Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but when they start destroying furniture, it becomes a problem. While puppies chew to relieve teething pain, adult dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of training. Teaching your dog to stop chewing on inappropriate items requires patience, redirection, and proper training.
1. Why Dogs Chew on Furniture
1.1 Teething in Puppies
✔ Puppies begin teething around 3 to 6 months old, which causes discomfort.
✔ Chewing helps relieve gum pain and loosen baby teeth.
✔ If not provided with appropriate chew toys, they will chew on anything available, including furniture.
1.2 Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
✔ Dogs with excess energy or lack of mental stimulation find their own entertainment, often by chewing.
✔ High-energy breeds are more likely to engage in destructive behaviors when not exercised enough.
✔ Without toys or activities, furniture becomes an easy target.
1.3 Anxiety or Stress
✔ Dogs experiencing separation anxiety may chew to relieve stress.
✔ Loud noises, changes in routine, or being left alone for long periods can trigger nervous chewing.
✔ If chewing happens only when you’re away, anxiety might be the root cause.
1.4 Lack of Training or Boundaries
✔ Dogs that have never been taught what they can and cannot chew will experiment with different objects.
✔ If a dog was allowed to chew on furniture as a puppy, they may continue the habit into adulthood.
✔ Inconsistent rules (sometimes allowing chewing and other times scolding them) confuse the dog.
2. How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture
2.1 Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
✔ Choose durable toys designed for strong chewers, such as rubber toys or nylon bones.
✔ Offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep them interested.
✔ Rotate toys every few days to maintain excitement.
Training Tip: If your dog starts chewing furniture, immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy and reward them when they use it.
2.2 Use Positive Reinforcement
✔ Reward your dog every time they chew on an appropriate item instead of furniture.
✔ Praise them verbally or offer treats when they use their chew toys.
✔ Reinforcing good behavior encourages them to make better choices.
2.3 Make Furniture Unappealing
✔ Use pet-safe deterrent sprays with bitter flavors to discourage chewing.
✔ Cover furniture legs with protective wraps or aluminum foil as a temporary solution.
✔ Double-sided tape can make surfaces unpleasant for chewing.
2.4 Supervise and Correct the Behavior Immediately
✔ If you catch your dog chewing on furniture, interrupt them with a firm but calm “No” or “Leave it.”
✔ Redirect them to an acceptable chew toy and reward them when they use it.
✔ Never yell or physically punish, as this can create fear and confusion.
2.5 Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
✔ A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing.
✔ Take your dog for daily walks, play fetch, or engage in interactive games.
✔ Mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys and training sessions, helps prevent boredom-related chewing.
2.6 Crate Training or Restricted Areas When Unsupervised
✔ If your dog chews when left alone, consider crate training or using a playpen.
✔ A confined space with chew toys prevents them from damaging furniture.
✔ Slowly increase the time they are left out as they learn to make better choices.
3. Training Exercises to Stop Chewing Behavior
3.1 Teaching the “Leave It” Command
✔ Hold a low-value object in your hand and say “Leave it.”
✔ When your dog stops trying to grab it, reward them with a treat.
✔ Gradually increase difficulty by placing objects on the floor and rewarding them for ignoring them.
✔ Apply this command when they approach furniture to chew.
3.2 Redirecting to a Chew Toy
✔ If you see your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly take it away and replace it with a toy.
✔ Praise them the moment they start chewing the toy instead.
✔ Consistently repeating this teaches them what is acceptable.
3.3 Freezing Toys for Teething Puppies
✔ Freeze rubber chew toys to provide extra relief for teething discomfort.
✔ Stuff toys with peanut butter or dog-friendly treats and freeze them for added interest.
✔ Puppies that have something soothing to chew are less likely to go for furniture.
3.4 Using Food-Dispensing Toys
✔ Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys keep your dog entertained.
✔ Chewing on a toy that releases treats provides a rewarding experience.
✔ Encourages independent play and reduces boredom.
4. Preventing Future Chewing Problems
4.1 Keep Tempting Items Out of Reach
✔ Remove household objects that might tempt your dog (shoes, remotes, pillows).
✔ Close doors to rooms with expensive or fragile furniture.
✔ If your dog has a favorite chewing spot, block access when unsupervised.
4.2 Be Consistent with Training
✔ Always redirect chewing behavior instead of occasionally allowing it.
✔ Use the same commands every time (e.g., “Leave it” and “Take this instead”).
✔ Consistency helps your dog understand the rules.
4.3 Provide Chew Opportunities Throughout the Day
✔ Give your dog a new chew toy before leaving for work.
✔ Schedule playtime and mental enrichment activities to burn excess energy.
✔ A well-occupied dog has less desire to chew on furniture.
4.4 Watch for Signs of Anxiety or Stress
✔ If chewing increases during stressful events (fireworks, thunderstorms, being left alone), address the underlying anxiety.
✔ Try calming techniques like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or relaxing music.
✔ If separation anxiety is a concern, practice short departures and gradually increase the time away.
5. What NOT to Do When Stopping Chewing
🚫 Don’t Punish After the Fact – Dogs don’t associate past chewing with punishment.
🚫 Don’t Assume They Will “Grow Out of It” – Without training, bad habits persist into adulthood.
🚫 Don’t Use Inappropriate Objects as Toys – Avoid giving old shoes or furniture pieces as chew toys, as this confuses them about what’s allowed.
6. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s chewing problem persists despite training, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian.
🚨 Signs You May Need Extra Help:
✔ Chewing continues even with proper exercise and training.
✔ Destructive chewing occurs alongside severe separation anxiety.
✔ Your dog is chewing out of frustration, aggression, or obsessive behavior.
A trainer can evaluate behavioral issues and customize a training plan for your dog.
7. Final Thoughts
Stopping your dog from chewing on furniture requires patience, consistency, and redirection. By providing appropriate chew toys, increasing exercise, using positive reinforcement, and preventing access to furniture, you can successfully eliminate destructive chewing habits.
With time and proper training, your dog will learn what they can and cannot chew, leading to a happier home for both of you.