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My puppy is eating walls! How do I stop this destructive chewing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 9 days old | 8 lbs

My Jack Russell named Patches is tearing apart and eating all the walls in my home

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2019

Puppies are notorious for destructive behavior. Most dogs will outgrow this by 2 years of age but not all do. Additionally, this behavior is not only destructive but it can lead to ingesting toxin substances and intestinal foreign bodies which are fatal without treatment. Patches needs to be crated any time you are not physically watching her. It's safer that way. Here are two helpful links: Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/chewing-in-puppies-how-to-control-it/ Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-puppy-or-older-dog/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 10th, 2017

    Puppies bite and check on everything! Its up to you to train Percy what he is allowed to chew on. I would recommend to buy or rent a book on puppy training. You will find so much helpful information about so many things. Dog learning is complex. Its best to really understand how they think as this will help with training. I would also recommend to kennel train him to help limit his access to things he should not be chewing on. The book will also go over that as well as house breaking and tricks. I hope this helps and congratulations on your new puppy!!!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 27th, 2016

    Chewing on everything within reach is very normal behavior for puppies this age. I would make sure that you are providing lots of things for him to chew on to provide an appropriate outlet for this behavior - things like bully sticks, cow or pig ears, large rawhide chews, or puzzle toys such as a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter are all good options. I would also confine Zeus in a crate when you aren't home or not able to supervise him, to prevent him from having the opportunity to chew on walls or furniture.

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