Ever walked into your living room to find your favorite shoes looking like they went through a paper shredder? Or maybe that expensive sofa arm has suddenly become your pup’s favorite teething toy? Yeah, I’ve been there too. My Labrador puppy once turned my leather wallet into what can only be described as “abstract art.”
Destructive chewing is one of those dog behaviors that can drive even the most patient pet parents to the brink of sanity. But before you start hiding all your valuables in locked cabinets, let me share some good news—this problem is totally fixable!
In this article, I’ll walk you through 5 simple (yet seriously effective) steps that will transform your furniture-destroying canine into a well-mannered pup who knows exactly what belongs in their mouth and what doesn’t. These aren’t just theoretical tips from some dog training manual—these are tried and tested solutions that have saved countless shoes, furniture legs, and human-dog relationships!
Step 1: Understand Why Your Dog Is Chewing Everything
Before we jump into solutions, we need to get to the root of the problem. Why is your furry friend treating your house like an all-you-can-eat buffet?
Puppy Teething
Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. Those little razor-sharp teeth are coming in, and their gums hurt like crazy! Typically, this phase happens between 3-7 months of age, and honestly, chewing during this time is as natural as teenagers being moody.
Boredom and Excess Energy
Ever been so bored you started doing weird things? Dogs are no different. A dog with too much energy and nothing to do will find something to entertain themselves—usually your stuff.
I once dog-sat my friend’s Border Collie for a weekend. Made the rookie mistake of not exercising him enough on the first day, and came home to find he had “redesigned” my throw pillows. Lesson learned the hard way!
Anxiety and Stress
Dogs might start destructive chewing when they’re stressed or anxious. Common triggers include:
- Separation anxiety when you leave
- Changes in routine or environment
- New family members (human or animal)
- Loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Sometimes dogs learn that chewing your stuff leads to an immediate reaction from you. Even negative attention is still attention, and some dogs will take what they can get!
Medical Issues
In some cases, excessive chewing can signal dental problems, digestive issues, or nutritional deficiencies. If your dog’s chewing seems obsessive or starts suddenly in an adult dog, it might be worth a quick vet check.
Step 2: Dog-Proof Your Home (At Least Temporarily)
Look, I’m all about training, but let’s be realistic—while you’re working on changing your dog’s behavior, you need to manage the environment. Think of it as damage control while the real solutions have time to work.
Create Safe Zones
Not every area of your home needs to be accessible to your chew-happy friend. Use baby gates or close doors to limit access to areas with valuable or dangerous items.
IMO, having a dedicated “dog zone” with their bed, toys, and water makes them feel secure while protecting your stuff.
Store Valuables Out of Reach
Time to channel your inner child-proofer:
- Put shoes in closed closets or on high shelves
- Keep clothes in drawers or hampers with lids
- Store remote controls, eyeglasses, and electronics in drawers
- Clear coffee tables of tempting items
Bitter Apple Spray Is Your New BFF
Bitter apple spray has saved more of my possessions than I can count! This stuff tastes horrible to dogs but won’t damage your items. Apply it to furniture legs, baseboards, or anything else your dog loves to chomp.
Fair warning though—test it on an inconspicuous area first, and be careful not to touch your mouth after using it. (Yes, I made that mistake once. It was… memorable.)
Manage Access When You Can’t Supervise
If you can’t watch your dog, consider crate training or using a playpen. This isn’t punishment—it’s prevention. A proper-sized crate with comfortable bedding and appropriate chew toys can become your dog’s safe haven.
Step 3: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys (Lots of Them!)
Let’s face it—dogs need to chew. It’s hardwired into their DNA. Our job isn’t to stop the chewing entirely but to redirect it to appropriate items.
Types of Chew Toys
Not all chew toys are created equal! You need to match the toy to your dog’s chewing style:
- For aggressive chewers: Nylon bones, Kong Extremes, or Goughnuts toys
- For moderate chewers: Regular Kongs, rubber toys, or dental chews
- For gentle chewers: Plush toys with minimal stuffing, softer rubber toys
Rotation Is Key
Ever notice how kids get bored with toys they see every day? Dogs are the same! Keep 5-7 chew toys but only make 2-3 available at once. Rotate them every few days to keep things exciting.
Make Toys More Enticing
Want your dog to choose their toys over your Italian leather shoes? Make those toys irresistible:
- Stuff Kongs with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food and freeze them
- Use treat-dispensing toys that reward chewing
- Play with the toys yourself to make them more interesting (yes, you might look ridiculous, but it works!)
Once I smeared a tiny bit of bacon grease on my dog’s rubber bone, and suddenly it was the most fascinating object in the universe. Just saying.
Special Consideration for Puppies
If you have a teething puppy, try freezing wet washcloths for them to chew on. The cold helps numb sore gums, just like those teething rings we give human babies.
Step 4: Establish a Consistent Training Routine
Now we’re getting to the heart of the solution—training your dog to make better choices. Consistency here is absolutely crucial.
The “Leave It” Command
This command is a game-changer for stopping destructive chewing. Here’s how to teach it:
- Hold a treat in your closed fist
- Let your dog sniff and paw at your hand
- The moment they stop trying to get it, say “leave it” and reward with a different treat
- Gradually work up to placing items on the floor and using the command
Once mastered, “leave it” becomes your magic word when you catch your dog eyeing your shoe collection.
The “Drop It” Command
Equally important is teaching your dog to surrender what’s already in their mouth:
- Give your dog a toy they enjoy but don’t love
- Say “drop it” and show a high-value treat
- When they drop the toy, give the treat and praise
- Practice until they’ll drop items on command
Interrupt and Redirect
When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate:
- Make a sharp noise (clap or say “ah-ah!”) to interrupt
- Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy
- Praise lavishly when they take the right item
The key is catching them in the act—dogs can’t connect your reaction to something they did hours ago.
Never Punish After the Fact
Let me save you some frustration: scolding your dog for chewing something when you find the evidence later is pointless. They literally cannot connect your anger to something they did earlier.
I once came home to find my dog had shredded a throw pillow. The guilty look on his face? That wasn’t guilt—it was a reaction to my obvious displeasure. He had no idea why I was upset. Dogs live in the moment!
Step 5: Address the Underlying Causes
This last step is about tackling the root causes of destructive chewing for long-term success.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
A tired dog is a good dog! Most destructive chewing comes down to excess energy and boredom. Here’s what works:
- Daily walks (at least 30 minutes, preferably twice daily)
- Play sessions with toys that encourage running and movement
- Doggy playdates for social exercise
- Swimming, hiking, or fetch for high-energy breeds
For my border collie, I found that 20 minutes of intense fetch in the morning literally saved my furniture. Worth every minute!
Mental Stimulation Is Just as Important
Physical exercise alone isn’t enough. Dogs need to work their brains too:
- Puzzle toys that dispense treats
- Training sessions (even 5-10 minutes a few times daily)
- Sniff walks where they can explore interesting smells
- Hide and seek games with treats or toys
Address Anxiety If Present
If your dog’s chewing stems from anxiety, consider:
- Thundershirts or anxiety wraps
- Pheromone diffusers like Adaptil
- Background noise (classical music or talk radio) when alone
- Establishing predictable routines
- For severe cases, consult with a veterinary behaviorist about medication options
Consider Professional Help
If destructive chewing persists despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. A certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist can spot issues you might miss and develop a customized plan.
FYI, many pet insurance plans nowadays cover behavioral consultations—worth checking if you have coverage!
The Road to a Chew-Free Home
Stopping destructive chewing isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey. Some days you’ll make progress, and other days you might find another casualty of your dog’s dental adventures. That’s normal!
Remember that consistency is your most powerful tool. Every time you redirect your dog to an appropriate chew toy, you’re building a pattern of good behavior that will eventually become habit.
My own dog went from destroying something weekly to being completely trustworthy around the house within about three months of consistent training. If he can do it, your pup can too!
Have you tried any of these methods? Or do you have a horror story about something precious your dog destroyed? Either way, with these five steps, you’re well on your way to preserving both your possessions and your sanity!
And hey—next time someone asks about your slightly-chewed table leg, just call it “rustic charm.” Sometimes that’s easier than perfect training.