puppy shows signs of mouth pain or infection

These situations warrant a chat with your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist.

Care For Your Pup and Your Home

At Superior Pet Goods, we understand the puppy chewing phase firsthand. That’s why we stock durable, Australian-tested chew toys designed specifically for teething puppies and adolescent dogs. From soft rubber toys for tender gums to tougher options for teenage destroyers, having the right gear makes this phase manageable for everyone.

We also offer a variety of beds and blankets tailored to different stages of puppy life. A soft blanket on a sturdy, raised bed can be a great option until the chewing stops and they’re ready for a soft, luxurious bed (that they won’t destroy). 

The chewing will end. Your shoes will be safe again. And one day you’ll actually miss those sharp little puppy teeth (okay, maybe not). But with patience, appropriate outlets, and realistic expectations about the 18-month timeline, you can guide your puppy through both chewing phases without losing your sanity — or your entire shoe collection.