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How to Stop a Dog from Chewing

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated June 23, 2026 · 5 min read

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

To effectively learn how to stop a dog from chewing, it’s important to first understand why they do it. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and they may chew for various reasons:

• Boredom: Dogs require mental stimulation; without it, they may turn to furniture or shoes.
• Anxiety: Stress or separation anxiety can cause dogs to chew as a coping mechanism.
• Teething: Puppies, in particular, chew to relieve the discomfort of teething.
• Exploration: Dogs explore their environment with their mouths, just like babies do!

Recognizing these motivations will help you address the underlying causes and find effective solutions.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the most effective strategies to stop a dog from chewing on undesired items is to provide suitable chew toys. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose Durable Toys: Look for chew toys made from tough materials designed for heavy chewers. Brands like KONG or Nylabone offer various options.
2. Experiment with Shapes and Textures: Different dogs have different preferences. Some may like soft toys, while others may prefer tougher rubber ones.
3. Introduce New Toys Regularly: Rotate toys every few days to keep your dog interested. This prevents boredom and encourages continued engagement.

Encourage your dog to chew on these toys instead of your belongings. Whenever you catch them chewing on the right item, shower them with praise and perhaps a treat to reinforce the desired behavior.

Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency and routine. Establishing a daily schedule can significantly help in managing chewing behavior. Here’s how:

1. Regular Walks: Daily exercise helps relieve pent-up energy. A well-exercised dog is less likely to chew out of boredom.
2. Mental Stimulation: Incorporate brain games and training sessions into your routine. This not only helps with obedience but also keeps your dog mentally engaged. You might consider programs like Brain Training for Dogs, which are designed to challenge your dog in fun ways.
3. Consistent Meal Times: Feeding your dog at the same time every day creates predictability, helping to ease anxiety.

By providing structure to your dog’s day, you can minimize anxious chewing behaviors.

Addressing Anxiety

If your dog is chewing due to anxiety, you can try the following strategies to help alleviate their stress:

1. Identify Triggers: Observe when your dog chews the most. Is it when left alone? Loud noises? Understanding their triggers can help you address the cause.
2. Create a Safe Space: Offer a safe and cozy area in your home where your dog can retreat during stressful moments.
3. Comfort Items: Allow your dog to have toys that carry your scent. These comfort items can help soothe their anxiety when you’re not around.
4. Calming Techniques: Consider using calming aids like anxiety wraps or natural supplements after consulting with your vet.

Training Methods

Training your dog to stop undesirable behaviors is essential. Here are some effective tips:

1. Use Positive Reinforcement: Teach the command “leave it” to distract your dog from chewing undesired items. Start by showing them a treat, saying “leave it,” and rewarding them when they ignore it.
2. Redirect Behavior: If you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy immediately. Praise them when they comply.
3. Consistency is Key: Be consistent in your training. All family members should use the same commands and rules to avoid confusing your dog.

Supervision and Management

When trying to stop your dog from chewing, supervision is crucial:

1. Prevent Access: When you cannot supervise your dog, confine them to a crate or a safe area where they can access appropriate toys only.
2. Dog-proof Your Home: Remove tempting items from reach. Shoes, remote controls, and other valuables should be kept out of your dog’s sight.
3. Use Deterrent Sprays: There are non-toxic deterrent sprays available that can be applied to furniture to discourage chewing. Just ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog’s environment.

Engage Your Dog’s Mind

Providing your dog with mental exercises can significantly curb destructive chewing behavior:

1. Interactive Toys: Introduce puzzle toys that dispense treats when solved. These can keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated.
2. Hide and Seek: Play fun games of hide and seek with treats to engage their sense of smell and cognitive skills.
3. Training Sessions: Teach fun tricks or even basic obedience commands that require focus and engagement.

The more engaged your dog is, the less likely they’ll resort to unwanted chewing.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried various methods without much success, consider reaching out to a professional dog trainer. Here are signs that professional help may be necessary:

• Persistent chewing despite following positive reinforcement techniques.
• Dog displays signs of severe anxiety that seem unmanageable.
• You’re unsure of how to implement training effectively.

A professional can provide personalized advice and strategies to fit your dog’s unique personality and needs.

By using these methods for how to stop a dog from chewing, you’re setting up your dog for success. With patience, consistency, and a little creativity, you’ll help them learn what’s appropriate to chew on, leading to a happier home for both you and your furry friend.