Every dog owner knows that chewing is a natural part of a pup’s life, but when your furniture, favourite shoes, or even the dining table become chew targets, it can quickly turn from cute to chaotic. Puppies exploring their world with their mouths and older dogs settling into bad habits can both cause headaches. Luckily, with understanding, patience, and a few practical training strategies, you can reduce dog chewing and guide your furry friend toward safer, happier habits. This guide on how to stop dog chewing breaks down the ways you can stop this behaviour and direct the natural need to chew in a healthy way.
Understanding Why Dogs Chew
Understanding how to stop a dog from chewing first means recognising that chewing is a normal part of a dog’s development and communication. After all, their mouths are similar to how we see our hands, one of our main ways we can interact with the world. From puppy chewing on your slippers to an adult dog gnawing out of boredom, there are several reasons dogs chew:
Teething and baby teeth:
Puppies start teething at a few weeks old, using their gums to relieve discomfort. Chewing on safe items like teething toys can soothe them while their teeth grow in. Teething is usually at its worst between 4-6 months. Many puppies will naturally outgrow chewing once their adult teeth come in, but we can provide guidance to make this stage easier for both you and your pup.
Boredom and lack of stimulation:
If a dog is left alone too often or isn’t challenged, chewing can be a way to entertain themselves.
Separation anxiety or stress:
Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or general stress may chew destructively to self-soothe.
Attention-seeking behaviour:
Sometimes a dog realises that chewing furniture or shoes brings instant attention, positive or negative, from their owner.
While it can be hard to stay calm when your dog has just chomped up your new shoes, it’s important not to blame your pooch for this behaviour. Understanding the root cause of chewing is crucial. Dogs aren’t mischievous just to annoy, they’re often just trying to relieve discomfort, boredom, or anxiety.
Training Basics to Reduce Chewing
We usually start with positive reinforcement, but we may also use other approaches, like negative reinforcement or, when needed, positive or negative punishment, to discover what works best for each dog. Here’s a breakdown:
What to Do When Your Pup Is Caught Chewing
If your dog is caught chewing something off limits, interrupt the behaviour immediately with a brief timeout or gentle deterrent. Only intervene while the item is in their mouth, do not punish after the fact. Then, offer an appropriate item or chew toy and reward with a treat only when they engage with it, reinforcing healthy chewing behaviour and teaching which items are off limits.
Offer Chew Toys Before Mischief
Keep a selection of chew toys handy and offer them proactively, especially when your pup is awake and ready to play. Starting a game or giving a toy before they grab something off limits should help prevent unwanted chewing and keep their attention on appropriate items.
Gentle Deterrents When Needed
Some surfaces or items can be sprayed with bitter substances that taste unpleasant. This discourages chewing without causing stress. So long as appropriate punishments are used, they can be a great way to clearly show your pet what is and isn’t correct behaviour.
Gradually Increase Challenges
Once your dog responds at home, add mild distractions and new environments. Reward calm chewing behaviour, even for short periods. Over time, your dog will learn to manage impulses even around tempting objects.
Alternative Activities
Reframe excessive energy with mental stimulation, exercise, and interactive dog toys. Walks, training sessions, and dog sports can all reduce boredom and the urge to gnaw everything in sight.
Common Triggers in Queensland Homes
Many households provide a variety of chewing temptations. Common triggers include:
- High-value items like clothing, shoes, and other items left within reach
- Limited space, especially in a small room, can make puppies or adult dogs restless
- External stimuli: noisy streets, wildlife, or other dogs passing by windows
- Lack of enrichment or structured playtime
Identifying these triggers helps you proactively manage the environment, so destructive chewing doesn’t become a habit.
Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Puppies Learning Boundaries
Puppies have an innate urge to chew, particularly during teething. Strategies include:
- Short, frequent training sessions
- Supervised play and safe exposure to appropriate objects
- Early socialisation to help your pup adjust to noise, visitors, and other animals
- Chew toy rotation to maintain interest
- Reward calm behaviour and discourage puppy chewing of inappropriate items
Adult Dogs with Long-Term Habits
Adult dogs may have ingrained habits that require patience to break. Techniques include:
- Consistent training and positive reinforcement of correct behaviour
- Mental challenges, puzzle toys, and physical activity to occupy energy
- Addressing potential anxiety concerns or destructive behaviour
- Professional guidance, if necessary, for destructive chewing
- Reinforcing calm behaviour with rewards
Even an adult dog can learn new habits, but it takes time, commitment, and structured routines.
Chewing and Your Dog’s Health
Chewing is natural, but what your pup gnaws on can impact their teeth and overall oral health. Chewing on hard or dangerous items like rocks or walls can damage their dog’s mouth, sometimes leading to an expensive visit to the veterinarian. And what they may potentially ingest while chewing could really hurt your furry friend. It’s important to understand that even some dog toys could, when left for unsupervised chewing, pose a health risk (think swallowing pieces of a rope toy or toy stuffing).
Offering a range of appropriate toys keeps chewing safe and satisfying, while rotating fun items like flavoured toy bones or treat puzzles keeps it interesting. Supervise your pup and direct them when needed so they develop healthy habits, protecting both their dog’s teeth and dog’s mouth for years to come.
Managing Chewing While You’re Out
Many owners wonder how to stop a dog from chewing everything when they leave the house. Solutions include:
- Crate or dog proof spaces to protect both your dog and your belongings
- Long-lasting chew toys or treat dispensers for extended engagement
- Background sound or items with your smell to comfort your dog
- Short, structured departures to slowly build tolerance
Even with these strategies, some pups and dogs need professional guidance to manage chewing behaviour consistently.
The Canine Classroom In-House Tips: Prevention is Key
Preventing unwanted chewing is always easier than correcting it. Here are some practical strategies:
- Keep tempting items out of reach: Pick up children’s toys, socks, underwear, food, and anything else your dog might chew. Without access, your puppy won’t learn that these items are fun to chew.
- Prioritise sleep: Many naughty behaviours happen when puppies are overtired or overstimulated. If your puppy becomes mischievous after 1–2 hours of being awake, encourage a nap in their crate or playpen for about an hour.
- Play tug safely: Regular tug games teach that tug toys are acceptable to bite. If your puppy touches your skin with their teeth, immediately end the game: teeth on skin = end of fun.
- Obedience training: Structured training helps establish boundaries, teaches your puppy what behaviour is expected, and strengthens your bond.
By focusing on prevention, structure, and safe outlets for chewing, you can guide your puppy toward healthy chewing behaviour from the start.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek expert support if:
- Chewing persists despite training and safe alternatives
- Chewing involves dangerous or high-value items
- Signs of anxiety, aggression, or pain
- Your dog is destructive when alone, restless, or aggressive
Professional trainers provide tailored guidance, ensuring your dog develops safe, enjoyable chewing habits without an expensive visit to the veterinarian.
How The Canine Classroom Can Help
The Canine Classroom offers a range of dog training services to support dogs and owners dealing with chewing behaviour:
- Puppy Training programs to teach early boundaries and safe chew toys
- Group Classes for socialisation with other dogs
- Private Training and Behaviour Consults to tackle stubborn habits or anxiety-related chewing
- Doggy Daycare and Boarding School for supervised play and enrichment
- Structured play, physical exercise, and guided dog sports help pups and adult dogs expend energy
- Focusing on positive reinforcement strengthens correct behaviour, though other approaches, such as negative reinforcement or appropriate consequences, can be effective when applied thoughtfully.
Professional guidance helps dogs learn calm chewing habits, reducing stress for both pets and owners. At The Canine Classroom, training is not just functional, it’s so much fun.
