How to Stop Dogs from Chewing

How to stop dogs from chewing is probably the question that haunts every dog parent at some point. Your adorable pup just turned your favorite sneakers into modern art, huh? 🙂 Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Chewing is one of the most common dog behaviors, and honestly, it can drive any dog parent up the wall. (Literally—some dogs chew on walls, and yes, we’ll talk about that too.)

Here’s the good news: you can absolutely stop your dog from chewing the wrong things without turning your house into a chew-proof fortress. The trick is understanding why they chew in the first place and giving them better options. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s figure out how to save your shoes, walls, and sanity.

Why Dogs Chew in the First Place

Chewing isn’t your dog’s evil plot to ruin your life—it’s actually normal. But knowing the “why” makes stopping it a whole lot easier.

• Puppies chew because they’re teething and need relief.
• Adult dogs chew out of boredom, stress, or just because it feels good.
• Senior dogs chew for comfort or dental reasons.

Think of it like us biting our nails, except way more expensive when your couch becomes the victim—ever wondered why your dog picks your brand-new pillows instead of the old ones in storage? Yep—dogs know how to keep us humble.

The Common Targets (a.k.a. Household Casualties)

Dogs rarely chew random stuff; they go for things that smell like you or feel satisfying. Let’s talk about the big victims:

Dogs Chewing on Walls

Ever walk in and see drywall crumbs on the floor? Dogs chew walls out of boredom, anxiety, or sometimes even nutritional deficiencies. They might also be trying to escape. (FYI: drywall isn’t a balanced diet—don’t let them fool you.)

Biting Pillows

Pillows are soft, smell like you, and explode into snow with one bite. Honestly, who can blame them? But unless you want daily “indoor blizzards,” you need to redirect that chewing habit.

How to Prevent a Dog from Scratching the Door

This one’s more scratching than chewing, but it’s related. Dogs do it when they’re anxious, want out, or are protesting being left behind. It’s basically their version of slamming the door.

Before you jump into training, make sure chewing isn’t hiding something more profound.

• Teething puppies need cold toys to soothe their gums.
• Anxious dogs may chew to self-soothe (separation anxiety is a big one).
• Nutritional gaps can make dogs chew weird stuff like walls or furniture.

If chewing feels obsessive, call your vet. Sometimes what looks like “bad behavior” is actually a health or anxiety issue.

Step 2: Give Chew Alternatives to Stop Dogs from Chewing

Here’s the deal: you’ll never stop chewing thoroughly, but you can redirect it to acceptable objects.

Best Chew Options

• Rubber toys like Kongs (stuff them with peanut butter for hours of entertainment).
• Rope toys for tugging and gnawing.
• Edible chews like bully sticks (watch calories).
• Frozen treats for teething puppies.

Pro tip: Rotate toys every few days. Dogs get bored too—imagine watching the same TV show forever.

Step 3: Dog-Proof Your Space

Yes, this is the less glamorous part. Think of it like baby-proofing, but for teeth.

• Keep shoes, remotes, and pillows out of reach.
• Use baby gates to block off rooms.
• Spray bitter apple deterrent on furniture legs.
• Cover doors with protective plastic if scratching is an issue.

Sounds like a hassle? It is, at first. But trust me, it’s easier than buying a new sofa every two months.

Step 4: Burn Off That Energy

A bored dog is a destructive dog. Period. Ever notice how your pup chews more on days you skip the walk?

• Daily exercise is non-negotiable. A tired dog won’t feel like remodeling your house.
• Mental stimulation works wonders. Use food puzzles (bonus: they slow down fast eaters).
• Try training games—teaching a new trick burns brain energy like crazy.

IMO, if you fix boredom, you fix 70% of chewing problems right there.

Step 5: Use Training to Teach What’s Off-Limits

Redirecting is your crucial tool. When your dog grabs the wrong thing:

1. Interrupt gently. Don’t yell—just swap the item.
2. Offer an approved chew toy.
3. Praise them like crazy when they chew the right thing.

Consistency is key. Dogs don’t learn overnight, but they do catch on when you stay patient.

Step 6: Stop the Door-Scratch Drama

Scratched doors are the worst. To prevent a dog from scratching the door, try these:

• Train a “wait” command when you leave the room.
• Give them a comfy space with toys when you’re gone.
• Use protective barriers if needed.
• Desensitize them to departures—practice leaving for short times, then extend.

And hey, if all else fails, invest in a good door repair kit. (Half-joking, half-serious.)

Step 7: Keep Calm and Stay Consistent

This is the part where most people give up. You scold, you hide the shoes, and two days later, your dog eats your charging cable. Frustrating? Absolutely. But consistency wins every time.

• Always redirect; don’t just punish.
• Reward the behavior you want.
• Don’t expect miracles in a week—it’s a process.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Give plenty of exercise (physical + mental).
• Rotate toys to keep them exciting.
• Supervise puppies until you trust them.

Don’t:

• Leave temptations out. If you leave your AirPods on the floor, they’re chew toys now.
• Punish harshly. It damages trust and rarely works.
• Ignore the problem. Dogs don’t “grow out” of chewing without help.

My Personal Experience (Because Yes, I’ve been there.)

I once had a Labrador who chewed through three iPhone chargers in a week. I thought he hated Apple products, but nope—he was just bored. Once I added an extra walk in the evenings and gave him frozen peanut butter Kongs, the destruction basically stopped.

That’s the thing: dogs don’t chew to annoy us. They chew because we haven’t met some need—whether it’s exercise, comfort, or just something fun to do.

Wrapping It Up

So, how do you stop dogs from chewing? Redirect, exercise, dog-proof, and stay consistent. That’s the magic combo.

Remember:

• Chewing is natural—your job is to channel it.
• Walls, pillows, and doors are just victims of unmet needs.
• Consistency and patience beat frustration every time.

At the end of the day, your pup isn’t trying to drive you nuts (well, not always). With the right tools and a little persistence, you can protect your stuff and keep your dog happy.

And hey, if you ever feel like giving up—remind yourself it’s better than raising a toddler. At least dogs don’t ask for your Wi-Fi password. 😉