How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Laces and Shoes
The best ways to train a dog to stop playing with laces and shoes include: - Remove shoes from accessible areas to prevent temptation. - Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting and prevent boredom. - Use positive reinforcement by rewarding your dog with treats when they chew appropriate toys. - Teach a “fetch” game with your shoes to redirect interest. - Use the “4-hour rule” to break your dog’s obsession with a chewed item.
Remove Shoes to Prevent Access
Dogs often chew shoes because they’re easily accessible and smell like their owner. To stop this behavior, remove shoes from open areas and store them behind closed doors or in a toy box with a lid. This management strategy prevents your dog from practicing the behavior in the first place. Never leave shoes out where your dog can reach them, especially when unsupervised.
Rotate Toys to Keep Them Interesting
Dogs can get bored with the same toys every day, just like children. To maintain interest, rotate toys every few days, leaving only a few out at a time. This keeps your dog engaged and less likely to turn to shoes. Pay attention to what kind of toys your dog prefers—soft plush, hard rubber, or squeaky toys—and ensure you have several of their favorites available.
Use Positive Reinforcement and Training
When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. As soon as they show interest in the correct toy, click and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the right item leads to rewards. Over time, add a verbal cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them associate the behavior with the command.
Redirect with the “Fetch” Game
Train your dog to fetch a specific shoe using a fun, reward-based game. Start by placing a slipper in another room, then say “fetch shoe.” When your dog brings it back, reward them with a treat or a walk. Repeat with different shoes to teach them that “shoe” means any footwear that smells like you. This redirects their natural urge to chew into a fun, acceptable activity.
Break Obsession with the 4-Hour Rule
If your dog is fixated on a shoe or lace, try the 4-hour rule: let them play with it for four hours while supervised. By hour three or four, most dogs lose interest and move on. After that, remove the item and offer a safe, approved chew toy. Praise your dog when they switch to the new toy. This method works best with flat collars or loosened martingale collars and requires close supervision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog old shoes to chew?
No. Giving old shoes as toys confuses dogs, as they may think all shoes are fair game. This can lead to chewing on your current shoes.
What if my dog keeps bringing back the wrong object during fetch?
Don’t accept the wrong item. Gently guide them back to the correct shoe and repeat the cue. Stay patient and consistent.
Sources
- Juvenile Delinquent Dogs The Complete Guide to Saving Your Sanity and Successfully Living With Your Adolescent Dog · Sue Brown · Chapter on chewing behavior
- 101 Dog Tricks Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog · Kyra Sundance, Chalcy · Fetch training section
- Click and Connect A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete · Destructive Chewing section
- Puppy Training for Kids · Colleen Pelar · Page 99
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon · Chapter on chewing behavior
⚠️ Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different — breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.