Dog Chewing Shoes & Nipping Heels? Stop It Now

Why Dogs Chew Shoes and Nip Heels

Dogs chew shoes and nip heels for several reasons. Puppies often chew due to teething pain, as their new teeth grow in—just like human babies. Older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or because they’re exploring their world with their mouths. Dogs use their mouths to investigate, and this instinct goes back thousands of years when they needed to chew bones to survive. Nipping heels can be attention-seeking, especially if the dog gets a reaction—even a reprimand—because any attention is still attention.

Stop the Damage: Prevention Starts with Control

The first step to stopping chewing is controlling your dog’s environment. If your dog can’t access your shoes, they can’t chew them. Keep shoes in closed cabinets, behind doors, or in toy boxes with lids. Make sure trash bins are locked or stored out of reach. Supervision is key—dogs can’t chew your favorite shoes if you’re watching them. Even if your dog is five years old, you must manage their surroundings to prevent destructive behavior.

Redirect and Reward: Teach What’s Okay to Chew

When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a safe, approved chew toy. Use a firm but calm “No, drop it” to interrupt the behavior, then offer a chew toy. When your dog starts chewing the right item, click and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the toy brings rewards. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” so they learn to choose the right item on command. Practice this with tempting items nearby to build strong habits.

Use the “Shoe-on-Collar” Trick for Strong Obsessions

If your dog is obsessed with one specific item—like your shoes—try this method. Tie the shoe to your dog’s collar using a flat collar (not a choke chain). Supervise closely to prevent tripping. At first, your dog may love the constant access, but after a few hours, the novelty wears off. Too much of a good thing loses its appeal. This technique helps break the habit by making the forbidden item less tempting over time.

Avoid Mistakes That Backfire

Never grab your dog’s mouth or the shoe during chewing—it can cause fear or aggression. Avoid long reprimands, as they confuse dogs and may lead them to shut down. A quick, firm grunt or growl can signal “enough,” but only if used sparingly and consistently. The goal is clear, calm redirection—not punishment.