Chewing is normal for dogs, but you can dramatically reduce damage by managing their environment, meeting their needs, and calmly teaching what is OK to chew.

Why dogs keep chewing

  • Boredom and low exercise : Under-stimulated dogs look for their own “job,” and shredding things is very rewarding for them.
  • Teething or oral needs: Puppies and some adults chew to soothe gums or keep teeth comfortable.
  • Anxiety or frustration: Chewing often spikes when the dog is left alone, routines change, or the home is noisy or chaotic.
  • Mixed signals: If dogs get old socks or shoes as toys, they can’t tell the difference between “allowed” and “forbidden.”

Think of chewing as a habit that gets stronger every time it “works” for your dog.

Step-by-step: how to stop dog chewing

  1. Dog‑proof first, train second
    • Pick up shoes, clothes, remotes, kids’ toys, and trash so your dog has fewer chances to “practice” bad chewing.
 * Block access to hotspots (e.g., hallway, sofa corners) with baby gates or a playpen when you can’t supervise.
  1. Create a safe chewing zone
    • Use a crate or a single “dog room” with nothing dangerous to chew and several approved chew toys.
 * Never use the crate as punishment; make it a cosy place with beds, chews, and calm routines.
  1. Swap, don’t chase
    • If your dog grabs something forbidden, calmly say a brief “no” or “uh‑uh,” then offer a high‑value chew and praise once they take it.
 * Avoid turning it into a chase game, which makes stealing objects more exciting and self‑rewarding.
  1. Make legal chews more fun than illegal ones
    • Play short fetch or tug games with a specific chew toy so it becomes the “cool” object.
 * Stuff Kongs or puzzle toys with food, freeze them, and give them during times your dog tends to chew (e.g., when you sit down to watch TV or leave the house).
  1. Use deterrent sprays smartly
    • Apply dog‑safe bitter sprays to furniture legs, wires, and other hard‑to‑move items; test the taste first on tissue so you know your dog finds it unpleasant.
 * Combine deterrents with management and training, not as your only solution, or some dogs simply “chew through the bitterness.”
  1. Exercise brain and body daily
    • Add a solid exercise routine (walks, sniffing, play, training) appropriate to your dog’s age and breed to take the edge off restlessness.
 * Mental work (5–10 minutes of trick training or “leave it” practice) can tire a dog more efficiently than just longer walks.
  1. When chewing happens only when alone
    • Gradually teach your dog to relax alone using very short absences, a safe space, and special chews that appear only when you leave.
 * For dogs that seem truly anxious (whining, pacing, heavy panting, or destroying doors and frames), speak with a vet or behaviour professional; medical or anxiety support may be needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Punishing after the fact: Scolding when you “discover” the damage only makes your dog scared and doesn’t teach them what to do instead.
  • Letting them roam unsupervised too soon: For the first weeks of training, avoid any free time where they can access chewable items without you.
  • Giving household items as toys: Old shoes, towels, and socks blur the line between “toy” and “forbidden.”
  • Relying purely on “no”: Without redirection and rewards for good choices, many dogs simply switch to chewing something else you dislike.

Mini FAQ and “what now?”

  • How long until my dog stops chewing?
    Mild cases can improve in a couple of weeks with tight management; stronger habits or anxious chewers can take months of consistent practice.
  • Is this just a puppy phase?
    Puppies chew heavily while teething, but if they keep getting chances to chew the wrong things, the habit can easily carry into adulthood.
  • When should I worry?
    If your dog swallows dangerous items, chews obsessively, or you suspect separation anxiety, involve your vet or a qualified trainer/behaviourist.

Bottom line: limit opportunities, give great legal chews, and calmly rehearse the “drop it, take this instead” pattern until it becomes your dog’s default choice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.