Why does my 5-month-old Golden Retriever chew on wooden furniture instead of toys?

Is there a reason your Golden Retriever chooses furniture instead of toys? Yes, the texture of wood mimics natural chewing materials, making it more appealing than synthetic toys. Puppies, especially Golden Retrievers, are instinctively drawn to chew as part of their developmental stage.

Dr. Jessica Parkins from AKC Canine Health Foundation explains:
"Puppies explore their environment with their mouths. If furniture smells or feels satisfying, they’ll choose it over less enticing alternatives."

Factors Contributing to Furniture Chewing:

Teething discomfort at 4–6 months of age.

Lack of engaging chew toys that match the puppy’s needs.

Behavioral boredom or separation anxiety.

Solution Checklist:

Rotate toys frequently to maintain interest.

Choose toys with varied textures like rubber, rope, or silicone.

Use furniture sprays with non-toxic deterrents.

Could teething cause your puppy to chew more aggressively on furniture? Absolutely. Teething begins around 3 months and peaks at 5–6 months, causing sore gums and a strong urge to chew.

Dr. Amanda Collins from PetMD notes:
"Teething pain is similar to what human babies experience. Chewing soothes discomfort and aids in dental development."

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething:

Excessive drooling.

Chewing on hard objects like chair legs.

Swollen, red gums.

Teething Remedies:

Freeze wet washcloths for a soothing chew.

Offer cold, puppy-safe teething toys.

Limit access to wooden furniture with gates or barriers.

Do Golden Retrievers prefer specific toy types? Yes, puppies like toys that replicate natural chewing sensations. Furniture becomes a fallback when toys fail to engage them.

Dr. Eric Hastings from VetStreet shares:
"Golden Retrievers are active and intelligent. They need toys that challenge their mental and physical abilities."

Toy Recommendations:

Interactive Toys: Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys.

Durable Chew Toys: KONG or Nylabone products.

Natural Chews: Antlers or frozen carrot sticks.

Avoid These:

Toys with small parts that can break off.

Synthetic toys without varied textures.

Does boredom lead to destructive chewing in puppies? Yes, especially for Golden Retrievers, which are highly active and social dogs. Without sufficient stimulation, they may turn to furniture for entertainment.

Dr. Michelle Harris from VCA Hospitals explains:
"Mental and physical stimulation is essential for retrievers. Chewing furniture often signals that a puppy isn’t receiving enough attention or exercise."

Ways to Combat Boredom:

Daily walks and playtime (30–60 minutes).

Training sessions to keep their minds active.

Scheduled interactive play to prevent loneliness.

Is anxiety a common cause of destructive chewing? Yes, Golden Retrievers are prone to separation anxiety, especially as young puppies. They chew as a self-soothing behavior when left alone.

Dr. Katherine Lewis from American Veterinary Medical Association states:
"Chewing furniture can be an outlet for stress. Addressing the root cause of anxiety is key to solving the behavior."

Anxiety-Reducing Strategies:

Provide a comfort item, like a blanket with your scent.

Use calming pheromone sprays.

Gradually train your puppy to feel secure when left alone.

Golden Retrievers chew as part of their natural behavior, but excessive chewing on wooden furniture points to unmet needs. Address teething pain, provide engaging toys, and combat boredom or anxiety to redirect their chewing habits effectively. These proactive strategies will protect your furniture and support your puppy’s healthy development.

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