How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing: Effective Tips to Protect Your Home and Keep Your Pet Safe

As a dog owner, you have likely witnessed your furry friend chewing on things they should not. Dogs have an incredible ability to gnaw through a wide range of everyday items; shoes, carpets, furniture, cables, and even mattresses often fall victim to their chewing habits. While this behaviour is natural, it can become frustrating and costly.

We all love our dogs, but incessant chewing can damage valuable or sentimental belongings. More importantly, chewing can be dangerous if your dog gets into hazardous items like power cords, batteries, or medications. Small pieces from chewed objects can also pose choking or internal injury risks.

Since dogs are attracted to items with their owner’s scent, anything marked with your smell may become a prime chewing target, making it even harder to protect your possessions. If your dog’s relentless chewing is worrying you, don’t despair. By understanding why dogs chew and addressing the root causes, you can redirect this behaviour and protect both your home and your pet’s well-being.

Here's How to Stop Destructive Chewing

Why Do Dogs Chew?

Chewing is a natural, instinctive behaviour for dogs. It serves several important purposes; it helps maintain jaw strength, promotes oral hygiene by cleaning teeth and gums, and provides a calming effect. Much like how humans enjoy hobbies or activities that release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, chewing helps dogs feel relaxed and content.

While you can’t eliminate this instinct, you can train your dog to chew appropriate items instead of your belongings. Providing suitable alternatives is key to managing destructive chewing and ensuring your dog’s needs are met.

Common Reasons Behind Dog Chewing

• Boredom: One of the most common reasons dogs chew destructively is boredom. Dogs are intelligent animals that require both physical exercise and mental stimulation daily. Simply scattering toys around the room is not enough to keep them engaged. They need interactive playtime, walks, training sessions, and puzzle toys to stay mentally and physically active. Without this, chewing becomes an outlet for pent-up energy and frustration.
• Stress and Anxiety: Dogs are social creatures and can become anxious or stressed, especially when left alone for long periods. Separation anxiety is a common cause of destructive chewing. When anxious, dogs chew to self-soothe and calm their nerves. This behaviour is not meant to be rebellious; it is a natural coping mechanism. If your dog chews mainly when you are away or during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks, addressing the underlying anxiety is crucial.
• Teething: Puppies experience a teething phase, usually lasting until 7–8 months of age, where chewing helps relieve sore and inflamed gums. During this time, puppies may chew excessively on anything within reach. Providing specialized teething toys can ease their discomfort and protect your furniture and belongings. As the adult teeth fully come in, this intense chewing typically decreases.
• Curiosity and Exploration: Dogs, especially puppies, explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is a way for them to learn about their environment. This natural curiosity can sometimes lead to inappropriate chewing if they do not have proper outlets.

How to Prevent Destructive Dog Chewing

Here are practical steps to curb your dog’s chewing habits and protect your home:

• Control Their Environment: The first step is to “puppy-proof” or dog-proof your home. Remove or secure items your dog is likely to chew. Block off rooms or areas with tempting objects like shoes, cables, jackets, or children’s toys. Use baby gates or closed doors to restrict access. Always supervise your dog when giving them chew toys to ensure they focus on appropriate items and do not switch to household objects.
• Offer Suitable Chew Alternatives: If boredom is the culprit, provide a variety of chew toys. Do not overwhelm your dog with too many options at once; instead, rotate 2 to 4 toys regularly to keep their interest fresh. Consider dental chews that promote oral health or interactive toys that challenge their mind. Some dogs prefer rubber toys, while others like rope or nylon chews; experiment to find what your dog enjoys most.
• Increase Physical and Mental Exercise: Regular walks, play sessions, and training not only tire your dog out but also reduce boredom and anxiety. Teaching new tricks or commands stimulates their brain and strengthens your bond. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog busy and mentally engaged for longer periods.
• Address Anxiety: If chewing stems from stress or separation anxiety, work on reducing your dog’s anxiety through gradual desensitization techniques. Start by leaving your dog alone for very short periods and gradually increase the time. Provide comfort items like a piece of your worn clothing or calming pheromone diffusers. In severe cases, consult a veterinarian or professional trainer for behavioural therapy or medication.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Never punish your dog for chewing, as this can increase anxiety and worsen the problem. Instead, praise and reward your dog when they chew on appropriate items. Redirect their attention gently if they start chewing something inappropriate, and replace it with a chew toy.

Final Thoughts

Destructive chewing is a natural behaviour that can be managed with patience, understanding, and consistent training. Protect your home by removing tempting hazards, reduce your dog’s stress, and provide engaging chew toys to satisfy their instinctual needs. Avoid punishment, as negative reinforcement can exacerbate anxiety and chewing behaviour. Instead, stay calm and redirect your dog’s chewing to safe, appropriate items.

By following these tips, you will help your dog develop healthier chewing habits, keeping both your belongings and your pet safe and happy. Remember, chewing is a normal part of a dog’s life, and your goal is to guide this behaviour in a positive direction, not try to eliminate the instinct.