Tips to prevent your dog from chewing furniture and shoes

Chewing is normal for both puppies and adult dogs. Puppies often chew while they lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth, a phase that eases by six months.

Adult dogs chew for jaw strength, dental health, and to fight boredom or mild anxiety. Your goal is not to stop the behavior, but to guide chewing toward safe outlets.

Start by dog-proofing the home: stash shoes, close closets, tuck away cords, and keep laundry and trash out of reach. Offer a variety of safe toys and inedible chews, rotate them, and supervise so you can trade wrong items for a better choice.

Use short confinement when needed—crate or small room for up to six hours—with enrichment and removed temptations. Avoid punishing after the fact; dogs won’t link scolding to earlier damage.

Tips to prevent your dog from chewing furniture and shoes

Key Takeaways

  • Chewing is natural; guide the behavior rather than erase it.
  • Dog-proof your home to remove tempting items and reduce rehearsed mistakes.
  • Offer varied toys and safe chews, and rotate them to keep interest high.
  • Supervise and gently trade wrong items for approved chews or treats.
  • Use brief, safe confinement with enrichment when you can’t watch your pet.
  • Avoid after-the-fact punishment; use calm, reward-based training instead.

Why dogs chew in the first place

When a puppy or adult starts chewing, it usually signals an unmet need. Chewing serves many healthy functions: it cleans teeth, strengthens jaws, and eases boredom or mild anxiety.

Puppy teething and sore gums

Puppies lose 28 baby teeth and develop 42 adult teeth between about 12 weeks and six months. Teething can be painful and drives a noticeable surge in chewing.

Plan relief with chilled teething chews and short play sessions to soothe sore gums.

Normal chewing vs. destructive chewing

Normal chewing helps dental health and play. Destructive chewing targets inappropriate objects like furniture or shoes when needs are unmet.

Boredom, stress, and separation anxiety

Dogs chew for curiosity, play, stress, or separation anxiety. Watch for chewing that happens mainly when left alone, paired with whining, pacing, or accidents indoors.

Hunger, fabric sucking, and compulsive behavior

Hunger can trigger chewing of food-scented items. Some dogs lick or suck fabrics—sometimes linked to early weaning—and persistent fabric chewing may become compulsive and need professional help.

  • Know the teething timeline so you can offer the right relief.
  • Look for patterns: focused destruction often signals stress or unmet needs.
  • Match solutions—enrichment for boredom, calm routines for anxiety, and safe chews for teething.

Rule out underlying problems before you train

Look for signs of illness or anxiety that could explain sudden or focused dog chewing. That first check helps you choose the right plan and keeps everyone safe.

Signs of separation anxiety and when to seek a veterinary behaviorist

If chewing happens mainly when your dog is left alone and you notice pacing, whining, barking, or house soiling, suspect separation anxiety. These signs point at stress rather than simple boredom.

If fabric licking or intense object guarding makes it hard to safely remove item, consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

When to talk to your veterinarian about diet, pica, or oral pain

Contact a veterinarian if chewing escalates suddenly, targets food-scented items, or comes with weight loss. Hunger or diet issues can drive this behavior.

Ask about oral pain when a puppy is past usual teething months or an adult resists eating, drools, or paws at the mouth. Persistent chewing of nonfood items may signal pica and needs a medical check.

  • Rule out medical and behavioral drivers before training.
  • Document when, where, and what your dog chews for professional review.
  • Manage access and safety while you work with a care team.
IssueKey signsWho to contact
Separation anxietyPacing, vocalizing, elimination when left aloneBehaviorist (CAAB or DACVB)
Oral pain / teethingReluctance to eat, drooling, pawing at mouth; teething lasts ~six monthsVeterinarian
Pica / diet issuesFocused chewing of food-scented objects or sudden weight lossVeterinarian for diet and GI assessment

Dog-proof your home to set your pup up for success

Make common household changes so curious mouths meet approved objects instead of surprises. Small shifts in how you store things and map rooms will reduce risky encounters and shape calm behavior.

Remove items and manage access

Stash shoes, socks, and clothing in closed closets and put laundry in a hamper. Clear counters, tuck cords away, and keep trash containers behind doors so tempting items disappear.

Create a safe confinement area or room

When you can’t supervise, use a crate or a small room behind a door or baby gate for up to six hours. Clear inappropriate objects and leave only water, bedding, and a rotation of dog chew toys.

Supervise and rotate spaces strategically

Watch your dog closely during awake time. If you catch chewing on the wrong object, interrupt, trade, and reward the right choice.

“Prepare the environment first — dogs learn fastest when the right options are the easiest to find.”

Quick checklist: stash valuables, set management zones, prepare a safe room, limit confinement time, and rotate access to keep interest on appropriate toys and objects.

Give appropriate outlets: chew toys, edible chews, and enrichment

Offer clear, safe options that channel chewing toward approved objects and away from household items. A small selection of varied toys and edible chews reduces boredom and satisfies natural urges.

chew toys

Choosing safe chew toys by size and hardness

Pick dog chew toys that match size and bite force. Toys should be softer than teeth to avoid fractures. If you are unsure, ask a veterinarian for brand or material guidance.

Edible chews and safety tips

Offer natural bones sold specifically for chewing and edible chews like bully sticks, pig ears, or pig skin rolls. Never give cooked bones such as t-bones or chicken wings; they can splinter and injure the mouth or gut.

Supervise when edible chews are in use and separate dogs so there’s no competition that prompts gulping. Watch for small pieces or sharp edges and remove them promptly.

Food puzzles and mental stimulation

Food puzzles, KONG-style stuffers, and snuffle mats add mental stimulation and extend engagement. Fill some toys with part of a daily ration to make chewing serve feeding and enrichment at once.

Rotate toys to prevent boredom

Create a rotation plan so toys and chews feel new every couple of days. Offer a mix of rubber, rope, plush-reinforced, and edible options. Keep one or two high-value toys for quick trades during training.

“Rotate and supervise: fresh choices and careful monitoring steer chewing toward safe objects.”

OptionBest forSafety note
Rubber chew toyAdult dogs with strong jawsChoose nonabrasive rubber; avoid very hard compounds
Soft puppy chewPuppies with sore teethSofter material eases teething; replace as adult teeth arrive
Edible chews (bully stick, pig ear)Occasional supervised rewardSupervise; separate dogs; remove small pieces
Food puzzle / snuffle matMental stimulation and slow feedingUse part of daily food; clean regularly

How to train and redirect chewing behavior

Calmly redirecting attention is one of the fastest ways to change object-focused mouthiness. Supervise during waking hours and act the moment you see unwanted chewing.

Interrupt, trade, and “drop it” without punishment

If you catch licking or chewing an inappropriate object, say “Uh-oh” in a calm voice. Then remove item neutrally and give an approved chew or toy immediately.

Practice a simple “drop it” with high-value treats. Reward quick cooperation and build up to harder trades so training stays positive.

Mark and reward chewing the right objects

When the dog chooses a toy, mark the moment with a cheerful sound or word and reward. This links the behavior you want with real-time praise.

“Reward the right choice in the moment so the dog learns what pays off.”

Timing your playtime and training to reduce chewing urges

Schedule short playtime and small training sessions before known peak chewing windows. Puzzle toys work well during those times and keep dogs mentally busy.

  • Keep sessions brief: frequent, successful reps beat long, tired lessons.
  • Record progress: log when chewing happens and adjust practice across rooms and objects.

Safe deterrents and aversives to protect furniture and shoes

When management and training are in progress, light deterrents help protect prized surfaces while you teach better habits. Use them as a safety net, not a stand-alone fix, and keep approved chews and toys within reach in the same room.

Using bitter sprays and sticky surfaces correctly

Apply a commercial bitter spray to targeted items and reapply daily for two to four weeks. Cover vulnerable chair legs or baseboards with temporary plastic or double-sided tape while teaching an alternative action.

deterrents for dog chewing

Condition the link before wide use: put a tiny dab of spray on a tissue and let the pet lick it once. That mild experience helps the scent become a warning and speeds learning that protected objects taste unpleasant.

Remote monitoring tools and alerts

Install a camera with motion or sound alerts so you can watch and interrupt when a dog explores forbidden items while left alone. A calm voice cue through the camera and an immediate offer of a dog chew or toy redirects behavior without stress.

  • Pair deterrents with toys in the same area; deterrents protect, training changes behavior.
  • Reapply sprays daily for a few weeks so avoidance becomes consistent.
  • Use cameras to cue redirection when separation or stress causes unwanted chewing.

“Light-touch deterrents keep things safe while you build lasting habits.”

Tips to prevent your dog from chewing furniture and shoes

A small, safe zone filled with vetted toys cuts temptation and speeds good habits.

Puppy-proof during teething months. Teething ramps up around 12 weeks and often eases by six months as 28 baby teeth are replaced by 42 adult teeth. Set a dedicated area with bedding, water, a crate, and a few rotated chew toys sized for a puppy’s mouth.

Puppy-proofing during teething months

Secure shoes, laundry, cords, and trash so curious mouths find only safe options. Choose softer textures early; swap in tougher dog chew toys as adult teeth arrive.

Daily exercise and social play to prevent destructive chewing

Plan short play-and-nap cycles for young puppies. Add brisk walks or play sessions for older dogs so energy is spent constructively.

Mental stimulation matters: use snuffle mats, food puzzles, and scent games twice daily to tire the brain and cut down destructive chewing.

“Rotate high-value toys and reward calm downtime—consistency beats punishment every time.”

  • Supervise new-room exploration and redirect quickly to a toy.
  • Rotate dog chew toys so novelty stays high, especially during evening time.
  • Balance exercise with calm decompression to reduce mouthy behavior.
FocusActionWhy it works
Puppy-proofingLock away tempting items; safe zone with crate and waterRemoves access and reinforces correct choices
Chew toy choiceSoft puppy toys, upgrade as adult teeth arriveProtects baby teeth and teaches safe chewing
Daily routineShort training, walks, and mental gamesReduces boredom and anxiety-driven chewing

Conclusion

Wrap up with a clear plan: manage the environment, teach acceptable chew choices, meet daily exercise and enrichment needs, and supervise dog moments when temptation is high.

Keep a ready set of safe chews and rotate toys so calm mouths choose approved objects. Supervise edible bones and dog chew treats for safety and remove small pieces promptly.

Use calm redirection and timely rewards rather than punishment. Apply deterrents and coverings as short-term backups while training takes root, then remove them as choices improve.

Progress comes from repetition: a few steady weeks of consistent practice change behavior more than one big session. Ask for help early if you spot anxiety or compulsive signs, and you’ll protect your home while building lasting habits.

FAQ

Why does my puppy chew constantly—especially during teething?

Puppies chew because their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth arrive, which causes sore gums. Chewing relieves discomfort and helps jaw development. Offer a mix of chilled rubber toys, frozen washcloths, and safe edible chews designed for teething to soothe pain and redirect the habit.

How can I tell normal chewing from destructive chewing?

Normal chewing is focused on appropriate toys and happens during play or exploration. Destructive chewing targets household items like shoes, furniture legs, or baseboards and often occurs when the dog is left alone or anxious. Track timing, location, and what gets destroyed to spot patterns and choose corrective steps.

Could boredom, stress, or separation anxiety be causing the behavior?

Yes. Dogs left without stimulation may chew to release energy or cope with anxiety. If chewing happens mainly when you leave or during long stretches alone, increase mental enrichment, add exercise, and use gradual desensitization to departures to reduce anxiety-driven damage.

Is fabric sucking or constant nibbling a sign of compulsive behavior or hunger?

Fabric sucking can result from early-weaning, comfort-seeking, nutritional gaps, or compulsive behavior. Rule out hunger by ensuring balanced meals, then test enrichment and anxiety strategies. If the behavior persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian for medical or behavioral evaluation.

When should I see a veterinary behaviorist for chewing issues?

Seek professional help if chewing coincides with severe separation distress (howling, pacing, toileting), self-harm, or if multiple interventions fail. A veterinary behaviorist can diagnose anxiety disorders, suggest medication if needed, and design an evidence-based behavior plan.

When might oral pain, pica, or diet problems be the cause?

Sudden increases in chewing, drooling, bad breath, reluctance to eat, or chewing unusual items (stones, cloth) may point to oral pain, pica, or nutritional deficiencies. Visit your veterinarian to check teeth, rule out gastrointestinal issues, and adjust diet if necessary.

What should I remove or manage to dog-proof my home?

Remove tempting targets like shoes, laundry, kids’ toys, power cords, and exposed trash. Use baby gates, closed doors, or storage bins to keep personal items out of reach. Clear access is the fastest way to stop accidental reinforcement of bad habits.

How do I create a safe confinement area for unsupervised time?

Choose a small, comfortable room or crate with durable bedding, water, and approved chew toys. Rotate safe toys and use a snuffle mat or food puzzle to occupy your dog. Make the space positive so confinement feels secure rather than punitive.

What role does supervision play in stopping chewing?

Supervision allows you to interrupt unwanted chewing, redirect to toys, and reward correct behavior in real time. Use leashes indoors, baby gates, or playpens to keep the dog in sight until they learn reliable boundaries.

How do I choose safe chew toys by size and hardness?

Pick toys sized to prevent swallowing and matched to your dog’s bite strength. Puppies need softer, flexible toys for teething; adult chewers need durable rubber or nylon rated for heavy chewing. Avoid toys that splinter, have small parts, or can be torn into sharp pieces.

Are edible chews safe, and how can I prevent choking?

Edible chews can be safe when chosen for size, digestibility, and the dog’s chewing style. Supervise the first sessions, discard small fragments, and avoid chews that become brittle. Rotate types to reduce allergy or intolerance risks.

Can food puzzles and snuffle mats help reduce destructive chewing?

Yes. Food puzzles and snuffle mats provide mental enrichment and slow feeding, which reduce idle time and stress that lead to chewing. Introduce progressively harder puzzles to keep engagement high and pair them with regular physical exercise.

How often should I rotate toys to prevent boredom at home?

Rotate toys every few days to a week. Keep a stash and swap items to renew interest. Pair rotations with supervised play sessions so your dog learns which objects are acceptable for chewing.

What’s the best way to interrupt and redirect chewing without punishment?

Interrupt gently with a sound or cue, then trade the item for an approved toy and reward the swap immediately. Teach “drop it” using high-value treats and quick rewards. Avoid yelling or physical corrections, which increase anxiety and worsen chewing.

How do I mark and reward chewing the right objects?

Use immediate positive reinforcement: praise, treats, or a short game when the dog chews an approved item. Consistent timing strengthens the association so your dog learns which items earn rewards.

When should I schedule playtime and training to reduce chewing urges?

Time play and training after exercise and before leaving the dog alone. Active sessions tire the dog physically and mentally, reducing the chance of destructive chewing during unsupervised periods. Short training bursts throughout the day help reinforce boundaries.

How do bitter sprays and sticky surfaces work, and how should I use them?

Bitter sprays and sticky pads create an unpleasant mouthfeel so dogs avoid specific objects. Apply consistently and reapply after cleaning. Use them along with training so the dog learns alternative acceptable items rather than only avoiding treated surfaces.

Can scent-taste associations make deterrents more effective?

Yes. Pair deterrents with rewarding toys so your dog forms a clear contrast: treated items are unpleasant while the right toys bring comfort. Over time the dog should choose the toy for chewing and avoid the treated object.

Are remote monitoring tools helpful when I’m away?

Remote cameras and pet alert systems let you monitor behavior, intervene verbally, or cue a caregiver. They help you spot triggers, test strategies, and verify whether separation anxiety or boredom is driving chewing when you’re not home.

How should I puppy-proof my home during teething months?

Put shoes and clothes away, secure cords, block access to trash, and provide a variety of soft and chilled teething toys. Supervise constantly and use a crate or small room when you can’t watch the puppy closely.

How much daily exercise and social play stops destructive chewing?

Most dogs need at least 30–60 minutes of exercise daily plus mental stimulation, though high-energy breeds often want more. Combine walks, fetch, training, and social play to lower stress and reduce chewing driven by pent-up energy.

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