Destructive chewing is a common problem that many dog owners face. Whether it’s a favorite pair of shoes, furniture legs, or even the TV remote, dogs have a way of sinking their teeth into valuables. While chewing is a natural dog behavior, when it’s misdirected, it can damage your belongings and create frustration at home.
If you’re wondering how to stop dogs from chewing things, this article will explore why dogs chew, when they typically stop destructive chewing, and actionable tips to solve the problem.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
If your dog has developed a habit of chewing on everything, it’s important to understand why. Chewing isn’t just a random behavior—it’s instinctive and serves different needs depending on the dog’s age and situation.
Teething in Puppies
Like human babies, puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of teething. This phase usually begins around three months and continues until six months of age. During this time, puppies will chew on almost anything they can reach to soothe their aching gums.
Exploration and Play
Dogs use their mouths to explore the world around them. For young dogs, chewing is a way to investigate new objects, textures, and tastes. It’s their version of “hands-on learning.”
Boredom or Pent-Up Energy
Chewing can also be a sign that your dog is bored or has too much energy. Without enough exercise or stimulation, dogs may use chewing to entertain themselves or release frustration.
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs often chew as a way to cope with stress. Separation anxiety is a common trigger, and dogs experiencing it might chew excessively when left alone. Noise phobias or environmental changes can also lead to chewing as a self-soothing behavior.
Health Issues
In some cases, chewing can be related to medical problems. Dental pain, for example, can cause dogs to chew excessively to relieve discomfort. Additionally, pica (when dogs eat non-food items) may signal underlying dietary deficiencies or other health concerns. If the chewing seems excessive or unusual, consulting a vet is always a good idea.
When Do Dogs Stop Chewing?
Many dog owners ask, “When do dogs stop chewing?” The answer depends on the dog’s age, personality, and how they’ve been trained.
Puppies: Teething typically ends by 6 months of age, and you’ll notice a reduction in chewing once their adult teeth are fully in. However, puppies often continue chewing out of habit or for fun, especially if they haven’t been redirected to appropriate chew toys.
Adult Dogs: Most dogs' destructive chewing decreases by 1 to 2 years of age when they mature and learn appropriate behaviors. Still, some dogs may chew occasionally, particularly if they’re bored, stressed, or poorly exercised.
Factors like breed tendencies, environment, and individual personality can all influence the length of chewing. Some dogs may continue destructive chewing into adulthood without proper training and energy outlets.
How to Stop Dogs From Chewing Things
If your dog is chewing up your belongings, there are several effective strategies you can use to address this behavior. Here’s how to get a dog to stop chewing stuff while supporting their instincts.
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Dogs need safe, durable items to chew on. If they don’t have acceptable chew toys, they’ll go for whatever’s available—like your shoes or the sofa.
Offer a variety of chew toys made from rubber, nylon, or rope to match your dog’s chewing strength.
Interactive toys like KONGs can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, keeping your dog engaged longer.
Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting and prevent boredom.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is happy and much less likely to chew on things they shouldn’t.
Take your dog on daily walks, play games like fetch or tug-of-war, and let them run off steam.
Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys or treat-dispensing devices to keep their minds occupied.
Incorporate short training sessions into your routine to challenge your dog mentally while building their obedience skills.
Use Taste Deterrents
If your dog keeps targeting specific objects, taste deterrents can be helpful.
Products like bitter apple spray make furniture, shoes, or other items less appealing to chew.
Spray the deterrent on the object, then monitor your dog closely. Redirect them to a toy and reward them for chewing it instead.
Manage the Environment
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to remove the temptation altogether.
Keep items like shoes, remotes, or children’s toys out of your dog’s reach.
Use baby gates to block off areas of the house where your dog might get into trouble.
When you can’t supervise your dog, crating them can prevent unwanted chewing while keeping them safe.
Address Anxiety or Stress
If your dog’s chewing is caused by anxiety, take steps to address the root cause.
Use calming aids like pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, or calming chews to reduce stress.
Create a quiet, cozy space where your dog feels safe during stressful situations (e.g., thunderstorms).
For separation anxiety, gradually desensitize your dog to being left alone or consult a professional trainer for help.
Consistent Training
Training is the foundation of teaching good chewing habits.
When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, redirect it to an acceptable toy. Praise and reward it when it chooses the toy.
Be consistent in your rules. If you let them chew on an old shoe, they won’t know the difference when they find your favorite pair.
Patience is key—replacing bad habits with good ones takes time.
Visit the Veterinarian if Needed
If your dog’s chewing seems excessive or they’re eating non-food items, consult your vet to rule out potential medical issues. Regular dental checkups can also prevent problems like gum or tooth pain from contributing to destructive behavior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.
Punishing After the Fact: Scolding your dog hours after they’ve chewed something won’t work. Dogs don’t associate delayed punishment with their actions.
Inconsistency: Allowing your dog to chew on old household items (like worn-out sneakers) will confuse them. They won’t know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable chewing.
Lack of Supervision: Puppies and young dogs need supervision as they learn appropriate chewing habits. Leaving them unsupervised only increases the risk of destructive behavior.
When Professional Help is Needed
Sometimes, destructive chewing may require the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist.
Severe separation anxiety, extreme chewing, or cases where traditional methods don’t help are signs that professional guidance may be necessary.
Trainers can create personalized plans to address both the underlying cause of the behavior and the chewing itself.
Helping Your Dog to Have Better Chewing Habits
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can quickly become problematic if left unchecked. You can effectively redirect this behavior by understanding why your dog chews and taking proactive steps, such as providing toys, exercise, and consistent training.
Remember that patience and consistency are key if you’re wondering how to stop dogs from chewing things. With time, effort, and the right solutions, you can protect your belongings while keeping your dog happy and healthy. And if needed, never hesitate to consult a veterinarian or trainer—they might offer insights you hadn’t considered. Schedule an appointment with us today.