Puppies and chewed-up shoes—it’s a rite of passage! How you handle this moment depends on your puppy’s age and training stage. For this article, we’ll assume you’re at the start of your journey with a new pup, like our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rusty, when he first joined Muddy Acres. If you’re further along, these foundational tips will still help you navigate the chewed-shoe saga.

Who’s to Blame?

Spoiler: It’s you. As we discussed in our nesting article, it’s your job to create a safe, puppy-proof space for your little one to learn and grow. If your shoes were within reach (even if you thought they were safe), that’s on you. Harsh discipline won’t fix this—it can lead to a hand-shy or aggressive pup and damage your bond. So, take a deep breath, look at those ruined shoes, and let’s find a better way forward.

Now What?

If you discover the damage after the fact and your pup has moved on, there’s not much to do. Clean up the mess, practice your breathing, and find a new, pup-proof spot for your shoes. Lesson learned!

But if you catch your little piranha in the act, you’ve got a golden opportunity! This is the perfect moment to practice the “Leave It” command (check out our detailed “Leave It (article coming soon)” guide for more). Here’s how to turn a shoe-chewing disaster into a training win:

• Stay calm: Take a deep breath—don’t yell.

• Grab a toy: Pick one of their favorites.

• Give the command: Say “Leave It” firmly. (See our video demo in the “Leave It” article!)

• Distract with play: Use the toy to redirect their attention. Our upcoming soft play video will show how to mimic littermate play for a fun distraction.

• Praise success: Celebrate when they switch to the toy—lots of “good pup!” vibes.

Going Forward

Don’t be too hard on yourself or your pup—this is just the first of many puppy-training hiccups. Staying calm and learning from these moments will help you build a strong, loving bond. The puppy phase flies by, so soak up the joys, the cute chaos, and even the frustrations—they’re all worth it! At Muddy Acres, we’re right here with you. Follow along as we share Rusty’s journey, from his shoe-chewing days to his big wins, and let’s learn together. Have a question or a funny puppy mishap to share? Reach out on TikTok (@themuddydoe), X (@themuddydoe), or YouTube (@themuddydoe)—we’d love to hear from you!