How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything They See

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but when your wood furniture, favorite shoes, or even baseboards are falling victim to your dog’s teeth, it’s understandable that you’ll want to seek some solutions. 

After all, this habit not only leaves your home in disarray, but chewing the wrong things, like electrical cords or metal objects, may also put your dog’s safety at risk. 

Maybe you’ve already tried a few things, but they just haven’t done the trick yet. Don’t give up now - the experts at Zooneepet are here to help now. With a little understanding of what’s causing your dog’s behavior and some guidance on how to redirect it, you can put an end to the constant chewing. 

Why Does My Dog Chew Everything in Sight?

Before you can stop your dog’s destructive chewing, it’s essential to figure out what’s triggering it. Here are some common reasons why dogs chew:

1. Teething Troubles

Puppies in the teething phase, between around 3 to 6 months old, will naturally chew on anything and everything. Chewing helps soothe their sore gums and aids in the process of adult teeth coming in. 

While chewing at this age is a natural part of growing up, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t become a bad habit in your grown dog. Provide safe chew toys and start training early. 

2. Skin Issues or Allergies

If, instead of toys, shoes, or furniture, your dog is chewing on their own paws or fur, it may be a sign of allergies, fleas, or other skin conditions. 

Dogs can easily turn their teeth into tools against an itch that just won’t go away. In the end, however, they can end up doing more harm than good. Consult a vet to address the root of the problem, as continued chewing could lead to sores or infection. 

3. Beating Boredom

Your dog can’t head out for happy hour at that local spot. They’re probably not into Netflix marathons or card games either. However, just like their owners, a dog without enough mental and physical stimulation will get bored. 

A dog with nothing to do will find something to chew. So, try introducing puzzle toys or simply spend more time playing fetch or going for walks. 

4. Stress and Anxiety

Have you recently moved or changed routines? Sometimes, stressful situations can lead an otherwise well-behaved dog to act out.

Dogs experiencing anxiety—whether from separation or an unfamiliar environment—may chew as a way to cope. In cases of stress-related chewing, addressing the anxiety itself is key. Calming tools, crate training, or working with a behaviorist can help your dog feel more secure.

5. Ingrained Bad Habits

If your dog has been chewing for a long time, it may have become a habit. Like any unwanted behavior, the earlier you work on training, the better, but there’s no need to lose hope. 

Training and redirecting this behavior is still possible, even with older dogs, but consistency and patience are crucial.

What Deters Dogs From Chewing on Furniture and Other Things?

Now that you know what’s causing your dog’s chewing habits, it’s time to tackle the next challenge: how to stop it. Whether your dog is gnawing on your furniture out of boredom or chewing their paws due to allergies, there are solutions that can help keep those teeth away from the wrong stuff. 

1. Repellent Sprays

Repellent sprays can be a quick and effective way to deter your dog from chewing on unwanted items. These sprays are designed to taste or smell unpleasant to dogs, encouraging them to avoid anything treated with it. With consistent use, most dogs learn to steer clear of furniture, shoes, or any other objects sprayed with these deterrents.

2. Gates and Other Barriers

Sometimes, the best way to stop destructive chewing is simply keeping your dog away from the temptation. Put up puppy gates to limit your dog’s access to certain areas or rooms where they might find something to chew on. They won’t be able to wander too far out of your sight, making it easier to supervise and correct the behavior before it starts.

3. Crate Training

Crate or kennel training is another helpful strategy, especially when you can’t keep a constant eye on your dog. With the right approach, a kennel becomes a safe and cozy spot for your dog to relax while preventing access to off-limits items. Plus, it gives them a space to call their own when they need to settle down.

How to Help Your Dog and Stop Them From Chewing

To truly prevent destructive chewing, it’s essential to focus on meeting your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Addressing the different root causes of a chewing habit, we can get a good start on stopping it in its tracks. 

1. Treat Any Health Conditions

Before anything else, health problems should be ruled out. If your dog is chewing on their paws because of allergies or other conditions, they may be trying to relieve itching or discomfort. Consult your vet to determine if there’s an underlying health issue causing the behavior, and treat it accordingly.

2. Provide Physical and Mental Stimulation

Beat boredom with plenty of exercise and playtime. A long walk, a game of fetch, or even a run at the park can do wonders for your dog’s energy levels. Puzzle toys are a great option too, giving your dog something to focus on. Regular training sessions can also provide both physical and mental stimulation, keeping your dog engaged and satisfied.

3. Soothe Stress and Anxiety

Getting on a routine with consistent playtime and exercise can help reduce anxiety, but if something specific is stressing out your dog—like separation anxiety, a recent move, or new visitors—it’s important to address it. 

Work on creating a safe environment where your dog feels secure. Calming techniques, such as crate training, or even dog-friendly calming aids, can help them feel more at ease and less inclined to chew out of nervousness.

4. Give Safe Chewing Options

Even when all of your dog’s needs are met, they still have a natural instinct to chew. Instead of fighting that instinct, provide safe chewing options like durable chew toys or dental treats. Not only do these satisfy their urge to chew, but they can also keep your dog’s teeth clean and their mind engaged.

How Do I Train My Dog Not to Chew on Everything?

Even with enough playtime and plenty of safe chew toys, some dogs will still need a little extra guidance to break bad habits. This is where consistent training comes into play, helping them understand what’s off-limits and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Instead of scolding your dog for chewing on something inappropriate, use positive reinforcement to guide their behavior. Scolding can sometimes cause fear or anxiety, which might make the chewing problem worse. 

Instead, praise your dog and offer treats when they chew on their designated toys. This helps them associate good behavior with rewards, making it more likely they’ll repeat that action in the future.

Make Sure to Catch Them In the Act

Supervising your dog closely is crucial during training. If you can catch them in the act of chewing on something they shouldn’t, it gives you the perfect opportunity to redirect the behavior before it becomes ingrained. 

Timing is everything—interrupting the behavior at the right moment will help them understand that chewing on certain objects is off-limits. Without supervision, your dog may get away with unwanted chewing, making it harder to correct the habit later.

Redirect Away From Unwanted Chewing

When you catch your dog chewing on something inappropriate, use a firm command like "trade" and replace the unwanted item with a safe chew toy or treat. When your dog takes the toy, be sure to praise them enthusiastically. This not only teaches them what they should be chewing on but also reinforces the idea that choosing the right item leads to positive attention and rewards.

Put Your Dog’s Chewing Habit Behind You Today

It’s time to take action! Start by understanding the reasons behind their behavior—whether it's boredom, anxiety, or teething. Use the tips we've covered, like providing safe chew toys, setting up barriers, and incorporating positive reinforcement training.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Every dog is unique and it may take some time to see results. If you need a refresher or new strategies along the way, don't hesitate to revisit these tips. Together, you and your furry friend can overcome this chewing challenge!

As you implement our strategies, don’t forget that your friends at Zooneepet are here to help. Check out our eco-friendly pet products to supply your furry friend with the best.