How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Your Ears

Why Dogs Chew on Ears

Dogs chew for many reasons, including teething pain, boredom, anxiety, or simply exploring their world with their mouths. Puppies are especially prone to chewing because their sense of taste and touch develops early, and they use their mouths to investigate objects. Chewing is also instinctual—dogs evolved to chew on bones and marrow. If your dog chews your ears, it may be because they’re seeking attention, even negative attention, or because they’re not taught what is acceptable to chew on.

Redirect Chewing with Toys and Rewards

The best way to stop ear-chewing is to redirect your dog’s behavior to appropriate chew toys. Keep a variety of safe, durable toys—like antlers, rubber toys, or rawhides—available at all times. When you notice your dog starting to chew your ear, calmly distract them by offering a toy. Use a clicker and treats to reinforce the switch: click when they go for the toy, then reward. Repeat this consistently so your dog learns that chewing toys leads to rewards.

Use Deterrents and Prevent Access

If redirection isn’t enough, apply a bitter-tasting spray like Bitter Apple to areas you don’t want chewed—such as your ears or clothing. Spray it on fabric or skin (not directly on the dog’s mouth) to make the taste unpleasant. Refresh the spray daily until the chewing stops. Also, prevent access to tempting items by keeping shoes, clothes, and other valuables out of reach when unsupervised.

Supervise and Train Consistently

Supervision is key. You can’t stop chewing if your dog is left unsupervised and has access to forbidden items. If you’re not watching, confine your dog to a puppy-proofed area or use a leash to keep them near you. Use a short leash to easily move them to another room if needed. Avoid manhandling or playing when they bite—this can accidentally reinforce the behavior. Instead, freeze interaction for 10–15 seconds when biting starts.

Address Underlying Causes Like Anxiety

If your dog chews due to anxiety or separation distress, the issue goes beyond simple redirection. In such cases, chewing may be a sign of emotional stress. If you suspect anxiety, consider working through specialized training for separation anxiety. Focus on building confidence and teaching calm behaviors, such as choosing not to bite during petting or grooming—reward these small successes with treats and praise.