How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing When Left Alone

Why Dogs Chew When Left Alone

Dogs chew for many reasons—puppies chew due to teething pain, while older dogs may chew out of boredom, habit, or anxiety. Chewing is instinctual; dogs use their mouths to explore their world, just as human babies do. If your dog is left alone and starts chewing, it’s often because they lack stimulation or are stressed. Some dogs chew items that smell like you—like shoes or socks—because they’re comforting. The key is not to stop chewing entirely, but to redirect it to safe, acceptable items.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop destructive chewing is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Dog-proof your home by securing electrical cords, locking cabinets with cleaning supplies, and keeping garbage and laundry out of reach. Use baby gates, crates, or playpens to limit your dog’s access to certain areas when you can’t supervise. This management strategy reduces opportunities for chewing and helps break the habit over time. Remember: every time your dog chews something they shouldn’t, it reinforces the behavior—so prevention is essential.

Provide Safe and Appealing Chew Alternatives

Dogs need safe chew items, especially puppies going through teething. Offer a variety of durable, age-appropriate toys, bones, or antlers. Experiment to find what your dog prefers—some like soft items, others like hard chew toys. Make these items more enticing by stuffing them with treats or flavored liquids like broth. Interactive toys like Kongs, filled with food or treats, keep your dog mentally engaged and reduce the urge to chew inappropriate things. The goal is to make safe chewing more rewarding than destructive chewing.

Burn Off Energy Before You Leave

Boredom is a major cause of chewing when dogs are alone. Before you leave, give your dog a full workout—walk them, play fetch, or do training sessions. Mental exercise, like hiding treats or using puzzle toys, also helps. A tired dog is less likely to destroy things. If your dog tends to chew while you’re gone, ensure they’re physically and mentally exhausted beforehand. This reduces anxiety and gives them a constructive outlet for their energy.

Address Anxiety and Training Habits

If your dog chews when you're not home, it might be a sign of separation anxiety. In such cases, focus on treating the root cause, not just the symptom. Training techniques like teaching a “leave it” command can help, but only if the dog is calm. Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment. When returning home, delay greeting your dog until they’re engaged with a chew toy—this teaches them that good behavior leads to attention. Over time, this builds a habit of chewing safely when alone.