Dogs explore the world with their mouths, which often leads to chewing on household items. While chewing is natural, it can become destructive and frustrating for you. Understanding why dogs chew and how to redirect this behavior is key to protecting your belongings and keeping your dog safe.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog healthy chewing habits that satisfy their needs without causing damage.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Things?

Chewing is a normal behavior for dogs of all ages. Puppies chew to relieve teething pain, while adult dogs chew to keep their jaws strong and relieve boredom. Sometimes, chewing can also be a sign of anxiety or stress.

Recognizing the reasons behind your dog’s chewing helps you address the root cause effectively. Here are some common reasons dogs chew:

• Teething discomfort in puppies makes chewing a natural way to ease sore gums and develop strong teeth.

• Boredom or lack of mental stimulation can lead dogs to chew as a way to entertain themselves and release pent-up energy.

• Separation anxiety causes some dogs to chew destructively when left alone, as a coping mechanism for stress.

• Curiosity and exploration drive dogs to chew new objects to learn about their environment and satisfy their instincts.

Understanding these reasons allows you to tailor your approach to stop unwanted chewing effectively.

Common Items Dogs Chew and Why It’s a Problem

Dogs often target household items like shoes, furniture, and electrical cords. These objects can be dangerous if ingested or damaged. It’s important to identify what your dog chews and why to prevent accidents.

Here are some frequently chewed items and the risks they pose:

• Shoes and clothing are attractive due to their scent but can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.

• Furniture and wooden objects can splinter, leading to mouth injuries or digestive tract damage if chewed pieces are swallowed.

• Electrical cords pose a serious risk of electric shock or burns if chewed, requiring immediate prevention.

• Children’s toys and household items may contain toxic materials or small parts that can harm your dog if ingested.

Keeping these dangers in mind helps you prioritize which items to protect and redirect your dog’s chewing to safe alternatives.

Training Techniques to Stop Chewing

Training is essential to teach your dog what is acceptable to chew and what is off-limits. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success. Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety and worsen chewing.

Try these effective training methods:

• Redirect your dog’s chewing to appropriate toys immediately when you catch them chewing on forbidden items to reinforce good behavior.

• Use commands like "leave it" or "no" firmly but calmly to interrupt unwanted chewing and guide your dog toward acceptable objects.

• Reward your dog with treats and praise when they chew on their toys to encourage repetition of positive behavior.

• Practice regular training sessions to reinforce boundaries and help your dog understand what is expected over time.

Training takes patience but builds a strong foundation for long-term chewing control.

Preventing Destructive Chewing

Prevention is often easier than correction. By managing your dog’s environment and providing proper outlets, you can reduce the temptation to chew on inappropriate items.

Consider these prevention strategies:

• Keep tempting objects like shoes, clothing, and cords out of your dog’s reach to remove easy targets for chewing.

• Provide a variety of safe chew toys that suit your dog’s size and chewing strength to satisfy their natural urge safely.

• Increase your dog’s daily exercise and playtime to reduce boredom and excess energy that can lead to destructive chewing.

• Use deterrent sprays on furniture or cords that taste unpleasant to discourage chewing without harming your dog.

These steps create a safer environment and reduce the chance of unwanted chewing behaviors developing.

Safe Chewing Alternatives for Dogs

Offering your dog safe and enjoyable chewing options helps fulfill their natural needs while protecting your belongings. Choosing the right toys and treats is important for your dog’s health and satisfaction.

Here are some recommended chewing alternatives:

• Durable rubber toys like Kongs are great for aggressive chewers and can be stuffed with treats to keep dogs engaged longer.

• Natural chew treats such as bully sticks or dental chews promote oral health and satisfy chewing urges safely.

• Interactive puzzle toys challenge your dog mentally and provide a constructive outlet for chewing and problem-solving.

• Frozen chew toys or wet washcloths can soothe teething puppies and reduce discomfort while keeping them occupied.

Providing these alternatives regularly helps redirect chewing away from household items and supports your dog’s wellbeing.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s chewing is severe, persistent, or linked to anxiety, consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer is important. They can identify underlying issues and recommend tailored treatment plans.

Consider professional help if you notice:

• Chewing that causes injury to your dog’s mouth or digestive system, indicating a serious health risk requiring veterinary attention.

• Destructive chewing that continues despite training and prevention efforts, suggesting behavioral intervention is needed.

• Signs of anxiety or stress such as pacing, whining, or destructive behavior when left alone, which may benefit from specialized therapy.

• Sudden changes in chewing habits that could signal medical problems like dental pain or neurological issues requiring diagnosis.

Early intervention improves outcomes and helps your dog develop healthier habits more quickly.

Maintaining Good Chewing Habits Long-Term

Consistency and ongoing management are crucial to maintaining good chewing habits. Dogs can relapse if boundaries are not reinforced or if boredom returns.

To keep chewing under control, remember to:

• Regularly rotate chew toys to keep your dog interested and prevent boredom with the same items over time.

• Continue reinforcing training commands and rewarding appropriate chewing behavior to maintain clear expectations.

• Monitor your dog’s environment for new temptations and remove access to items that may encourage unwanted chewing.

• Provide daily physical and mental exercise to reduce excess energy that can trigger destructive chewing episodes.

By staying proactive, you help your dog enjoy safe chewing and protect your home from damage.

Conclusion

Stopping your dog from chewing on things requires understanding their natural behavior and providing safe, satisfying alternatives. With consistent training, prevention, and patience, you can guide your dog toward healthy chewing habits.

Remember to keep tempting items out of reach, offer durable chew toys, and address any underlying anxiety or boredom. If problems persist, professional guidance can make a big difference. Together, you and your dog can enjoy a happier, safer home.

FAQs

Why do puppies chew more than adult dogs?

Puppies chew more because they are teething, which causes gum discomfort. Chewing helps relieve pain and supports healthy tooth development during this growth phase.

Can chewing be a sign of anxiety in dogs?

Yes, dogs may chew destructively when anxious or stressed. It acts as a coping mechanism to relieve nervous energy or discomfort.

What types of chew toys are safest for dogs?

Durable rubber toys, natural bully sticks, and dental chews are safe options that satisfy chewing urges without breaking into harmful pieces.

How can I stop my dog from chewing electrical cords?

Keep cords out of reach, use bitter-tasting deterrent sprays, and provide plenty of safe chew toys to redirect your dog’s attention.

When should I consult a vet about my dog’s chewing?

If chewing causes injury, persists despite training, or is linked to anxiety, a vet or trainer can help diagnose and treat underlying issues effectively.