You come home after a long day, dreaming of dinner and Netflix, only to find that your favorite shoes have turned into a pile of slobbery confetti.
You stare at your dog. Your dog stares back, tail wagging proudly, surrounded by their “art project”.
If this scene sounds familiar, you are not alone. Chewing is one of the most common and frustrating behaviors for dog parents. But before you lose your mind, take a deep breath and remember this: chewing is completely normal.
Dogs chew for a reason. The trick is to understand why and then teach them what is okay to chew.
1. Why Dogs Chew Everything
Dogs explore the world with their mouths, especially when they are young. Chewing is natural, but sometimes it gets out of hand. Here are the most common reasons:
- Teething: Puppies chew to relieve gum discomfort.
- Boredom: Dogs left alone too long need mental stimulation.
- Anxiety or stress: Chewing releases tension and self-soothes.
- Attention-seeking: Some dogs learn that chewing gets a reaction.
Before you get angry, try to see the behavior as communication. Your dog is not “being bad.” They are just trying to meet a need.
2. Identify the Root Cause
Pay attention to when and what your dog chews. Is it happening when you leave the house? Or only when they are bored?
- If it is during alone time, separation anxiety may be the issue.
- If it is random objects, boredom or curiosity might be the cause.
- If it is furniture or doors, your dog might be overstimulated or stressed.
Understanding the reason will guide your solution. There is no one-size-fits-all fix for chewing.
3. Redirect Chewing to the Right Toys
The best way to stop destructive chewing is not punishment but redirection. Give your dog something better to chew on.
Choose toys that match your dog’s age, size, and chewing strength. Offer different textures like rubber, nylon, and rope. When you see your dog chewing something off-limits, calmly replace it with an approved toy.
They will soon learn that chewing is fine, as long as it is the right thing.
KONG Classic Dog Toy – Durable and perfect for stuffing with treats to keep dogs busy.
Benebone Real Bacon Chew – Long-lasting flavor that satisfies even heavy chewers.
4. Puppy-Proof Your Space
Prevention is half the battle. Keep tempting items out of reach. Shoes, remotes, and cords are top chewing targets. If your dog cannot access it, they cannot destroy it.
Consider using pet gates or crates when you cannot supervise. Just make sure your dog has safe, fun items inside their space.
MidWest iCrate – Great for training and keeping your puppy safe while you are away.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel – Fun puzzle toy to keep boredom away.
5. Use Deterrent Sprays (If Needed)
Sometimes even the best efforts need a little help. Deterrent sprays make certain objects taste unpleasant to discourage chewing.
Always choose pet-safe options and test a small spot before applying. Spray on furniture legs, shoes, or other favorite chewing spots.
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray – Classic, safe, and effective deterrent for most dogs.
Rocco & Roxie No Chew Spray – Gentle formula with natural bitters and tea tree oil.
6. Reduce Boredom and Anxiety
A tired dog is a happy dog. Regular exercise and mental stimulation prevent destructive behaviors. Walks, puzzle feeders, and training sessions can make a big difference.
If anxiety is a factor, soothing aids like heartbeat toys or calming treats can help your dog relax.
Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy – Comforts anxious dogs and helps them settle.
KONG Wobbler – Dispenses treats while keeping your dog mentally engaged.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
Many dog owners make these mistakes when trying to stop chewing:
- Scolding or yelling (creates fear, not learning)
- Giving old shoes or socks as chew toys (confuses your dog)
- Inconsistency with rules or supervision
Stay calm and consistent. Reward good behavior and redirect the bad. Your dog will get it.
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Final Thoughts
Chewing can be frustrating, but it is also an opportunity to teach and strengthen your bond. By understanding the cause, setting boundaries, and offering the right alternatives, you can help your dog make better choices.
Soon, you will look back and laugh about those destroyed shoes. Maybe.
Patience, consistency, and a few chew-proof tools are all you need to turn your chewer into a calm, happy companion.
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