How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything at Home
Chewing is a normal canine behavior, but when it damages furniture, shoes, or electrical cords it becomes dangerous. Use redirection, enrichment, and consistent training to stop destructive chewing fast.
Understand Why Dogs Chew
- Puppy teething — pain relief and exploration.
- Boredom / lack of exercise.
- Separation anxiety or stress.
- Hunting instincts or scent attraction.
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Puppy-proof the house
Remove tempting items (shoes, small objects, loose wires). Use baby gates to limit access.
2. Give appropriate chew toys
Offer a variety of textures: rubber, rope, and durable nylon. Rotate toys to maintain interest.
3. Train “Leave It” and “Drop It”
Teach commands using treats and rewards. Reward calm behaviour and successful drops.
4. Increase exercise & enrichment
Tired dogs chew less. Provide walks, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions daily.
When Chewing Signals a Problem
If chewing is obsessive, focused on non-food objects (pica), or increasing despite management, consult your vet — it can indicate anxiety or nutritional issues.
FAQ
Q: Which toys work best?
A: Durable rubber toys (like Kongs) stuffed with treats and interactive puzzle toys are top choices.
Q: How long before chewing stops?
A: With consistent training and enrichment, you can see big improvements in 1–3 weeks.