Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and chewing is a natural behavior. However, when chewing becomes destructive—damaging furniture, shoes, and household items—it can be frustrating for pet owners. Understanding why dogs chew and using the right training techniques can help redirect their behavior to appropriate chew toys.
1. Why Do Dogs Chew on Furniture?
Dogs chew for various reasons, and knowing the cause of their behavior is key to stopping it.
1.1 Teething in Puppies
Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of teething. Their gums can be sore, and chewing provides relief.
✔ Puppies start teething around 3–4 weeks old and continue until 6 months old.
✔ If they don’t have proper chew toys, they will chew whatever they find.
1.2 Boredom and Lack of Exercise
Dogs with excess energy need an outlet. If they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, they may turn to destructive chewing.
✔ Signs of boredom chewing: Your dog chews when left alone or when not engaged in activities.
✔ High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Labradors) are more prone to boredom chewing.
1.3 Anxiety and Stress
Dogs may chew as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress.
✔ Separation anxiety – Some dogs chew excessively when left alone.
✔ Fear-based chewing – Loud noises, changes in routine, or new environments can trigger chewing.
1.4 Lack of Proper Training
If a dog isn’t taught what is acceptable to chew, they will assume anything in the house is fair game.
✔ Dogs learn through trial and error—if they chew and aren’t corrected, they will repeat the behavior.
✔ Chewing inappropriate objects can become a habit if not redirected early.
1.5 Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs learn that chewing on furniture or objects gets their owner’s attention—even if it’s negative.
✔ If a dog is ignored most of the time but gets attention when chewing on furniture, they may repeat the behavior.
2. How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture and Objects
2.1 Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Your dog needs a healthy outlet for their chewing instincts.
✔ Offer a variety of textures—rubber, rope, nylon bones, and edible chews.
✔ Use freezing teething toys for puppies to soothe their gums.
✔ Rotate toys so your dog doesn’t lose interest.
Tip: Avoid toys that resemble household items (e.g., old shoes or socks), as this may confuse your dog.
2.2 Supervise and Redirect Chewing Behavior
✔ Watch your dog when they are out of the crate or in new environments.
✔ If they start chewing an inappropriate object, redirect them to an approved chew toy.
✔ Reward them when they chew the right items.
Example: If your dog chews on a chair leg, say “No” calmly, remove the chair from their access, and immediately offer a chew toy instead.
2.3 Use a Taste Deterrent on Furniture
✔ Apply bitter apple spray or citrus-based deterrents to furniture and objects your dog chews.
✔ Most dogs dislike the taste and will avoid chewing those areas.
Tip: Reapply deterrents regularly, especially after cleaning surfaces.
2.4 Increase Physical and Mental Exercise
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
✔ Take daily walks to burn excess energy.
✔ Provide interactive puzzle toys to keep their mind engaged.
✔ Play fetch, tug-of-war, or scent-based games to reduce boredom.
Tip: High-energy breeds may need 1–2 hours of exercise per day to stay satisfied.
2.5 Train the “Leave It” Command
Teaching “Leave It” helps stop destructive chewing before it starts.
✔ Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it.
✔ Say “Leave it” and wait for them to stop sniffing.
✔ Reward with a different treat when they stop trying to get the first one.
✔ Repeat with household objects like shoes or furniture legs.
2.6 Prevent Access to Chewable Items
✔ Use baby gates or crates to keep your dog away from furniture when unsupervised.
✔ Keep shoes, remote controls, and other tempting objects out of reach.
✔ Provide a designated chew zone with plenty of dog-friendly items.
2.7 Reward Good Behavior, Not Bad
✔ Praise your dog when they chew on appropriate toys.
✔ Ignore attention-seeking chewing—if they chew something to get your attention, don’t react.
✔ Use treats and verbal praise to reinforce proper behavior.
3. Special Considerations for Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
3.1 Stopping Chewing in Puppies
✔ Puppies chew to explore and relieve teething pain.
✔ Provide frozen carrots, ice cubes, or puppy-specific teething toys.
✔ Supervise closely—puppies don’t know the difference between a toy and a shoe.
3.2 Stopping Chewing in Adult Dogs
✔ Older dogs may chew due to habit or anxiety.
✔ Identify the cause (boredom, stress, lack of training) and correct it.
✔ Use interactive toys to redirect their energy.
4. Common Mistakes That Reinforce Chewing
🚫 Yelling or Punishing After the Fact
Dogs don’t associate past actions with punishment. If you yell after they’ve already chewed something, they won’t understand why.
🚫 Giving Old Shoes or Socks as Toys
This teaches them that all shoes and socks are chew toys.
🚫 Not Providing Enough Chew Alternatives
If your dog doesn’t have chew toys, they will chew what’s available.
🚫 Inconsistent Rules
If you let your dog chew on a wooden stick but not the wooden chair, they won’t understand the difference.
5. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog continues chewing despite training, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian.
🚨 Signs You May Need Extra Help:
✔ Chewing is excessive and uncontrollable.
✔ Your dog chews due to severe anxiety or stress.
✔ Chewing is accompanied by other behavioral issues (excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety).
6. Final Thoughts
Chewing is natural, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. By providing appropriate chew toys, supervising and redirecting behavior, increasing exercise, and using positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to chew only on acceptable items. With patience and consistency, your dog will learn what’s off-limits, keeping both them and your furniture safe.