If It Can Go In His Mouth, It Goes In His Mouth!

[LesleyandStrudel]

Pfeffie is settling beautifully into our cozy apartment.  I think he's teething (he's a little over 11 weeks old), or in any event, he's chewing to beat the band.  I try to keep him supplied with stuff that's interesting enough to hold his attention, poses no safety hazard, and doesn't cause me to yell OUCH!  when he chomps down on it (my hands!)  Does anyone have any suggestions?  So far he's been pretty happy with stuffed animal type toys, (pet toys only -- I'm too paranoid to use anything not designed for animal use!)  and I'm afraid to leave him alone with a nylabone -- I'm too paranoid about choking.  So far the furniture's been safe (and I'm going for some Bitter Apple as soon as I can!).  Also, how do I discourage him from biting and chewing me?!!  I try yelling ouch or sort of yelping (to give the impression that I'm his mom giving him a reprimand!) I'm trying to avoid any physical interventions - no nose slapping, no holding the mouth shut, nothing like that yet.  When I can I offer bait and switch -- grab a toy, let him chomp that instead of me!  Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated!

By the way, who remembers that big rubber chicken fad we had 10 or so years ago?!!  I just thought of that while looking at the Petsmart site!  Strudel had one, and she really got a kick out of it, and it was soooo cute to watch her play with it!  I think I got hers at Spencer Gifts, or some place like that.  It was the real deal, anyway, and would today probably be considered hazardous! 

[Barb]

Ahhhhh. puppies !!!!   Kongs?   Treat ball?

[Teresa]

This might be something fun for him
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754630

A lot of the PetStages toys and the Orca toys hold up pretty well. They are a little bit more than some of the other toys, but they also last a little longer. We were lucky with Schatzi. She wasn't a chewer or not too much of a biter. Or, it could be she was one, but accepted the bait and switch really good. Good luck. Hope your hands survive in one piece.

[papbouv]

Roll up a wet wash cloth and let it freeze the cold on the gums & teeth make the teething go better Petsmart use to sell Chilly Bones a canvas bone you could put in the freezer. Oh yes you have to watch them closely with the wash cloth so they do not eat it. Trade Trade Trade helps allot if chomping on hand the scream is good but are you turning your back to them NO attention of any kind, a litter mate would also do that walk away for about 3-5 minutes any longer than that they would forget what happenedGood Luck
Papbouv

[LesleyandStrudel]

I like that walk away idea!!  In fact, this morning while trying to make my own breakfast, I found both my legs were being used as chew toys.  After trying everything I could think of to get him to stop, finally I stuck him in his crate.  After a brief time out, I let him out and he started right up again.  So, I stuck him back in the crate. He let out a blood curtling scream that I ignored (well, I looked to be sure he was safe, and once he was, I walked away without a word. ) After another brief time out, I let him out, and my legs were safe!  I'm not sure how I feel about using the crate for time out -- for a human that wouldn't be any different than being sent to your room, but I do want to keep the crate a safe haven as well.  I guess it'll all work out soon enough!

[Nancy]

You'll have to teach him the word "NO" - they don't like it and you'll get a few times but you have to keep the upper hand.

Sometimes I'll touch them on the nose just to make sure I have their attention (when they're being really wild) and say "no" sternly...then ignore them for a few minutes.  He'll understand pretty quickly.

They are so ornery at this age and those teeth do HURT.  He's a real cutie though.