Teething vs Bad Behavior: What's the Difference?

Your puppy is chewing everything in sight. But is it teething — or is it a behavior problem you need to address now before it gets worse?

The answer changes everything about how you respond. Here's how to tell the difference.

Signs It's Teething

• Your puppy is between 3-6 months old
• You find tiny baby teeth around the house
• They chew constantly but aren't aggressive about it
• Gums look red or swollen
• They prefer softer things to chew (pillows, socks, soft toys)
• Chewing seems to soothe them — they calm down while doing it

What to do: Redirect to appropriate chew toys. Cold chews help soothe sore gums. This phase passes on its own by 6-7 months.

Signs It's a Behavior Problem

• Your dog is over 7 months old and still chewing destructively
• Chewing happens specifically when you leave (separation anxiety)
• They chew aggressively and seem frustrated or stressed
• Redirecting to toys doesn't work — they go right back to the furniture
• Chewing is paired with other problem behaviors (barking, pacing, accidents)

What to do: Address the root cause — boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise. Redirection alone won't fix it.

The Right Toy for Each Stage

For teething puppies: Soft, freezable chews that soothe sore gums. The Rubber Turtle Puppy Chew Toy is gentle on puppy teeth and comes with tennis balls to keep them engaged.

For older dogs with behavior issues: Durable, long-lasting chews that satisfy the urge to gnaw. The Bite Force Dog Chew Toy is built for dogs who need serious chewing power.

The Rule of Thumb

Under 6 months + chewing = almost always teething. Over 7 months + chewing = behavior that needs to be addressed.

Either way, the solution starts with the right chew. Give them an outlet, and the problem gets a lot easier to manage.