Few things are more frustrating than coming home to find your favorite shoes shredded or your furniture legs chewed down. But here’s the truth, your dog isn’t trying to make you angry.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It relieves stress, helps with teething, and even keeps teeth clean. The problem comes when they chew the wrong things, your belongings.
Luckily, you can stop destructive chewing with a mix of understanding, structure, and consistent positive training. Let’s go through why dogs chew and exactly how to stop it, step-by-step.
1. Understand Why Dogs Chew
Dogs chew for many different reasons, and knowing the cause helps you fix it faster.
Common reasons your dog chews everything:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Teething (Puppies) | Between 3–6 months, puppies chew to relieve gum pain and explore textures. |
| Boredom or excess energy | Dogs need mental and physical activity; without it, they chew for stimulation. |
| Anxiety or stress | Chewing releases calming endorphins — a coping mechanism during loneliness or fear. |
| Lack of training | Dogs don’t know what’s “off-limits” unless they’re taught. |
| Attention-seeking | If chewing gets a reaction from you, it becomes a learned behavior. |
| Hunger or diet issues | Some dogs chew or eat non-food items due to poor nutrition or boredom eating (pica). |
Step one: Observe when and what your dog chews, that pattern reveals the real cause.
2. Puppy Teething Stage: Give the Right Chew Toys
If your puppy is under 6 months old, chewing is completely normal, they’re teething just like human babies.
How to help your teething puppy:
- Provide safe chew toys: Use durable rubber or nylon toys made for puppies.
- Freeze wet washcloths or rubber toys: The cold soothes sore gums.
- Redirect instantly: When your puppy bites something wrong, replace it with a chew toy.
- Praise correct chewing: Every time your pup chews their toy, reward them with praise or a treat.
Avoid old shoes or socks as “chew toys” dogs can’t tell the difference between your old slippers and your new sneakers later.