Then we have the suddenly less lovable puppy because it is your Italian leather couch he is munching on.  It is puppy’s instinct to chew, but he needs to be taught what is his and what isn’t. A lot of the expense incurred by pet owners comes as a result of chewing.  Puppies chew the most when you either aren’t home or aren’t looking. They are bored, sad, or just plain teething. It also calms them to be able to chew, especially if they are hungry and there is no dinner available. 

The first step to curbing the chewing habit is to puppy proof your home.  Keep puppy confined to areas of the house where you have no valuables.    Don’t leave your puppy alone even when you are in the house.  When puppy is in the room with you, use a baby gate to prevent him from wandering around, or make sure he is in his crate.   Use a curio cabinet for collectibles and other trinkets.  Coffee tables need to be free of vases, flowers, and other things that can be potentially dangerous to puppy. Many flowers are poisonous. So can plants and things like Christmas trees, and even the water in the stand if you have a fresh tree.