Why Is My Golden Doodle Puppy Chewing Everything?
Golden Doodle owners often find themselves asking, “Why is my Golden Doodle puppy chewing everything?” If you’re constantly discovering shredded shoes, gnawed furniture legs, or chewed-up toys around your home, you’re not alone. This common puppy behavior can be frustrating, but it’s also a crucial part of your Golden Doodle’s development and communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many reasons behind your puppy’s chewing obsession, how to redirect it, and the best tools and techniques to protect both your belongings and your puppy’s health.
Key Takeaways:
- Golden Doodle puppies chew to relieve teething pain, explore the world, or alleviate boredom.
- Excessive chewing may indicate unmet physical or emotional needs.
- Understanding the cause helps you prevent destructive chewing without punishment.
- Redirecting your puppy with proper chew toys is key to developing good behavior.
- Choosing a reputable breeder is critical to ensuring a well-adjusted, healthy puppy.
Understanding Golden Doodle Puppy Chewing Behavior
Golden Doodles are a cross between the intelligent Poodle and the affectionate Golden Retriever. They are known for their playful nature, curiosity, and energy. When your Golden Doodle starts chewing everything in sight, it’s rarely about being naughty—it’s a signal.
1. Teething Phase (8–24 Weeks)
Chewing intensifies during the teething phase. As adult teeth push through the gums, puppies chew to alleviate pain and pressure. Chewing helps loosen baby teeth and soothe sore gums. If your puppy is under 6 months, teething is the most likely culprit.
2. Exploration Through the Mouth
Much like human babies, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Your Golden Doodle uses chewing to understand different textures, smells, and objects. This is an essential developmental process and helps build neural connections.
3. Separation Anxiety and Stress Relief
Golden Doodles are highly social dogs. They thrive on companionship and routine. If left alone for too long or without stimulation, your puppy may chew furniture, shoes, or wires as a coping mechanism for anxiety or boredom.
4. Lack of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Golden Doodles need both physical exercise and mental challenges. A bored or under-exercised puppy is more likely to redirect that pent-up energy into destructive chewing. Regular walks, play sessions, and puzzle feeders can reduce chewing incidents dramatically.
Top Reasons Why Golden Doodles Chew Everything
Reason 1: Natural Instincts
Your Golden Doodle is born with a natural urge to chew. This behavior isn’t just about comfort—it also strengthens the jaw, cleans teeth, and reduces stress. Chewing satisfies both physical and emotional needs.
Reason 2: Lack of Boundaries or Training
Without clear boundaries or consistent training, your Golden Doodle won’t know what is acceptable to chew. Puppies need structured environments and positive reinforcement to build good habits.
Reason 3: Hunger or Dietary Deficiency
Sometimes, chewing is a sign of hunger or a lack of specific nutrients. Make sure your Golden Doodle is on a balanced diet appropriate for puppies. Consult your vet if chewing seems obsessive.
How to Stop Your Golden Doodle Puppy from Chewing Everything
1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Stock up on high-quality chew toys made for teething puppies. Rotate them regularly to keep things interesting. Chew toys like frozen carrots or flavored rubber bones can offer relief and distraction.
2. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Prevent temptation by keeping shoes, remotes, books, and wires out of reach. Use baby gates to block off areas and crate-train your puppy when unsupervised.
3. Stick to a Routine
Consistency is key. Feed, walk, play, and rest your puppy on a schedule. Predictability creates security, which reduces anxiety-driven chewing.
4. Increase Exercise and Socialization
Golden Doodles are intelligent and social. Enroll in puppy classes, schedule daily walks, and engage in fetch or hide-and-seek games. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
5. Use Bitter Sprays (As Last Resort)
If your Golden Doodle continues to chew furniture or wood, consider using a bitter anti-chew spray. Always test in a small spot and consult your vet before applying anything to surfaces your pet can access.
6. Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is powerful. When your puppy chooses a chew toy over a shoe, reward them immediately with praise or a treat. Over time, they’ll learn what earns rewards.
Listicle: Top Golden Doodle Breeders in the U.S.
Finding a responsible breeder can help reduce behavioral issues like excessive chewing by ensuring your puppy is well-socialized and genetically healthy. Here are some top-rated Golden Doodle breeders:
- Sundance Doodles – California
- Tampa Goldendoodles – Florida
- Doodle Creek – Ontario, Canada
- Sun Valley Goldendoodles – Idaho
- Ginger’s Doodles and Poodles – Georgia
- Lakeview Doodles – New York
- Red Rock Doodles – Utah
- Hilltop Pups LLC – Indiana
- Blue Ridge Goldendoodles – North Carolina
- Golden Liberty Doodles – Texas
- Forever Doodles – Ohio
- Bainbridge Goldendoodles – Pennsylvania
- GoldenBreez Doodles – Illinois
- Morning Glory Doodles – Tennessee
- Happy Top Doodles – Kentucky
- South Carolina Doodle Ranch – South Carolina
- Lonestar Doodles – Texas
- Sweet Tea Doodles – Alabama
- Great Lakes Doodles – Michigan
- Southern Coast Goldendoodles – Mississippi
Be sure to verify health testing, reviews, and contracts before placing a deposit.
Health Concerns That Can Trigger Excessive Chewing
While chewing is usually normal, excessive or obsessive chewing may be linked to discomfort or health issues such as dental pain or joint disorders. One condition worth knowing about is luxating patella, a common issue in many small-to-medium dog breeds, including Doodles. If your puppy keeps licking or chewing their back legs, this could be a symptom.
To learn more about this condition and how to spot early signs, visit this helpful AKC resource.
Conclusion
So, why is your Golden Doodle puppy chewing everything? It’s part instinct, part environment, and part communication. Rather than punishing your puppy, take time to understand the why, then respond with the how—training, structure, exercise, and love. From teething to boredom, chewing has many causes, but every one of them is manageable with patience and the right strategies. Raising a well-adjusted Golden Doodle starts with understanding, continues with action, and flourishes with care.
And remember: if you’re still searching for the perfect puppy, always buy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and early socialization. That’s how you set the foundation for a happy, chew-responsible life together.
You can also explore other expert puppy health tips on this dog care article.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: How long does the chewing phase last in Golden Doodle puppies?
A: Most Golden Doodle puppies will chew intensely during the teething phase, which lasts from 8 to 24 weeks. However, behavioral chewing may continue into adulthood if not addressed early. Proper training, stimulation, and consistent redirection will significantly reduce chewing behavior after the first year.
For more human-raised, health-tested Golden Doodle puppies, visit us at Adopt Elite Puppies.
