Puppy Versus Adult

Chewing changes over a dog's life, so your response should too.

Puppies chew hardest between roughly four and six months, when adult teeth grind up through sore gums. The chewing literally relieves that pressure, the same way a teething baby gnaws everything.

Adults are not done, though. They keep chewing because it calms them, so the habit never fully retires. Expect lighter, lifelong chewing and keep good toys on hand for good.