How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing: A Complete Guide

If you've come home to a shredded couch cushion or a chewed-up pair of shoes, you're not alone. Chewing is one of the most common behavior issues dog owners face — but the good news is, it's also one of the most fixable. Here's what actually works.

Why Dogs Chew in the First Place

Before you can stop the behavior, it helps to understand why it's happening:

• Puppies teethe. Just like human babies, puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of new teeth coming in, usually between 3 and 6 months old.
• Boredom and excess energy. A dog with pent-up energy and nothing to do will often find their own "entertainment" — and your slippers are an easy target.
• Anxiety or stress. Separation anxiety, changes in routine, or a stressful environment can trigger destructive chewing.
• Natural instinct. Chewing is simply a normal, healthy dog behavior. Dogs explore the world with their mouths.
• Attention-seeking. If chewing gets a big reaction from you (even a negative one), some dogs learn it's a good way to get noticed.

Step 1: Puppy-Proof Your Space

Just like you'd baby-proof a home, remove temptation:

• Keep shoes, remotes, and cords out of reach
• Use baby gates or crates to limit access to off-limits rooms
• Store trash cans behind closed doors or cabinets
• Tuck away cables with cord protectors or covers

Step 2: Give Them Something They're Allowed to Chew

Dogs need an outlet. Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys:

• Rubber chew toys (like a Kong) — especially good when stuffed with treats or frozen peanut butter
• Nylon or rubber bones designed for chewing
• Rope toys for tug-and-chew play
• Rotate toys weekly so they stay novel and interesting

Step 3: Redirect, Don't Punish

If you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn't:

1. Calmly say "no" or "leave it"
2. Remove the item
3. Immediately replace it with an appropriate chew toy
4. Praise them the moment they start chewing the toy instead

Yelling or physical punishment doesn't teach a dog what to do — it just teaches them to be afraid of you, or to chew when you're not looking.

Step 4: Use Taste Deterrents

Bitter-tasting sprays (like bitter apple spray) applied to furniture legs, cords, or baseboards can discourage chewing on specific items. Most dogs learn quickly to avoid the taste.

Step 5: Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Make sure your dog is getting:

• Daily walks appropriate to their breed and energy level
• Interactive play (fetch, tug, puzzle toys)
• Mental enrichment like snuffle mats, treat-dispensing toys, or basic training sessions

Bored dogs chew more. Physically and mentally tired dogs chew less.

Step 6: Crate Train for Unsupervised Time

When you can't watch your dog directly, a properly introduced crate keeps both your dog and your belongings safe. Make the crate a positive space with soft bedding and a chew toy — never use it as punishment.

Step 7: Address Separation Anxiety if Present

If destructive chewing only happens when you're gone, and is paired with other signs like pacing, barking, or accidents, your dog may have separation anxiety. In these cases:

• Start with short departures and gradually build up alone-time tolerance
• Leave a worn piece of your clothing for comfort
• Consider calming aids (like pheromone diffusers) after consulting your vet
• For severe cases, work with a certified dog trainer or veterary behaviorist

When to See a Professional

If chewing is severe, sudden, or paired with other anxious or aggressive behaviors, it's worth consulting a veterinarian to rule out medical causes, or a certified dog trainer/behaviorist for a tailored plan.

The Bottom Line

Stopping destructive chewing isn't about punishment — it's about management, redirection, and meeting your dog's natural needs. With patience and consistency, most dogs grow out of destructive chewing within a few months, especially with the right toys, exercise, and training in place.

Every dog is different — if you're dealing with a particularly stubborn case, a certified professional dog trainer can help create a plan specific to your pup's personality and triggers.