How to Stop Dog Chewing: Simple Tips to Manage Your Dog’s Chewing Habit
If your dog loves chewing everything from shoes and furniture to cushions and household items, you’re not alone.
Dog chewing is a common behaviour, especially in puppies and young dogs. While chewing is natural for dogs, excessive or inappropriate chewing can become frustrating and sometimes even dangerous.
The good news is that with the right training, exercise, and environment, you can help your dog develop better chewing habits.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Before learning how to stop dog chewing, it is important to understand why dogs chew in the first place. Dogs may chew because they are:
- Bored or lacking mental stimulation
- Teething, especially puppies
- Anxious or stressed
- Looking for attention
- Naturally exploring their surroundings
- Full of unused energy
- Simply enjoying the activity
Chewing can also be a normal way for dogs to keep themselves occupied. Instead of trying to stop chewing completely, the goal should be to teach your dog what is safe and appropriate to chew.
Top 4 Tips for Your Dog’s Chewing Habit
1. Provide Safe Chew Toys
One of the easiest ways to control inappropriate chewing is to give your dog suitable dog chew toys.
2. Keep Shoes and Other Items Out of Reach
Dogs cannot chew something they cannot access. Keep shoes, clothes, bags, children's toys, and other tempting objects in cupboards or places your dog cannot reach. This is particularly important for puppies, who tend to explore everything with their mouths.
3. Give Your Dog Enough Exercise
A bored dog may look for something to do—and unfortunately, that can sometimes mean chewing your furniture.
Regular walks, playtime, and age-appropriate physical activity can help reduce excess energy. Exercise can be particularly helpful for dogs that chew things when left alone.
4. Be Consistent with Training
Consistency is essential when stopping a dog from chewing.
Everyone in the household should follow the same rules. If shoes are off-limits, they should be off-limits every day—not sometimes allowed as toys.
With regular practice and patience, your dog can gradually learn the difference between appropriate and inappropriate items.
What Not to Do When Your Dog Chews
Avoid punishing your dog after you discover a chewed shoe or damaged furniture. Dogs may not understand why they are being punished for something they did earlier. Instead, focus on prevention and redirection.
For example, if you catch your dog chewing a shoe, calmly take the shoe away and offer a suitable chew toy. Once your dog starts chewing the toy, praise them.
When Should You Be Concerned About Dog Chewing?
Occasional chewing is normal, but excessive or sudden chewing may sometimes indicate boredom, anxiety, stress, or another underlying problem.
Pay particular attention if your dog:
- Suddenly starts chewing much more than usual
- Chews or eats non-food objects
- Damages themselves while chewing
- Shows signs of anxiety when left alone
- Becomes destructive despite regular exercise and training
If the behaviour is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, speak with a veterinarian or qualified dog behaviour professional.
Dog chewing is a natural behaviour, but inappropriate chewing can be managed with patience and consistent training. Give your dog safe chew toys, provide enough physical and mental stimulation, keep tempting objects away, and reward good behaviour.
Instead of trying to stop your dog from chewing completely, teach them what they are allowed to chew. With time and consistency, your dog can develop healthier and safer chewing habits.