Dog Chewing Furniture? Remedies & Training Tips

Why Dogs Chew Furniture

Dogs chew for various reasons, including boredom, teething (especially in puppies), anxiety, hunger, or pent-up energy. Some chew to explore their environment, play, or even get your attention—negative attention is still attention. Chewing on inedible items like furniture can lead to serious risks, such as broken teeth, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages requiring surgery. Dogs don’t understand human concepts of “right” or “wrong,” only what is safe or dangerous. They also don’t value possessions based on human worth—they see everything as a potential chew toy.

Prevent Damage with Dog-Proofing

The best way to stop chewing is to prevent access to forbidden items. Keep shoes, clothes, and trash in closed cabinets or behind doors. Use locking lids on trash bins and store valuables out of reach. This is especially important for puppies, who naturally explore through their mouths. For older dogs with ingrained habits, prevention is still essential to avoid reinforcing bad behavior. Never allow unsupervised access to furniture or household items unless you’re certain your dog will choose their chew toy instead.

Redirect with Proper Chew Toys

Always have safe, veterinarian-approved chew toys available—such as heavy-duty rubber toys or rawhides. These should be the only acceptable items your dog is allowed to chew. When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. Immediately click and reward them when they show interest in the correct toy. This teaches them that chewing the right item leads to rewards. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to reinforce the behavior.

Use Clicker Training for Success

Clicker training helps dogs make the connection between correct behavior and reward. Start by gathering your clicker and treats. When your dog starts chewing something wrong, calmly interrupt and offer a suitable toy. Click and treat the moment they engage with the correct toy. Repeat this process consistently—timing is crucial. After several successful redirects, begin using a cue (e.g., “chew”) before offering the toy. You can also place tempting items nearby and use the cue to guide your dog to choose the right one, reinforcing the desired behavior.

Supervise and Practice ‘Sting Operations’

Even if your dog has been good for months, they may still test boundaries. To prevent regression, supervise your dog closely when they’re unsupervised. Use “sting operations”—set up situations where your dog might chew something wrong, then catch them early and redirect them to their toy. It’s too late to redirect after they’ve already started chewing. The goal is to prevent the habit from forming in the first place. Once your dog consistently chooses their toy, gradually increase their freedom while maintaining supervision.