Having a cane corso puppy can be a delightful experience. Their playful and affectionate nature can leave you in awe. However, it can also be overwhelming when they start putting things in their mouth. This action can not only be destructive, but it can also be dangerous for the puppy, as they may swallow something harmful. But there’s no need to panic, as there are ways to stop your cane corso puppy from putting things in its mouth.
Table of Contents
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:
1. Understand why the puppy puts things in its mouth
Before diving into ways to stop your cane corso puppy from putting things in its mouth, you must understand why they do it in the first place. Puppies like to explore their surroundings through their mouth, and it’s a natural instinct that stems from their teething phase. They use their mouth as an outlet to relieve the pain and discomfort from teething. Additionally, some puppies tend to put things in their mouth as a form of distraction or play.
2. Puppy-proof your home
The best way to stop your cane corso puppy from putting things in its mouth is by preventing the behavior from the start. Puppy-proof your home by removing any items that can potentially harm your puppy. Start by keeping your shoes in your closet, as they can be easily chewed on. Keep small items like coins, buttons, and toys out of reach. Additionally, keep any harmful items like cleaning chemicals or medicine out of their reach.
3. Provide chew toys
To prevent your puppy from putting things in its mouth, you need to provide them with an appropriate item to chew on. Invest in a few varieties of chew toys to keep their mouth occupied. You can choose from different types of chew toys, like rope toys, teething toys, or rubber toys. It’s essential to select durable toys made for puppies, as they can quickly shred toys made for adults.
4. Encourage positive behavior with treats
Training your cane corso puppy can be an effective way to stop them from putting things in their mouth. You can encourage positive behavior by rewarding your puppy with treats when they play with their designated chew toys. When they pick up the chew toy on their own, make sure to praise them with encouraging words and a treat. Doing so will reinforce positive behavior, making them understand that there’s something to gain when they play with their toys.
5. Use distraction techniques
If you catch your puppy in the act of putting something in its mouth, distract them with a loud noise or call their name to get their attention, then tell them “no.” Afterward, offer them one of their chew toys to redirect their attention. This method can be effective if done consistently.
6. Supervise your puppy
It’s important to keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior, especially when they’re in a new environment. When you’re training your puppy, try to supervise them closely, to catch bad behavior before it happens. Daily supervision can help you get ahead of potentially harmful objects before they become a problem.
7. Teach the ‘leave it’ command
Teaching your cane corso puppy the ‘leave it’ command can be an effective way to stop them from putting things in their mouth. Start the training by offering them a treat and saying “leave it” firmly, at the same time, cover the treat with your hand. When they stop trying to get the treat, give them a verbal affirmation and a different treat, rewarding them for stopping. Repeat this process consistently until they start to associate ‘leave it’ with positive reward.
8. Be consistent with training
To get the best results when stopping your cane corso puppy from putting things in its mouth, consistency is key. Practice the training tips and techniques described above to reinforce good behavior. Be patient and don’t give up on the process. Over time, your puppy will learn the right way to explore the world around them.
Training your Cane Corso Puppy to follow basic commands like “drop it” or “leave it” can help prevent her from putting things in her mouth. Teaching your puppy to drop or leave an item on command can help keep her safe and prevent her from damaging your belongings. Start by using high-value treats and keeping training sessions short and positive.
Conclusion
Putting things in its mouth is a natural behavior for a cane corso puppy, but it’s crucial to train them to stop the behavior to avoid potential harm. Implementing the tips and techniques listed above can aid in changing your puppy’s behavior to positively play with chew toys instead of putting things in their mouth. By puppy proofing your home, providing chew toys, and consistent training, you will have set your cane corso puppy up for success.
