How to Stop Your Dog Chewing

Is your dog turning your favourite shoes into chew toys? Dogs chew for many reasons, from boredom to anxiety or simply because they’re teething. Understanding why your furry friend is destroying your belongings is the first step to solving the problem.

Training your dog to stop chewing inappropriate items requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques. By providing appropriate toys and addressing the root cause of the behaviour, you successfully redirect their natural chewing instincts to acceptable outlets.

Remember that punishment rarely works and may even make the problem worse. Instead, focus on rewarding good behaviour and setting your dog up for success by removing temptations and providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Chewing Takeaways:

• Understand your dog’s chewing motivation (teething, boredom, anxiety) to address the root cause effectively.
• Provide appropriate chew toys and immediately redirect your dog when caught chewing inappropriate items.
• Create a dog-proof environment and ensure your pet gets enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive chewing.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Dogs chew for many reasons related to their natural instincts, physical needs, and emotional state. Understanding these motivations will help you address unwanted puppy chewing more effectively and set your dog up for success.

Normal Chewing Behaviour in Dogs

Chewing is a completely natural behaviour for dogs. It helps them explore their world and learn about their surroundings. Dogs use their mouths much like we use our hands to investigate objects and understand textures.

For adult dogs, chewing serves several important purposes. It keeps their jaws strong and teeth clean by removing plaque buildup. Chewing also provides mental stimulation and relieves mild stress or boredom.

Most dogs enjoy chewing as a recreational activity. It’s often relaxing for them, similar to how humans might enjoy reading a book or watching television. Rather than trying to eliminate chewing entirely, your goal should be to direct it toward appropriate items like soft dog toys instead of your furniture.

Common Causes of Excessive Chewing

Boredom is one of the most common causes of destructive chewing. Dogs with insufficient physical exercise or mental stimulation often turn to chewing as a fun outlet for their pent-up energy.

Separation anxiety triggers intense chewing behaviours. Dogs suffering from this condition may chew door frames, window sills, or personal items that carry your scent when you’re away. This chewing is different from boredom chewing as it’s driven by genuine distress.

Stress and anxiety from changes in routine, new environments, or frightening experiences also lead to excessive chewing. Dogs may chew to self-soothe during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when unfamiliar guests visit.

Insufficient training about appropriate chewing targets contributes to the problem. Dogs can’t distinguish between their toys and your belongings without clear boundaries.

Age-Related Chewing Reasons

Puppies experience teething between 3 and 7 months of age, which causes discomfort that they try to relieve through chewing. During this stage, baby teeth fall out as adult teeth grow in, creating soreness and irritation in their gums.

The teething process creates a genuine need for puppies to chew. Providing appropriate chew toys, especially those that can be cooled in the refrigerator, helps soothe their tender gums.

Young dogs are naturally more mouthy and curious than adult dogs. This exploratory chewing typically peaks during the first two years and gradually decreases with maturity and proper training.

Senior dogs may develop renewed chewing habits due to dental pain, cognitive decline, or anxiety. If an older dog suddenly starts chewing destructively, a veterinarian examination is recommended to rule out health issues.

Effective Strategies to Stop Chewing

Dogs chew for many reasons, from teething discomfort to anxiety or simply boredom. Understanding why your dog chews helps you create a more effective plan to address the behaviour.

Providing Appropriate Chew Toys

Giving your dog proper chew toys is essential for satisfying their natural urge to chew. Choose toys that match your dog’s chewing style and size. Rubber toys like Kongs can be filled with treats to keep them engaged longer.

For puppies going through teething, try freezing wet washcloths or special puppy teething toys. The cold helps soothe their sore gums while they work through this uncomfortable phase.

Rotate toys weekly to maintain your dog’s interest. Having 5-7 different chew toys available but only offering 2-3 at a time creates novelty when you swap them.

Consider dental chews that serve the dual purpose of cleaning teeth while satisfying chewing needs. Always supervise your dog with new toys to ensure they’re using them safely.

Dog-Proofing Your Home

Creating a safe environment prevents unwanted chewing before it starts. Begin by identifying your dog’s favourite inappropriate chewing targets and either removing or protecting these items.

Common items to secure:

• Electrical cords (cover with protective tubing)
• Shoes (store in closed cupboards)
• Children’s toys (keep in closed containers)
• Remote controls and mobile phones (place on high shelves)

Apply pet-safe bitter sprays to furniture edges that can’t be removed from your dog’s reach. These taste deterrents discourage most dogs from repeated chewing attempts.

For extreme chewers or dogs with anxiety, consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms when you can’t directly supervise them.

Redirecting Undesired Chewing

When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, remain calm. Saying “no” in a firm but not angry voice and immediately offering an appropriate chew toy teaches them what they can chew.

Consistency is crucial. Every family member must follow the same rules about what the dog can and cannot chew. Mixed messages create confusion and slow progress.

For dogs that chew due to anxiety, address the underlying cause. Consider consulting with a professional dog trainer who can help identify anxiety triggers.

Exercise is another powerful tool against destructive chewing. A tired dog is less likely to seek stimulation through inappropriate chewing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of active play or walking daily, adjusting based on your dog’s breed and energy level.

Addressing Underlying Causes

Dogs often chew destructively because something deeper is triggering the behaviour. Understanding what drives your dog’s chewing habits is essential for finding effective solutions.

Managing Boredom and Providing Stimulation

Dogs need mental and physical exercise to stay balanced. A bored dog will find ways to entertain themselves, often by chewing your possessions.

Try to ensure your dog gets at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This could be a brisk walk around the neighbourhood or a game of fetch in the backyard. Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys that dispense treats make your dog work for their reward and keep their mind active.

Rotate your dog’s toys regularly to maintain interest. Having 5-7 toys but only making 2-3 available at once keeps them novel and exciting.

Training sessions also provide excellent mental exercise. Spend 10 minutes daily teaching new tricks or reinforcing commands they already know.

Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Some dogs chew destructively when left alone due to separation anxiety. Signs include excessive barking, toileting inside, or destruction that happens only in your absence.

Start by creating positive associations with your departures. Give a special toy or long-lasting treat when you leave. Practice short absences first, leave for just a minute, then return without making a fuss.

Gradually increase the time you’re away as your dog becomes more comfortable. A predictable routine helps anxious dogs feel secure.

For severe cases, speak with your vet about potential calming supplements or medications. Special anxiety wraps that apply gentle pressure can also help some dogs feel more secure when alone.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many chewing issues can be resolved at home, some cases require expert intervention. Professional trainers have the skills to address severe behaviour problems, especially those rooted in anxiety.

Signs Serious Help is Needed

If your dog continues destructive chewing despite consistent training, it may indicate a deeper issue. Watch for these warning signs:

• Extreme destruction when left alone (furniture destroyed, door frames chewed)
• Chewing that causes self-injury (bleeding gums, broken teeth)
• Physical symptoms accompanying chewing (excessive drooling, panting)
• Separation anxiety signs (howling, pacing, accidents indoors)
• Chewing that worsens over time despite your interventions

Some dogs develop compulsive chewing behaviours that don’t respond to basic training. This often stems from severe anxiety or past trauma that requires specialised treatment approaches.

Working With Qualified Dog Behaviour Specialists

Finding the right professional is crucial for addressing serious chewing problems. Look for trainers with credentials in animal behaviour and positive reinforcement methods.

A qualified specialist will first assess your dog’s overall behaviour and environment. They’ll identify potential anxiety triggers, including biting, that may be causing the destructive chewing.

Many specialists offer personalised training plans that include:

• Desensitisation techniques for separation anxiety
• Structured routines to create security
• Specific enrichment activities to redirect chewing
• Medication options in severe cases (prescribed by veterinary behaviourists)

Working with professionals often provides faster results for severe cases. Most importantly, they can teach pet parents how to maintain progress long-term once the initial treatment concludes.

Stop Your Dog from Destructive Chewing Today! Contact Allbreeds Today!

If your dog’s chewing has become a constant battle, don’t wait for the damage to pile up. With the right approach, based on training, consistency and understanding, you can transform this frustrating behaviour into a manageable habit. At Allbreeds, our experienced dog trainers specialise in identifying the root cause and tailoring solutions that work for both you and your pet. Whether it’s boredom, anxiety or teething, we’re here to help.

Contact us today and let’s get your dog back on track, chewing the right things for the right reasons.