Dog Chewing Shoes? Fix It With These Proven Steps

Why Dogs Chew Shoes

Dogs chew shoes for several reasons, including boredom, teething (especially in puppies), anxiety, hunger, or simply because they enjoy the smell of their owner’s feet. Some dogs chew to explore their environment, play, or even to get attention—even negative attention is still attention. If your dog is chewing your shoes, it’s likely because they’re accessible and appealing, not because they’re being “bad.” Left unchecked, this behavior can lead to damaged items, dental injuries, or even intestinal blockages from swallowing non-food objects.

Prevent Access to Shoes

The first step is to limit your dog’s access to shoes. When you’re not supervising, keep shoes behind closed doors, in locked cabinets, or in a toy box with a lid. This prevents the dog from practicing the behavior in the first place. As one trainer notes, “Don’t set your dog up for failure by leaving your shoes out and then punishing her for chewing them.” Instead, manage the environment so success is easy. This is the most effective way to stop destructive chewing before it starts.

Replace with Better Chew Options

When you catch your dog chewing a shoe, calmly say “No, drop it” and replace it with a chew toy they’re allowed to chew. Use a clicker and treats to reinforce the correct behavior—click and reward when they switch to the toy. Over time, they’ll learn that chewing the toy leads to rewards, while chewing shoes does not. Provide a variety of chew toys: rubber toys, rawhides, or veterinarian-approved options. Rotate them every few days to keep them interesting, as dogs can get bored with the same toys over time.

Make Toys More Appealing

If your dog still ignores their toys, they may not like the texture, smell, or type. Try offering different kinds—soft plush, hard rubber, or squeaky toys—to see what they prefer. Some dogs are more motivated by food than toys, so use interactive toys like the Kong or Busy Buddy that require effort to get treats out. These provide mental stimulation and make playtime more rewarding. Also, avoid giving old shoes to your dog as chew toys—this can confuse them into thinking all shoes are fair game.

Use the “Too Much of a Good Thing” Trick

If your dog is obsessed with one specific item—like your shoes—try the “too much of a good thing” method. Tie the shoe to your dog’s collar (on a flat collar or loosened martingale) for short periods under supervision. The goal is to make the shoe so overexposed that it loses its appeal. After a few hours, your dog may stop wanting it altogether. This works because dogs, like people, can grow tired of something they love if they’re exposed to it too much.